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"The Legacy of Bin Laden" by Immortal Technique
May 2, 2011

When the announcement came late last night that Osama Bin Laden had been killed by the United States, many took to Twitter, the streets, and the airwaves to offer snap judgments, brief thoughts, and celebration. Immortal Technique, instead, took a different route. The always critically thinking, socially conscious rhymer decided to reflect. He reflected on the news and what it meant for this country and the world, and he translated those reflections onto digital paper.

This morning, we saw Tech tweet the following: "I wrote a very long essay about Bin Laden and Afghanistan and our involvement with it, but I doubt any of you really want to read it all. There is no link. It's not posted it's just sitting here. I haven't posted it anywhere yet." We wanted to give a platform for the response one of hip-hop's most politically aware minds. Tech in turn blessed us with this potent, lengthy essay that you'll find below.

We encourage you to prove him wrong in doubting that anyone will read his words.

In a world that has been flooded by news, there is usually nothing that rises far above the smoldering lava of sensation--that which consumes all truth and absorbs all lies mixing them into a fiery lake or stew of bubbling nonsense. So much so, that to discover glanced over facts, to question people of importance within government or the machine itself leads to the branding of one as a "conspiracy theorist."

Truthfully, there are many people who lived life with doubt over the facts surrounding 9/11, who felt afraid to express it, probably because they feared being accused of "hating America," of being "with the terrorists," hence sympathizing with the people who were responsible for killing all of those who died on 9/11. You talk to people like this at work, you see them walking by you everyday, you can read their rants on message boards or in chat rooms around the world, insulting people who present their doubts.

Post Comment
tss... makes a lot of sence! two words:true that!
Posted by mark01 July 15, 2011, 12:53 am
Classic immortal. Great piece. He always speaks the truth. I highly admire his poet. I saw him ask year at rock the bells, he is amazing and left the crowd in awe
Posted by bahta May 30, 2011, 11:10 am
THis some of the realest shyt he ever wrote.qustion everthing your eyes see....
Posted by sable nsb cru May 8, 2011, 3:49 pm
Great essay my only problem with you is this tech you must love hip hop because.....what the f.k are you doing rapping you have the ability to do so much more your potential far exceeds any 16 that you put together once again great article.....
Posted by GAMEOVER May 7, 2011, 8:07 pm
This has really been an enlightening essay. Makes you question all the stuff that goes on in this world if you haven't already. Nevertheless its a great perspective in my opinion. Immortal technique knows his facts and that's why he can write these things down.and also, people don't read this to just sound cool towards technique or your friends, read this to educate and better yourself.
Posted by ness231 May 3, 2011, 11:10 pm
Yo I am Here yall!! The Best Rapper Ever!! I am Stevie Q the GeeK and I a fake Internet Gangsta!! Check me out Stevie Q and my Groupie Crew!! I love FAT chicks!!! I will file SEXUAL HARRASMENT IF U DON'T AGREE!! I threaten people and them cry like a lil OL biiiitCHH so bring in I'm ready!!
Posted by Stevie Q May 3, 2011, 11:44 am
~Wow?!~This certainly was the best written and maybe the most insightfull article ive read on here!~Im now wanting to check out his music!~I bet his raps are on another level!~Thank You XXL!~
Posted by Kathavelli May 3, 2011, 10:54 am
Up I am a fake Internet Gangsta!! Check me out Stevie Q and my Groupie Crew!! I love FAT chicks!!!
Posted by Stevie Q May 3, 2011, 9:46 am
Most of incompetent numbskulls is highly intimidated by this article. This was definitely provocative for the mind.
Posted by Mr.Black May 3, 2011, 6:40 am
Honestly, i can not say i've ever knowingly listened to any of your music (not that i undermind your skills i just listen to mostly reggae). But i will admit as a person you are very intellectual and articulate. Your mental ability for reasoning and descripting your thoughts is ivy league level. I love this artical, it may be the best thing xxl ever posted. Stay blessed man.
Posted by B. Mullins May 3, 2011, 3:15 am

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