Immortal Technique has voiced a desire to keep control over his production, and has stated in his music that record companies, not artists themselves, profit the most from mass production and marketing of music. He claimed in an interview to have sold close to 200,000 units of his three official releases.
Biography
Early life
Coronel is African-Peruvian and was born in 1978 in a military hospital in Lima. His family emigrated in 1980 to Harlem to escape the ongoing internal conflict in Peru. During his teenage years he was arrested multiple times due in part to what he has said was "selfish and childish" behavior. He attended Hunter College High School on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. Shortly after enrolling in Pennsylvania State University, he was arrested and charged with assault-related offenses due to his involvement in an altercation between fellow students, the charges stemming from this incident led to him being incarcerated for a year. After being paroled, he took political science classes at Baruch College in New York City for two semesters at the behest of his father, who allowed Coronel to live with him on the condition that he go to school. Honing his rapping skills in jail, and unable to find decent wage-paying employment after his release, Coronel began working on the restaurants of New York while bad mouthing MCs whenever the opportunity arose. This, coupled with his victories in numerous freestyle rap competitions of the New York underground hip hop scene such as Rocksteady Anniversary, Braggin Rites and others, led to his reputation as a ferocious Battle MC.
Revolutionary Vol.1 and Vol.2
In 2001 , Immortal Technique released his first album Revolutionary Vol. 1 without the help of a record label or distribution, instead using money earned from his rap battle triumphs. Revolutionary Vol. 1 also contained the underground classic Dance With The Devil. In November 2002, he was listed by The Source in its "Unsigned Hype" column, highlighting artists that are not signed to a record label. The following year, in September 2003, he received the coveted "Hip Hop Quotable" in The Source for a song entitled "Industrial Revolution" from his second album. Immortal Technique is the only rapper in history to have a "Hip Hop Quotable" while being unsigned. He released his second album Revolutionary Vol. 2 in 2003. In 2004, Viper Records and, in 2005, Babygrande Records re-released Immortal Technique's debut, Revolutionary Vol. 1, to make it available to a wider audience. "Point of No Return" from Revolutionary Vol 2 was used as the entrance theme for Rashad Evans during the UFC 88 Main Event between Chuck Liddell and Rashad Evans.
The 3rd World and The Middle Passage
Between 2005 and 2007 Immortal Technique began working on The Middle Passage and The 3rd World, the two albums that would serve a follow up to Revolutionary Vol. 2 and complete the series. He was also featured on several movie soundtracks and video game soundtracks, all the while touring relentlessly and becoming heavily involved in visiting prisons to speak to youth and working with immigrant rights activists and raising tens of thousands of dollars for children’s hospitals overseas. He invested his money not in items that are usually associated with fame but rather in large pieces of farmland in Latin America. He created a writing grant program for high school students as well.
Lick Shots
Immortal Technique Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
This is the Invasion!
The Evil Genius Green Lantern!
Immortal Technique, "The 3rd World"
(It's on now motherfucker - ha ha, drop)
You ain't got the right to bear arms, huh?
Sometimes you might have to brandish a motherfuckin firearm
(Lick shots, lick shots, lick shots, lick shots)
[Chorus: Immortal Technique]
Lick shots, lick shots, lick shots
Lick shots for the revolution
Lick shots, lick shots, lick shots, lick shots
But watch, where the fuck you shootin
Yo where you aimin at? Where you aimin at?
Where the fuck you niggaz aimin at?
Where you aimin at? Where you aimin at?
This is only for the hardcore wherever you at, yeah
[Immortal Technique]
Random one cop killa, hip-hop has never been realer
Volume 2 shot up the president like a gorilla
New York police state capital tried to swallow me
Locked me longer than Puerto Rico been a colony
Thirteenth Amendment slavery property
And now they signin rappers that promote their philosophy?
Fuck that, nigga hip-hop is not Republican
That's just the white motherfuckers that own the publishin
And get the fuck out, if you want the foreigners gone
I paint the White House black and park my car on the lawn
Marry a Muslum girl and fuck her five times a day (WHAT?)
Every time right before we shower and pray (HA!)
You damn right the AK, symbolizes Jihad
But a holy war, is a conversation with GodYou bitch niggaz misinterpret what you don't understand
Stackin the wrong sign can end up, shootin your man
Shootin each other, shootin your brother
Aim the gun at the right motherfucker
And leave him colder than the prison in Russia
Or America's white power structure
Niggaz love to say "Fuck revolution!"
