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.
Point of No Return
Immortal Technique Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Life without parole, up state shackled and trapped
Living in the hole, lookin' at the world through a crack
But fuck that, I'd rather shoot it out and get clapped
I've gone too far, there ain't no coming back for me
Auschwitz gas chamber full of Zyklon-B
Just like the Spanish exterminating Tainos
Raping the black and Indian women, creating Latinos
And you got yourself a virus, stuck in the Matrix
A suicide bomber strapped and ready to blow
Lethal injection strapped down ready to go
Don't you understand they'll never let me live out in peace
Concrete jungle, guerrilla war out in the streets
Nat Turner with the sickle pitch fork and machete
The end of the world, mother fucker you not ready
This is the point of no return and nobody can stop it
Malcolm Little when he knelt before Elijah Muhammad
The comet that killed the dinosaurs, changing the earth
They love to criticize, they always say I change for the worse
Like prescription pills, when you misusin' them nigga
The Templar Knights when they took Jerusalem nigga
And figured out what was buried under Solomon's temple
Al-Aqsa the name is not coincidental
I know too much, the government is trying to murder me
No coming back like cutting your wrists open vertically
How could the serpent be purposely put in charge of the country
Genetic engineered sickness spread amongst me
My people are so hungry that they attack without reason
Like a fuckin' dog ripping off the hand that feeds him
Immortal Technique is treason to the Patriot Act
So come and get me motherfucker cause I'm not coming back
This is the point from which I could never return
And if I back down now then forever I burn
This is the point from which I could never retreat
'Cause If I turn back now there can never be peace
This is the point from which I will die and succeed
Living the struggle, I know I'm alive when I bleed
From now on it can never be the same as before
'Cause the place I'm from doesn't exist anymore
This is the point of no return nigga you better believe this
Mary Magdalene giving birth to the children of Jesus
The evolution of the world, bloody and dramatic
Human beings killing monkeys to conquer the planet
The kingdoms of Africa and Mesopotamia
Machine gunnin' your body with depleted uranium
This is the age of microchips and titanium
The dark side of the moon and contact with aliens
I started out like Australians, criminal minded
Broke into Hell, tore it down, and built a city behind it
Southpaw, murderous methodology nigga
Remember that I'm just a man, don't follow me nigga
'Cause once you past the point you can never go home
You've got to face the possibility of dying alone
So tell me motherfucker, how could you die for the throne
When you don't even got the fuckin' heart to die for your own
It rains acid, one day the earth will cry from a stone
And you'll be lookin' at the world livin' inside of a dome
Computerized humanity living inside of a clone
This is the place where the unknown is living and real
Wormwood to Planet X and the Seventh Seal
Universal truth is not measured in mass appeal
This is the last time that I kneel and pray to the sky
'Cause almost everything that I was always ever told was a lie
This is the point from which I could never return
And if I back down now then forever I burn
This is the point from which I could never retreat
'Cause If I turn back now there can never be peace
This is the point from which I will die and succeed
Living the struggle, I know I'm alive when I bleed
From now on it can never be the same as before
'Cause the place I'm from doesn't exist anymore
The song 'The Point of no Return' by Immortal Technique essentially describes the point of no return for a revolutionist who has put his life on the line to fight against an unjust system. The lyrics explain that going back is not an option because the singer has gone too far; his radical mindset has put him in a precarious situation, and he is willing to die for what he believes. The world around him is hostile, with the government trying to silence him by any means necessary, and the people in his community are so hungry that they attack anyone without provocation.
The lyrics also subtly touch on topics such as racism, imperialism, and colonization. For instance, the verses that mention the Spanish exterminating Tainos, raping black and Indian women, and creating Latinos illustrate the colonization and contempt towards Indigenous people that spans across American history. Similarly, the line about being created out of self-righteous hatred demonstrates how racism and lack of empathy can manifest through generations.
Overall, 'The Point of No Return' is a powerful call to action that uses its lyrics to encourage its listener to fight against totalitarianism and to stand tall even in the face of adversity.
Line by Line Meaning
This is the point of no return, I could never go back
I've reached a point in my life where there's no turning back; I'm committed to my path.
Life without parole, up state shackled and trapped
If I were to abandon my mission, I'd feel imprisoned and trapped in life.
