Immortal Technique has a very negative perception of the Harlem Renaissance, despite the awesomeness of the song I think that some of the lyrics are slightly bias although I understand why it would be that way.
In the first verse Immortal Technique says "Until after the invasion of gentrification, Eminent domain of intimidation", meaning that until the area of harlem was renovated and made into a cultured, nice place to live, Harlem was well known as a scary place to be. In the next verse he says "That's not negotiation, and it's frustrating to look at", giving the song a negative implication. He is saying that because the performances where racist and that is how Harlem obtained all its money and became an alright place to live, it's shameful, and "frustrating to look at."
Later, during the chorus the song goes "Harlem Renaissance, a revolution of trade, Modern day slaves, thinkin that the ghetto is saved,So they start deporting people off the property,Ethnically cleansing the hood, economically." which is saying that the Harlem performances where as close as they could get to slavery without it ACTUALLY being slavery which isn't very accurate considering that they where paid, it was their choice, and they could usually afford property with the money they made.
Thanks for introducing me to this song--I don't listen to much rap at all but I really like and respect Immortal.
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