Until the jury comin and move for the prosecution
And them brothers act like a born-again Huey Newton
Forgot about the bullshit music they was producin
But my niggaz aim precisely, through the confusion - AND
[Chorus]
[Crooked.I]
I got a hundred shooters with me, Rugers shoot you through the kidney
Stand in front of the judge and lie quicker than Scooter Libby
I'm runnin through the city - dear God
If I murk the racist Rush Limbaugh I wonder would you forgive me? (Huh?)
Somebody told me glim back as the plan's over
See ya, time to let him see a damn soldier
Flip your Landrover, I told ya I blam toasters
Gun pop off like the mouth of Ann Coulter
This is my gangsta religion
See I aim with precision, point blank the position
I'm black as them ancient Egyptians
Before European historians went and changed the description
I'm blamed for the 'caine in the kitchen
The C.I.A. playin with the pigeons, same pain that I'm pitchin (yea)
Listen, you dudes better watch the hook
I'm a boxer, coppers'll come up, Hoffa look
They wanna get rid of this conscious crook
Like I'm a Gnostic, apocryphal, non-canonical Gospel book
But I ain't goin nowhere, that's the motherfuckin truth
America don't care for its inner city youth - so I
[Chorus]
[Chino XL]
Puerto Rican superhero!
Yo, XL eternal my journal, Sojourner, Nat Turner
Cop murdered by the certain burner turned in the back of his sternum
He flirted with pullin me over for bein brown, I bust
Now he in the back of the truck with Don Imus
I must, take aim when I lick shots
Throw stray bullets like when Nas got off of Pharoahe Monch
These pigs wanna see us dead inside a jail cell
Turn us from Shawn Carter to Shawn Combs to Sean Bell
My temper 'bout to break like levees in New Orleans
Catch Jimmy Iovine when he refinance his mortgages
Kid illusion is dead, we movin with the blue and the red
Latin Kings, Giuliani with a gat to his head
Y'all don't lick shots like killers aimin at the Feds
Y'all lick shots like Jenna Jameson and Superhead
Pigs slice to Venice and beef at the benefits meet
Buried him on Venice Beach with the flies and the bees
Bzzzt - Chino, and Immortal Tech'
Kill shit like the Chinito at Virginia Tech (what's fuckin with that?)
And Jacob ain't your friend, he's a fuckin jeweler
BLAP, BLAP! I shoot the cats off your fuckin Pumas!
[Chorus]
Immortal Technique's "Lick Shots" is a politically charged and socially conscious song that features thoughtful and insightful lyrics. The song advocates for revolution and urges listeners to use their weapons wisely. The chorus constantly repeats the phrase "Lick shots for the revolution," indicating that to achieve political and social change, there may be a need for violent struggle.
In the verses, Immortal Technique, Crooked I, and Chino XL provide harsh critiques of the current political and social landscape. They highlight the corruption of police and government institutions and the mistreatment of minorities. They suggest that hip-hop is a powerful tool for expressing dissent and promoting change.
Immortal Technique's verse expresses his disillusionment with the government and its use of the prison system to maintain control. He challenges the idea that hip-hop is inherently Republican and calls out record labels that support conservative agendas. He also references the AK-47 as a symbol of Jihad and argues that holy war is a conversation with God. He encourages listeners to aim their guns at the right targets, engaging in strategic violence to achieve their goals.
Crooked I's verse is filled with clever wordplay and references to political scandals. He compares himself to a soldier and advocates for violence against racist figures such as Rush Limbaugh. He also critiques the Eurocentric portrayal of ancient Egyptian history and the government's role in the drug trade.
Chino XL's verse references police brutality, Sean Bell, and Hurricane Katrina. He suggests that the music industry is complicit in perpetuating racism and encourages listeners to take action against those in power, including record executives and jewelry store owners.
Overall, "Lick Shots" is a powerful and provocative song that urges listeners to think critically about political and social issues and take action towards change.
Line by Line Meaning
This is the Invasion!
We're entering a new era of confrontation and change.
The Evil Genius Green Lantern!
A powerful force is here, ready to shed light on the darkness.
Immortal Technique, "The 3rd World"
I represent the struggles and realities of oppressed communities.