Living in the hole, lookin' at the world through a crack
If I gave up now, I'd feel like I'm living in a tiny cell, seeing only a small piece of the world.
But fuck that, I'd rather shoot it out and get clapped
I'd rather go down fighting and die with some dignity than give up and be disgraced.
I've gone too far, there ain't no coming back for me
I've already done so much that I can't just stop and go back to my old life.
Auschwitz gas chamber full of Zyklon-B
I don't want to be trapped and killed like the innocent people in Nazi death camps.
Just like the Spanish exterminating Tainos
I refuse to be another victim of genocide, like the Native Americans killed by Spanish conquistadors.
Raping the black and Indian women, creating Latinos
I refuse to be a product of rape and colonization, like many Latinos whose ancestors were violated by Spanish colonizers.
Mother fuckers made me out of self righteous hatred
Society's injustices and bigotry have fueled my passion for justice and resistance.
And you got yourself a virus, stuck in the Matrix
Society is sick, and most people are oblivious to it because they're brainwashed by the system.
A suicide bomber strapped and ready to blow
I see myself as a martyr, willing to sacrifice myself for the cause.
Lethal injection strapped down ready to go
I'd rather die for what I believe in than live in a world where injustice prevails.
Don't you understand they'll never let me live out in peace
The powers that be will always see me as a threat to their corrupt system and will try to silence me.
Concrete jungle, guerrilla war out in the streets
I see myself as a warrior fighting a war against oppression and injustice in the city streets.
Nat Turner with the sickle pitch fork and machete
I see myself as a modern-day Nat Turner, leading a slave rebellion against oppression and slavery.
The end of the world, mother fucker you not ready
I feel like society is on the brink of collapse, and most people are not ready for it.
This is the point of no return and nobody can stop it
We've reached a tipping point in history that can't be undone or stopped.
Malcolm Little when he knelt before Elijah Muhammad
Like Malcolm X when he embraced the Nation of Islam, I've found a purpose and a mission to fight against oppression.
The comet that killed the dinosaurs, changing the earth
The world is constantly changing, and we're living in a time of profound change and upheaval.
They love to criticize, they always say I change for the worse
Society loves to critique those who challenge the status quo, and often paints them as villains.
Like prescription pills, when you misusin' them nigga
Society is addicted to conformity and obedience, and those who reject that are seen as problematic.
The Templar Knights when they took Jerusalem nigga
Like the crusaders who invaded and occupied Jerusalem, I'm fighting for what I believe in regardless of opposition.
And figured out what was buried under Solomon's temple
I'm seeking the truth and exposing the secrets that have been hidden from us by those in power.
Al-Aqsa the name is not coincidental
The conflicts over the Temple Mount in Jerusalem are not about religion but control over sacred land.
I know too much, the government is trying to murder me
I possess knowledge and information that threatens the government and its corruption, and could cost me my life.
No coming back like cutting your wrists open vertically
There's no way to undo the damage and trauma caused by taking a drastic action like suicide.
How could the serpent be purposely put in charge of the country
The government is corrupt and controlled by those who are willing to deceive and manipulate for power like a snake.
Genetic engineered sickness spread amongst me
Society is sick and diseased due to the corruption and manipulation of those in power.
My people are so hungry that they attack without reason
Society's marginalized and oppressed populations are so desperate and angry that they often act out violently in response.
Like a fuckin' dog ripping off the hand that feeds him
Society's marginalized and oppressed populations are so disenfranchised that they will turn against the very systems meant to protect them.
Immortal Technique is treason to the Patriot Act
My message of resistance and rebellion through music is seen as a danger to society and compatible with terrorism by the government.
So come and get me motherfucker cause I'm not coming back
I stand by my principles and beliefs, and I'm willing to face the consequences for my actions.
And if I back down now then forever I burn
If I were to give up my mission, I'd be left feeling empty and lost, forever burning with regret for my inaction.
'Cause If I turn back now there can never be peace
If I were to abandon my mission now, I would never be able to find inner peace or fulfillment.
Living the struggle, I know I'm alive when I bleed
The trials and tribulations of fighting for justice are an essential part of my life and make me feel truly alive.
From now on it can never be the same as before
Once you start on the path of resistance and rebellion, there's no going back to the life you had before.
'Cause the place I'm from doesn't exist anymore
The society I come from has been changed and destroyed by corruption and oppression.
