A Polemic Against Free Speech Restrictions: Immortal Technique's "Freedom of Speech"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WCYbZZTEwiM&feature=PlayList&p=0EC15B796E524E38&playnext=1&index=2

Immortal Technique is a rapper whose songs scrutinize the status quo; criticizing elements of American culture from Bill O'Reilly, to the prevalence of racism, the inaccuracy of Fox News, the corruption of the Bush administration (for more on this, check out his track Bin Laden with Eminem: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WA_xXWSXyFI&feature=related), corporate America, major media outlets, and even Disney.

His song "Freedom of Speech" deals with a lot of concepts prevalent to this class. Most significantly, he discusses the suppression of the recording industry, and how he has made his money by utilizing either illegal or unconventional techniques (he references "bootlegging"). Despite many offers, he has always refused to sign with a recording company, based on his political beliefs that they exploit artists for their own capital gain).

His raps are highly politicized, and actually contain really intelligent and quality lyrics (a refreshing change from the typical bitches/hos rap). I listed some of the most striking lyrics below.

Interestingly enough, his song contains a mashup with Pinnochio's "I've Got No Strings." He uses the lyrics from Disney to simultaneously reject the concept of being tied down as a puppet for the recording industry, and to confront and reject Disney culture. His profane lyrics, coupled with the Disney mashup and an outcry against free speech, make for a fascinating (and wholly applicable) song.

Fuck a record deal, I want development land.
With my benevolent clan.
And that's the reason why I only trust my fam.
40,000 records sold
$400 grand
Fuck a middle man, I won't pay anyone else
I'll bootleg it and sell it to the streets myself
I'd rather be that than signed and stuck on a shelf
And because of this, executives try to diss me
(Fuck y'all)
Racism frozen in time like Walt Disney
And now they say they want to get me signed to the majors
If I switch up my politics and change my behavior
Tryin' to tell me what to rhyme about over the beat
Bitch n***** that never spent a day in the street
...
This is America, I thought we had freedom of speech?
But now you want to try to control the way that I speak

Definitely check out more of his songs if you have a chance; they're all excellent and have really strong political messages.