(It's on now motherfucker - ha ha, drop)
We're gearing up for action and will hit hard.
You ain't got the right to bear arms, huh?
Society restricts true freedom and empowerment for certain groups.
Sometimes you might have to brandish a motherfuckin firearm
When pushed to the limits, self-defense becomes a necessary action.
(Lick shots, lick shots, lick shots, lick shots)
Take decisive actions for one's beliefs and liberation.
Lick shots, lick shots, lick shots
Engage in revolutionary acts against oppression.
Lick shots for the revolution
Fight back in the name of social change and justice.
But watch, where the fuck you shootin
Be mindful of your targets; aim wisely in your struggles.
Yo where you aimin at? Where you aimin at?
Question the purpose and direction of your fight.
Where the fuck you niggaz aimin at?
Are you fully aware of whom you are directing your aggression towards?
Where you aimin at? Where you aimin at?
Self-reflection is essential in the midst of conflict.
This is only for the hardcore wherever you at, yeah
This message resonates deeply with those who understand the struggle.
Random one cop killa, hip-hop has never been realer
The music reflects real conflicts, not sanitized fantasy.
Volume 2 shot up the president like a gorilla
Criticizing authority boldly, akin to an unrestrained beast.
New York police state capital tried to swallow me
The oppressive system in the city attempted to interfere with my voice.
Locked me longer than Puerto Rico been a colony
Imprisonment reflects historical injustices with colonial ties.
Thirteenth Amendment slavery property
The legacy of slavery continues through systemic oppression.
And now they signin rappers that promote their philosophy?
The industry exploits artists to perpetuate harmful narratives.
Fuck that, nigga hip-hop is not Republican
Hip-hop culture is rooted in resistance and not aligned with oppressive politics.
That's just the white motherfuckers that own the publishin
The corporate control of the music industry distorts authentic representation.
And get the fuck out, if you want the foreigners gone
A challenge to those who oppose the marginalized; stay away if you're intolerant.
I paint the White House black and park my car on the lawn
Reclaiming space and power in the heart of the establishment.
Marry a Muslum girl and fuck her five times a day (WHAT?)
Exploring cultural identities and challenging stereotypes.
Every time right before we shower and pray (HA!)
Intimacy intertwined with spirituality and cultural practice.
You damn right the AK, symbolizes Jihad
Resistance can be viewed as a sacred fight for justice.
But a holy war, is a conversation with God
Conflict can be deeply personal and rooted in moral convictions.
You bitch niggaz misinterpret what you don't understand
People often twist narratives that are outside their comprehension.
Stackin the wrong sign can end up, shootin your man
Misguided actions can lead to unintended consequences among peers.
Shootin each other, shootin your brother
Infighting among marginalized groups weakens our collective struggle.
Aim the gun at the right motherfucker
Direct your anger towards those truly responsible for the oppression.
And leave him colder than the prison in Russia
Metaphorically ensuring that the oppressors face severe consequences.
Or America's white power structure
Address the foundational injustices ingrained in society.
Niggaz love to say 'Fuck revolution!'
Many people dismiss systemic change while remaining hypocritical.
Until the jury comin and move for the prosecution
People only care when facing direct consequences of their actions.
And them brothers act like a born-again Huey Newton
Transformations occur when it's personally convenient.
Forgot about the bullshit music they was producin
Many forget their past contributions to problems in popular culture.
But my niggaz aim precisely, through the confusion - AND
My crew maintains focus and effectiveness amidst the chaos.
I got a hundred shooters with me, Rugers shoot you through the kidney
I am surrounded by a formidable force ready to strike back.
Stand in front of the judge and lie quicker than Scooter Libby
I’ll manipulate the system to my advantage, regardless of truth.
I'm runnin through the city - dear God
Engaging in a risky lifestyle, questioning fate and divine protection.
If I murk the racist Rush Limbaugh I wonder would you forgive me? (Huh?)
Contemplating moral implications of violent retaliation against oppression.
Somebody told me glim back as the plan's over
When faced with obstacles, I remain resilient and adapt.
See ya, time to let him see a damn soldier
Stepping into the fight, showcasing strength and resolve.
Flip your Landrover, I told ya I blam toasters
Taking bold, aggressive actions in a confrontation.
Gun pop off like the mouth of Ann Coulter
My weapons discharge with intensity, like inflammatory rhetoric.
