Immortal Technique
A fiercely independent rapper whose complex, politically charged lyrics challenged the mainstream and built a grassroots empire.
Born 1978 (age 48)·American rapper·Birthday: February 19·Generation X
Biography
Felipe Coronel, who performs as Immortal Technique, emerged from the raw, unfiltered underground of New York hip-hop with a mission to weaponize rhyme. Born in Peru and raised in Harlem, his early life was marked by incarceration, which fueled his radical political education. Self-releasing his early work, he built a formidable reputation through blistering battle rap performances and mixtapes that bypassed commercial channels entirely. His 2003 album 'Revolutionary Vol. 2' became a cult classic, its dense, historical references and unflinching critiques of imperialism, racism, and corporate power resonating with listeners worldwide. He co-founded the label Viper Records, maintaining complete artistic control and directing profits toward activist projects, including building a farm in Afghanistan. More than a musician, Technique operates as a polemicist and a grassroots organizer, using his platform to advocate for revolutionary change and intellectual self-defense.
Generation X
1965–1980
The latchkey kids. Raised during divorce, recession, and the end of the Cold War. Skeptical, self-reliant, media-literate. They invented indie culture, grunge, and the early internet — then watched the Boomers take credit.
Immortal was born in 1978, placing them squarely in the Generation X. The events that shaped this generation — economic uncertainty, the end of the Cold War, and the rise of personal computing — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Immortal Was Born
The biggest hits of 1978
#1 Movie
Grease
Best Picture
The Deer Hunter
#1 TV Show
Laverne & Shirley
Immortal's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1978Born
First test-tube baby born
Gas: $0.63/galHome: $35,300Min wage: $2.65/hrPresident: Jimmy Carter"Shadow Dancing" — Andy GibbBest Picture: The Deer Hunter
1983Started school
Internet adopts TCP/IP, creating the modern internet
Gas: $1.16/galHome: $57,700Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Every Breath You Take" — The PoliceBest Picture: Terms of Endearment
1991Became a teenager
Soviet Union dissolves; World Wide Web goes public
Gas: $1.14/galHome: $82,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" — Bryan AdamsBest Picture: The Silence of the Lambs
1994Could drive
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
1996Could vote
Dolly the sheep cloned
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $99,700Min wage: $4.75/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Macarena" — Los del RioBest Picture: The English Patient
1999Turned 21
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2008Turned 30
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2018Turned 40
Royal wedding of Harry and Meghan; Parkland shooting
Gas: $2.72/galHome: $211,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"God's Plan" — DrakeBest Picture: Green Book
2026Age 48 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Built a dedicated following through independent releases, with his album 'Revolutionary Vol. 2' achieving significant underground success without major label support.
- Co-founded Viper Records, an independent label that gives him full creative and financial control over his music.
- His song 'Dance with the Devil' is a widely discussed narrative piece known for its dark and shocking storyline.
- Has organized and funded humanitarian projects, including the construction of an orphanage in Afghanistan.
Did You Know?
He studied history and political science at Pennsylvania State University before dropping out.
He is a skilled battle rapper who famously defeated rapper Justice in a notable contest.
A portion of his music sales has been donated to charity and political causes he supports.
He is an avid chess player and has spoken about the strategic parallels between chess and his music.
“I'm not a businessman; I'm a business, man.”