This is the point of no return nigga you better believe this
We've reached a moment that's pivotal and irreversible, and we need to take action now or never.
Mary Magdalene giving birth to the children of Jesus
We're at a moment of great spiritual significance and upheaval, echoing the biblical story of the birth of Christ's children.
The evolution of the world, bloody and dramatic
The world is in a state of constant flux and evolution, and often that change is marked by violence and struggle.
Human beings killing monkeys to conquer the planet
Humanity has a history of violence and conquest, even toward other species, as we strive for power and control.
The kingdoms of Africa and Mesopotamia
History is filled with the rise and fall of empires and kingdoms, including those of Africa and Mesopotamia.
Machine gunnin' your body with depleted uranium
The horrors of war and the use of depleted uranium weapons have caused widespread suffering and disease.
This is the age of microchips and titanium
We're living in a time of rapid technological advancement and transhumanism.
The dark side of the moon and contact with aliens
Humanity is on the verge of breakthroughs in space travel and the possibility of contact with extraterrestrial life.
I started out like Australians, criminal minded
I started out as a product of the societal conditions I was born into, much like Australia was founded by criminals.
Broke into Hell, tore it down, and built a city behind it
I've overcome obstacles and challenges and built my own world and legacy in spite of adversity.
Southpaw, murderous methodology nigga
My fighting and resistance style is unique and deadly, like a boxer's southpaw stance.
Remember that I'm just a man, don't follow me nigga
I'm not a hero or savior, and it's important for others to think for themselves and find their own path.
'Cause once you past the point you can never go home
Once you've committed to a path of resistance and rebellion, there's no going back to the life you had before.
You've got to face the possibility of dying alone
The path of resistance and rebellion is often a lonely one, and it's important to be prepared for the sacrifices and risks involved.
So tell me motherfucker, how could you die for the throne
Why would you die for a corrupt system and those in power who don't care about you?
When you don't even got the fuckin' heart to die for your own
It's more important to have the courage to fight for yourself and your own beliefs, rather than for a corrupt system.
It rains acid, one day the earth will cry from a stone
Humanity's destruction of the environment will have consequences, and the earth will suffer as a result of our actions.
And you'll be lookin' at the world livin' inside of a dome
The future of humanity may involve living in controlled, artificial environments like domes due to environmental damage and climate change.
Computerized humanity living inside of a clone
As technology advances and humanity becomes more transhuman, we may lose our individuality and become more like clones.
This is the place where the unknown is living and real
Our world is full of mysteries and unknown phenomena that we have yet to discover and understand.
Wormwood to Planet X and the Seventh Seal
We're living in a time of great spiritual and cosmic significance, marked by mysterious phenomena like Wormwood and Planet X.
Universal truth is not measured in mass appeal
The truth and what's right isn't always popular or accepted by the masses, but that doesn't make it any less true.
This is the last time that I kneel and pray to the sky
I'm done with praying to a higher power and hoping for salvation; I'm taking action and making change now.
'Cause almost everything that I was always ever told was a lie
Society is built on lies and illusions, and we need to question everything we've been told to find the truth and make change.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Felipe Coronel
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@azmanabdula
My English teacher was into noise grind
I was into gore grind
We used to trade CDs and some of the stuff he listened to was just strange
Funny thing is he said the same
Recently I heard that song
IGORRR - PARPAING [feat. George Fisher]
Youtube it
It reminded me so much of us just listening to music
@TheWickedGenius
20 years ago, I used to be an 18 year old kid listening to this. 20 years later, here I am enjoying this classic. Thank you Immortal Technique.
@loveme77527
More truth now than ever!
It's all unfolding in front of our eyes, at least the ones who can see...
@acrossroads93
Check out an artist called E.Y.E.Z there's a song called 1600 Pennsylvania Ave
It's a dope as track!!
@jigs5053
Amen way ahead of his time 😊
@Magneticvortex-kk4gb
@@loveme77527 what can you see?
@jackwilliam2965
Islam is the truth, that is why he is immortal Technique. It is all about Jerusalem the 3rd Temple.
@TravisProznick
Immortal Technique we need more of you in 2023 please!
@junglejungle2944
We need him now more than ever
@brendaorozco3275
There is a reason he’s not around anymore. He was warning us about what was to come. We should’ve listened
@bryanutility9609
@@brendaorozco3275lmao 911- Covid get some