This is my gangsta religion
My lifestyle and beliefs merge, driven by survival and defiance.
See I aim with precision, point blank the position
I approach challenges with focused determination and clarity.
I'm black as them ancient Egyptians
Embracing my heritage and identity with pride.
Before European historians went and changed the description
Acknowledging the distortion of history by biased narratives.
I'm blamed for the 'caine in the kitchen
Society places blame on individuals for systemic issues.
The C.I.A. playin with the pigeons, same pain that I'm pitchin (yea)
The CIA's manipulation of the drug trade reflects broader societal suffering.
Listen, you dudes better watch the hook
Stay alert; there's a deeper message here.
I'm a boxer, coppers'll come up, Hoffa look
I confront challenges with the preparedness of a fighter, wary of authority.
They wanna get rid of this conscious crook
There are efforts to silence those who speak out against injustice.
Like I'm a Gnostic, apocryphal, non-canonical Gospel book
I hold knowledge that challenges established beliefs and norms.
But I ain't goin nowhere, that's the motherfuckin truth
I will remain resilient and unyielding against adversity.
America don't care for its inner city youth - so I
The systemic neglect of marginalized communities fuels my activism.
Lick shots, lick shots, lick shots
Continued call to action and resistance against oppression.
Lick shots for the revolution
Engaging in measures that support upheaval and change.
But watch, where the fuck you shootin
Exercise caution in your fight; aim wisely amidst struggle.
Yo where you aimin at? Where you aimin at?
Self-awareness is crucial in navigating conflict.
Where the fuck you niggaz aimin at?
Challenging others to reflect on their motives in the fight.
Where you aimin at? Where you aimin at?
Reiterating the need for conscious decision-making.
This is only for the hardcore wherever you at, yeah
Only those who truly understand the struggle will resonate with this message.
Puerto Rican superhero!
Embodying the strength and resilience of my heritage.
Yo, XL eternal my journal, Sojourner, Nat Turner
Channeling the spirit of historic figures who fought against oppression.
Cop murdered by the certain burner turned in the back of his sternum
The violence against authority as a reaction to systemic injustice.
He flirted with pullin me over for bein brown, I bust
Facing racial profiling led to a desperate and tragic response.
Now he in the back of the truck with Don Imus
Executions of oppressors as a form of poetic justice.
I must, take aim when I lick shots
I will act decisively in pursuing justice.
Throw stray bullets like when Nas got off of Pharoahe Monch
Unpredictable fallout from conflict can affect many innocent bystanders.
These pigs wanna see us dead inside a jail cell
Law enforcement's desire is to subdue and control marginalized populations.
Turn us from Shawn Carter to Shawn Combs to Sean Bell
The transformation from successful individuals to victims of systemic racism.
My temper 'bout to break like levees in New Orleans
I am on the verge of erupting due to built-up frustrations.
Catch Jimmy Iovine when he refinance his mortgages
Exploit the weaknesses of those who perpetuate systemic oppression.
Kid illusion is dead, we movin with the blue and the red
Dismissing naive dreams, recognizing the real conflicts between authority and resistance.
Latin Kings, Giuliani with a gat to his head
The complexities of gang life mixed with political leadership.
Y'all don't lick shots like killers aiming at the Feds
Your actions lack the intensity and seriousness needed for change.
Y'all lick shots like Jenna Jameson and Superhead
Your resistance is superficial and lacks true conviction.
Pigs slice to Venice and beef at the benefits meet
Law enforcement is meeting resistance while trying to control the narrative.
Buried him on Venice Beach with the flies and the bees
Underlining the consequences of violence in a glamorous veneer.
Bzzzt - Chino, and Immortal Tech'
The synergy of voices amplifying the resistance.
Kill shit like the Chinito at Virginia Tech (what's fuckin with that?)
Highlighting tragic violence and its connections to broader societal issues.
And Jacob ain't your friend, he's a fuckin jeweler
False allies exist in oppressive systems; recognize them.
BLAP, BLAP! I shoot the cats off your fuckin Pumas!
Aggressively rejecting the cultural appropriation and commercialization of struggle.
Lyrics © THE ADMINISTRATION MP, INC.
Written by: DEREK BARBOSA, DOMINICK WICKLIFFE, DOUGLAS TOURE HARRIS, FELIPE CORONEL, STEPHEN GOURDINE WOODS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind