First time I fell in a pit I felt like the show stopped. Must have been 5 or 6 guys getting my cheeks off the floor, made sure I was good, then disappeared.
@@eldiego68 my high school GF got us tickets to a metal show (not a metal fan, 5'3) I cannot remember being more stressed. thankfully my current chick is a big punk fan so I dont have to trip lmao
This was a response to Rodney King. I’m a 53 old white guy. In 96 saw them with Wu-Tang Clan. I was in the pit the whole show. Most diverse crowd I’ve ever seen. I feel they had way of bringing people together. Great message. I remember looking around in awe. High energy good time everyone getting along. Amazing!
53 yo whitey here too, so sick of being told how bad we are, I'm a child of the 70's man, never seen such division until the past few decades, we didn't give a shit back then
@@smiles1855 "never seen such division until the past few decades, we didn't give a shit back then" First and foremost i want to say that you not giving a shit does not negate the fact that racism was very much prevalent back then aswell. The Black Panther Party etc existed for a reason. The reason as to why you might feel like the division has worsened, is very easy to explain. You see, when capitalism is in crisis, or more specifically in this case, when capital feels threatened, the capitalist class (bourgeoisie) will try many measures to make sure that the working class does not attempt anything. By sowing discontent and pitting different groups against each other, the threat of revolution is severely halted. This is not unique to the US. When capitalism was in severe crisis in the late 1920s, and the threat of communist revolution still loomed over all of Europe, the German bourgeoisie used racism, in the form of antisemitism, together with class--collaboration, to draw the working class away from revolution. They did this through the Nazi Party, which the german bourgeoisie funded.
I’m 45. This whole album was on my daily rotation in 9th grade. They very much fought against the system. One of my favorite bands. This video brings me back to the oversized shirts baggy pants and a gnarly attitudes 😂.
I have insane respect for Tom (musically) and the whole RATM crew for the messages in their music over the years, but sadly, Tom aint quite the anarchist he used to be.Dude has moved on to the playing-private-parties-for-the-same-oligarchs-he-was-against-20-years-ago circuit.
These guys grew up in LA during the riots ... their music was a direct result of living through that time and era. It mattered to people and people noticed. I'm a 42 year old white guy and I was 16 when this music came out and I still love it to this day. It without a doubt opened my eyes to viewpoints I never thought about til then. Im glad I grew up with music like this in my life .. and artists like this just don't come around very much anymore.
Not only did they grow up during the riots, this song is literally a result of those riots. The condemnation of police racism and brutality in this song is a direct reference to what was done to Rodney King and the aftermath of that event.
...i'm 41 now, grew up with this music and the riots against the WEF (world economic forum) here in Davos, Switzerland... haven't been violent, but consious about who is stealing from the public...
As a 67yr old white lady, I can tell you how we are doing. We started this fight in the 60's and still try to stand for right. I love Rage, their energy, musical talent, their message. It is so damn hard to realize that we will never be able to rest. Hate, racism, and ignorance is not going anywhere soon. Try listening to Body Count No lives matter. We are still here, we are still fighting for change.
61 and lived in So Cal when RATM hit. I was an angry liberal mom going through a divorce. My son could vibe with them with me. Being a full time working nurse feeling overwhelmed and overworked, RATM was a different sound and it was such an outlet to scream with Zach. Plus, great musicians. A requirement.
Rage isn’t about violence, they’re about truth. While the music and lyrics can seem aggressive, the core message is simple. Don’t take what you’re taught/told at face value. Learn to think for yourself. Learn to filter the BS and inform yourself based on history, truth and reality. Empower yourself, and don’t yield the floor. You asked what people who listened to Rage back in the day got from it-I can only speak for myself, but listening to their music made me stop and think. And six months from 50, their music still invigorates and inspires me to keep “thinking” and “questioning” and “fighting” for a more perfect union. Listening to Rage doesn’t make me angry, it makes me want to make a difference.
I am also 49 and I would like to say as we were young when this came out I definitely think speaking for myself that it helped change my mindset towards everything not that I didn't think it was horrific back then it just makes you open your eyes and wake up. Things are really still the same I would like to say they are better but I think they just changed forms if you get what I'm saying
Since this song came out in 1992 (post-Rodney King), we've started 8 new official on-the-books wars, we're now constantly surveilled, and most recently we learned that our Rights are actually just privileges that can be suspended (global pandemic) or revoked (you are deemed a DVE - domestic violent extremist). My contempt for this New World Order system and bond with my fellow neighbour & netizen has never been higher. I'm through the 5 stages of grief and as a Canadian, my standard reply to Mr. Man is, politely, "I'm sorry, I won't do what you tell me."
You asked what people's lives are like now who heard this song back then. I was a preteen then, and it absolutely inspired me to make myself aware of the injustices in the world, the political corruption, and really any time one human controls, manipulates, or degrades another. It made me look at my own thoughts and behaviors and how biases and thought patterns are normalized, socialized, and institutionalized and I decided to break free from that cycle. I began a journey that took me to various genres of music that had bands who used their music as a message. Since then I have attended protests, signed petitions, donated to charities. shared my values, and done what I could to raise awareness and keep the message alive. Did it actually make a change? I don't know. But music is powerful and this band was one of the first to show me its power.
They were actually against violence and spoke highly about that. They were also big on trying to wake people up to the modern racism that was going on at that time (such as the Rodney King incident) on top of exposing corruption within the government. All members were mixed races minus their bass player. Extremely talented and major respect for them using their platform to open eyes.
I was hoping someone would mention the Rodney King Riots. Ahead of BLM, there were the LA riots after the brutal beating of Rodney King. I feel like this incident is hardly ever talked about in history, but is so important for the context of current issues with police forces, and further evidence for abolishing the police.
14:10 No one who listens to and understands RATM thinks that we've changed the world. Their music is unfortunately timeless, and the fight they inspire is endless. Their talent is to be the voice of our rage -- making the screams we spit into our pillows at night echo in a stadium.
Tom Morello is mixed too. I think that’s what makes them so funky in way that for me, as a Af American from their generation, was more authentic than the Chili Peppers. I love TCPs but Rage was so real.
In addition, Good Germans is an ironic term - usually placed between single quotes such as 'Good Germans' - referring to German citizens during and after World War II who claimed not to have supported the Nazi regime, but remained silent and did not resist in a meaningful way. Their apathy was its own crime. They weren’t survivors, they were subscribers.
I'm 45 and used to rock this song almost every day. I am now a grandmother and mother and have done everything in my power to raise them to be better than I was and the generations before me. I always tell them that their job is to take the good from the generations before but leave the bad. I had a father who fought against Vietnam while teaching me to respect the service men and women with the utmost respect. Life is messy and never fair but should be equal. Just found you today. Thank you for your thoughts.
This song condemns white supremacy and police brutality. The lyrics were "Some of those who work (police) forces are the same who burn crosses" and "Those who died are justified by wearing a badge (police) they're the chosen whites". Most Rage songs are about oppression or injustice. As black men, y'all need to hear: "Know Your Enemy" with lyrics (need the lyrics for that one) "The Ghost of Tom Joad" with lyrics (need the lyrics for that one too) The official music video of "Bulls on Parade" (probably their most famous song of all time) "Renegades of Funk"
You know that Rage is fire because everytime one of these must hear lists pops up, they're completely different from one another. Personally, Know Your Enemy, Wake Up, and Down Rodeo top my list, but nobody's "wrong".
Rage definitely sums up the general angst of Gen X. Our grandparents were “Greatest Generation” and our parents are “Baby Boomers” and /or “Yuppies”. We were latchkey kids in a time where gender roles were really starting to change and realize their potential. We’re a crossroads generation, where analog meets digital. We witnessed Rodney King split an already split nation, and were angry that our parents and grandparents tried to ignore police brutality. However we remember that those before us also tried to ignore things like Selma and Emmett Till. When we became angry, we were discounted for nothing more than teenage angst. Rage sang about topics that many of us struggled to vocalize for ourselves.
In the 90s, Rage turned me into an activist. They made me aware of Leonard Peltier. I did a lot of calling the white house & writing letters to the editors. As I got older, I changed my philosophy more to try and help those closer around me. Still love this band. I'm a 5'5" female who has had plenty of fun in mosh pits and no punching in the face. :)
I somehow completely missed the message. I never checked into what was really being said. I loved this album and I would play it on repeat as a teenager in Highschool. I could quote lyrics and I knew all the peaks and valleys for each musical build up and musical drop off…but I never connected on the message. I was such a naive knuckle head that I left high and joined the marines and would do the same jam sessions to RATM while being a cog in the machine as a marine getting ready to fight an opponent that I was deceived to believe was my enemy. I helped feed the war cannibal animal. I wish I better paid attention to what was being told.
@@ikey9845 None of us are purists even if we would like to be. If we own a cell phone we are most likely supporting slave labor in some form. Usually the mining of the necessary minerals, but also sometimes even in the assembling of the phones themselves. I guess we can just do the best we can with what we know.
This is my generation - Gen X. This song came out in response to Rodney King. MGK did a remake after George Floyd, and a bunch of middle aged white people got really upset and were pissed that Rage Against the Machine got woke 😄 Dude, they were always woke from the very beginning. This man has been going to political rallies since he was literally in diapers. Like, before he could actually walk. You just weren't listening. All you heard is "F*ck you, I won't do what you tell me" and you used it as an anthem to rage against your white, middle-class parents who gave you everything in the world while you threw a fit and wasted it all.
Not just woke. Openly revolutionary. Southern fist Rise through tha jungle mist Clenched to smash power so cancerous A black flag and a red star A rising sun loomin' over Los Angeles Yes for raza livin in la la Is like gaza on to tha dawn of intifada Reach for tha lessons tha masked pass on And seize tha metropolis It's you that it's built on
Same. It sucks that the social changes that we had been made is currently being stripped away every single day. I definitely have rage against the machine again!
spot on. ive been to a lot of shows with crazy moshpits. they've always been the nicest people ive ever seen. always helping eachother, picking eachother up, laughing with eachother. i have never been hit or pushed whatsoever in any show ive ever been to
@@RapidVidsProductions You have to rely on a stranger to pick you up, as a pits movement alone flattens you sometimes, same for everyone, love it myself too. Getting dragged off of the crowd by security for surfing though, f that shite!
They’re basing it on the mosh pit, from how it looks on the surface. Not on the amped up music. They don’t know that you help up anyone that falls etc…
Omg those shows are SO FUN! No one’s beating each other up, it’s just getting energy out in a healthy manner, and it’s amazing when you can all do it together. LOVE you guy’s reaction videos.
Concerts like this are cathartic. Physically, emotionally and especially mentally. There message wasn’t lost on their crowds. We knew why we were there and loved it. This band is incredible and has opened eyes and is still relevant today.
I saw RATM in 1993 in Hamburg, Germany (also that night: Faith No More, Living Colour, Suicidal Tendencies and more). In my recollection the earth shook when they began their set. I, at age 23 managed to pogo for five minutes, then I was exhausted, went to the back of the crowd and enjoyed the music. As a (black) German I didn't really get much of the message though.
4:00 "punching each other in the face" nope bro. it's called "karate" in the rock and metal culture and it's forbidden (unless you are too drunk or high (which they gently push you out of the ring) or you know the guy you are punching and he is ok with it (btw eff will smith)) actually in almost every moshpit you can expect more than one hand by strangers to help getting you up if you fall. not many other genres' fans are that friendly in a seemingly aggressive situation.
I love this song and the whole album. The groove is so good that I can excuse the repetitive lyrics. Most songs don't say anything regardless, so at least they're saying something (over and over haha). And if you really think about it, the repetition is making a statement too
@@anthonyv6962 Yeap! Despite being one of their most famous songs (it was really impactful at the time and still very relevant today) it does not represent the very best they have to offer imo.
I was 17 when this came out. I saw them live in Ireland around that time. I was a huge fan. I went on to work as an aid worker in some of the worlds most dangerous places, doing my piece to help those in need and try to right wrongs. In my 40s now I’m still an activist but I’m also a dad raising his kids to do right by others every chance they get.
I really appreciate you guys giving this a try. hopefully since the time you posted this you've learned a little bit about the band the lyrics and more about what they were about. feels like it went over your head
Ive been in a buttload of mosh pits... yes ive been hit in the face but never was punched in the face. There's alot of love and respect out there if someone falls you help them up. Its all about a positive release of aggression
There's usually at least one asshole who uses it as an excuse to hit people. Maybe not a punch but elbows that look like "accidents". Not my scene as I've gotten older.
Rage hit right around the Rodney King incident. I was in highschool at the time. They were super engaging for those of us who had anger about events in the world. I still have that anger in me thirty years later. The system is still broken, equality isn't had by all. Their music is still poignant and should still be an anthem today. Check out Down Rodeo. Also check out the lead singer with KRS One and Last Emperor, that's a good cut. Like the video, actual reactions, nice work. Cheers.
I was 18 when this released. I live in a little Scottish town by the seaside. Even here for this wet behind the ears white boy this song was fire. We knew what it was about, it made us angry too. The whole album made you think about injustice, at the end of the day poverty and inequality are everyone's enemies.
This one was out right after the Rodney King beating. Zach Da La Roca (RATM singer) is said to be: Mexican, African, Jewish, Irish, German. I hope you both will consider reacting to more and try the songs listed to begin with. Rage Against the Machine: Down Rodeo__TOOL: Pneuma -or- Sober (Live)__KORN: Coming Undone__RUSH: Tom Sawyer__Led Zeppelin: Kashmir -or- Dazed and Confused -or- Immigrant Song (Live 1972)__Linkin Park: One Step Closer -or- Numb -or- What I've Done__and definitely some Metallica: Master of Puppets -or- One. Some who've reacted to Master of Puppets have said "that's bars!"
@@aat3345 yeah also Mexican isn’t a race, it’s an ethnicity. You can be Mexican and be of various ancestries, same thing as people in the USA who can be of various ethnicities. I don’t get why that’s such a crazy concept for people in the USA 😅. I know Mexicans who are of Eastern European ancestry, still Mexican, I have French and Portuguese and Spanish ancestry and I’m still Mexican . Not arguing with you, just leaving some extra info for those who don’t know.. 😅
Zach de la Rocha is always speaking against inequality. Along with all the jams with Rage (Down Rodeo, Bulls on Parade, etc.) he’s done some songs with a different genres revolutionary voice, Run the Jewels. Y’all should check out JU$T
Still raging against the machine in my 40’s. Currently, I do it through education. I first heard Rage in the mid 90’s. Went to see them live in 99. Perfect set from start to finish. Guerrilla Radio had just blown up. One of the best shows I’ve ever been to. Their lyrics are heavy, but I the way I experienced them was more of a call to sit-up, take notice. This song and many others by Rage are more important now than they have ever been. ✊🏼
Mid 40’s here. Favorite show was the Rage Wu Tang tour. I’m raging in the Assessors office. If you want to fight the power, then you may as well get paid for it.
I'm a Black guy from DC, born in '57. I've loved and love Rage. One special memory was attending the 1999 concert at the Baltimore Arena with my wife and son (who was 15). Great show. There was a mosh pit, no violence or problems. In fact, Alan Keyes, a Black republican who ran for president, was in the pit. Why, I don't know. We were not. A lot of people got exposed to RATM music from the soundtrack of The Matrix. I believe they enjoyed it but didn't take the time to listen to the lyrics. In fact, MAGA folks coopted Rage music, playing it at rallies and got angry when they found out what the music meant. MF's!!!
You raised such a great question! What did we do with this message from that time? I was too young to go to their shows as I got into them in 93-94 and I was 13-14 then. But they woke me the fuck up as a young teen. Teachers wondered why I was asking about Malcolm X and Mumia Abu Jamal and ting. Lol and they hated my rebuttals against their curriculum. So I could imagine others felt the same at my age and chose to become teachers in higher education. Or started working in alternative politics getting away from the current system we have. For me personally it's fully digested into the next level and I, as an artist, keep the movement going in my own way, ya see?
Very insightful reaction. Take the punk movement of the 1970's. Disaffected youth, fed up with inequality and class war found an outlet in the rebelliousness of punk. Way back you had Arlo Guthrie railing against war & politics. Rage saw injustice & greed & racism and they spoke up.
Saw them 3 days ago in Quebec City (July 16 2022) - capacity crowd of 120,000 people moshing and raging, and having a great time. Someone falls, gets hurt, or is heavy early - everybody stops and picks up the person or assists the medics to get the person help. Lots of aggression, but lots of love in the crowd. I was still up close, but maybe not as aggressive or energetic as I was the first time I saw them 30 years ago... They put on such a great show, and the message is still relevant.
since you asked: I was living in LA when this record came out. recorded in response to Rodney King's brutal attack, came out right around the verdict acquitting the officers who beat him (I was 22 yrs old). It took me a while to shift professional gears but now I work in policing reform. This record resonated so deeply it's in my bones now. It was extremely formative, learned a whole lot about what i didn't know. Really glad so many people are getting turned on to it lately. Appreciate your reaction, all the best to you!
I think one of the bad ass things about RATM is that those of us listening were often in a demographic that was never really exposed to the history they talk about and when we got into the lyrics we started looking and got educated. Rage changed the way I viewed the world and made me go looking for the truth.
The craziest part to me about their whole dynamic is that you’d be extremely hard pressed to find any suburban white kid like myself who was raised in the 90’s and 2000’s who doesn’t recognize every one of their songs and that the core demographic they are advocating for barely recognizes them. They reached tens of millions of kids like me in the 90’s and we listened. I get a genuine kick out of watching POC discover them for the first time and watch how the messaging washes over them.
I think their message made a difference. They may have been advocating for POC, but they needed to wake up the white kids. Back then, to privileged white kids, it is all still a bit theoretical, but enter late 2000's and cell phones with cameras and the ability to instantly share via the internet, and these anthems deep in the minds of those 90's kids hit home, reality staring them in the face. This is why so many 30-40-something white people stood beside the black community in all those horrible killings. And just think, it was going on well before those cell phones, it was just not seen or heard. In most cases, those that saw these despicable crimes were too scared for their own safety to say anything and I don't blame them, since the system is rigged against them.
to answer your question, the singer (Zach de la Rocha) is of Mexican/Hispanic descent. the guitarist (Tom Morello) is mixed, and his father (Ngethe Njoroge) was a Kenyan diplomat, the first Kenyan ambassador in the UN. this band is anti-establishment, and for equality of all people. this song is anti white supremacy (a very prevalent issue throughout the united states' history). I don't mean any disrespect, but if you do not agree with the concept of this band, or this song, then I feel that you're okay/content with the current state of the united states, and the foundation of the country; which is rooted in hatred, and supremacy. people that agree with this band, and this type of ideology, are for nothing more than equality.
Why do people even request or listen to RATM without emphasizing how important the lyrics are to the song??? It’s basically a political speech backed with instrumentals, not the other way around. It’s disappointing every time they don’t look up the lyrics lol. 99% of the impact is sucked out almost completely.
This was one of the biggest songs and bands of my youth. I love this song among dozens of theirs. I loved your questions about the people who listened to them. I think most of us have stayed true to the message.
When I was 13 I heard this, and it made me rebel during my teens. I fought for minimum wage, and gave food to homeless people. I went to shows and protested. My life now, it changed few times but that message stuck with me. It never let me go with the flow and just accept the norm. Fuck the norm, be yourself and do what you want.
I grew up listening to Rage and now I’m a clinical psychologist working with teens, and I have many friends who still listen and live out that message. For me it’s all about true critical thinking (see song Wake Up), and about helping ALL people live fuller and better lives- not just groups in power.
I also grew up listening to Rage, and now I work at the local DA's office in the Domestic Violence unit. My career has taken a meandering path, but pushing back against those that abuse their power is a consistent through-line of it. Not that Rage was necessarily the inspiration. We may have been listening to this music, because it already resonated with our values.
grew up listening to Rage, Public Enemy, and such (as the child of a hippie/activist mother i also listened to all of her music) and it definitely spurred me to get more actively involved in political and social activism. became a teacher and purposely worked in low-income underserved areas, and am now a registered nurse working with people who are usually overlooked or ignored by the larger system. i’m still a regular at protests against injustice, and donate to groups who fight in ways i can’t. my sister and i started taking my nieces along to protests when they were 9/10 years old to make sure their eyes were open.
same, all my friends who love this type of music grew up and became graduates, engineers, architects, doctors... I still go to marches and I educated myself on current issues. You don't always have to sing about love, sometimes you have to scream and let your indignation and rage be heard.
Hey guys. Loved your reaction. You asked how this song affected people. It was one of the things that awoke my mind as a teenager to the things going on in the world, and a big influence in me becoming a journalist. I don't know if I have lived up to Zach, but I have done my best because of him.
I grew up in East L.A. in the 80’s90’s were hip hop/ rap/gangsta rap was prominent and skinny jeans were nowhere to be found! Hung out with the wrong crowds and started to see where my path was heading. Thankfully Rage came out and showed me the “writing on the walls,” and opened me up to so much more. They stuck with me or hit a chord because of the musical influence in their sound, of hiphop, rock, metal, punk, rap, funk, it was a perfect blend of spices. I learned more from Zack de la Rochas lyrics rather than some b.s. I learned in school lol. Such a great impactful band. Great to see more and more people discover Rage and feel that same vibe I did back in the day. Keep up the great reviews! More Rage ✊🏽
I went to see Rage about 5 times when they played over here in the UK in the 90s, twice at big festivals like Glastonbury, but they were at their best at the small venues like Brixton Academy, where they absolutely blew the f#*king roof off each time. I'm 58 now and I still get goosebumps when I hear those opening power chords, reminding me of the feral passion of those gigs. Yes you got a few bruises in the moshpit, but the adrenaline masked any pain.
Yeah, you never felt the pain of being in the pit until the next day haha. I wore stilettos in the pit watching RATM at a festival once - I have no idea to this day how I got outta' there without broken ankles. Still, it was one of the best shows I've ever seen, pure awesome, animal chaos!
I love artists who don’t give AF & are prepared to put their careers on the line to remain true to themselves! I first heard this masterpiece when it came out in 1992 - I immediately went out and bought the 12" vinyl, and played it to death! About 10 years ago in the UK, someone randomly started a campaign to get this to No.1 in the charts for xmas - AND IT WORKED! Best protest song bar none - still love it! ✌️
It was a protest against the constant processed X-Factor crap being number 1 at christmas. The X-factor team were very upset when RATM won. The BBC asked Rage to play the song live, but not to swear in the outro. Which went as well as you would expect. Then Rage played a free concert in thanks.
In 8th grade, 1998, listening to Rage Against the Machine, they had me researching the Weather Underground after listening to "Take the Power Back". It definitely can positively affect people.
I will always love watching people listening to Rage for the first time. I grew up listening to this in the 90s and I still rock out to rage 30 years later. listen to all their albums and open your mind to what they're talking about. It's just as relevant today as it was 30 years ago
We are grandmothers now. And we are still fighting for justice! Some of us are teaching truth to our grandchildren. Changing the world through the young.
MGK and Travis Barker covered this during the summer of 2020 when they were out in the streets protesting George Floyd's murder. Rage initially dropped this in response to the Rodney King incident in 1992 and police brutality and the system that far too often turns a blind eye to it in general. Wheel keeps turning,as fucked up as it is.
With respect, the problem isn't that the system turns a blind eye to brutality; the problem is that the brutality is the system. It's not broken; the system is doing exactly what it was always meant to do, whether it tells you that openly or not. If you want to know what a person believes, pay less attention to what they say and more attention to what they do. Words lie; actions, less often.
I saw Rage at club dv8 in Utah. It was wall to wall. Rage was one of the few bands that had a unique sound, they had something relevant to say, and yes there were mosh pits but I feel like it was a lot more civil. You didn't bother anyone who wasn't in the pit, you'd get dogpiled. You helped anyone who fell in the pit. Stuff like that was just expected. And this group specifically helped refine the moral focus of my group of friends. I did not (spoiler) save the world. But my kids weren't raised with the lie that everything was solved in the 60s, that everything was peachy keen in the 80s.
@@De.Dre.Universe Cheers; came for Bo Burnham and stayed as I enjoy your takes. Thoroughly enjoyed everything you posted here so far, really hope you keep it going. Thank you.
Welcome to seeing and hearing our first amendment! Yeah we grew up with this and yeah we are fine. Most of us didn’t burn down anything. We are world changers and so are our kids!! Thank you RATM for giving us a voice.
I've been protesting and fighting the man! That's the result of RATM. Granted I was 11 in 1991 and didn't get into their music until later in the 90s, but this music definitely shaped my entire mindset of how I view the world. Me and so many other people. God bless RATM.
This is the only react channel I've ever subscribed to. I usually have low expectations as so often it's just a person staring at the video with nothing insightful to say. You two are always having a very engaging and nuanced discussion on what you're hearing and it's very fun to watch. Keep up the great work!
“The beauty of this country is that we have people who have fought, bled, and died for him to have the platform to say what he’s saying right now.” The tragedy of this country is that people had to fight, bleed, and die for him to have the platform to say what he’s saying right now. This country is the machine, not the raging against.
A year old but worth the note. At the end when you said hearing rock music with a message makes you realize it is not just a groove and you need to listen to more of it. It always makes me chuckle because growing up with rock and metal we always felt the same way about rap. It wasn't until someone sat me down and was like yo you need to pay attention and actually listen to this and put on some Immortal Technique that I said "Wow, there's actually a message to rap and hip hop. I need to listen to more of this."
I’m 63 and this band is on my top 10 favorites list. Their concerts were amazingly powerful with crazy energy. I truly love their messages in each song they wrote. Still today, this particular song has a powerful message against government telling us what we can and cannot do, and trying to control society as a whole. I for one, will not allow the government to control me. This song is my go-to song whenever I’m sick of the government dictating who we can love and who we can’t, forbidding abortions, allowing police killings of innocent people, etc. - I’m sure you know what I’m getting at. As the song says, “f@@k you I won’t do what you tell me.”
Didn't expect you to be on timing like that - check out Tool - Pneuma (Danny Carey drum cam). Tool is amazing with odd timings and timing changes. Would be a good reaction vid from you and a whole new cult following.
Speaking of Tool. The lead singer of Tool sings a bit on RATM's "Know Your Enemy". Have seen both of these bands live back in the mid 90s (I'm old). The message that Zach is singing about here is the same one carried when he spits bars for Run the Jewels as well.
Man, this is music from MY generation! It was the time when we (here in Germany) listened to Nirvana, Bodycount, Metallica and Rage against the Machine. I loved this album and still do. The passion is infectious.
The most liked comment I’ve ever posted on RUclips is me saying that I love watching people react to RATM for the first time, and it was to this song. Thanks for making sure that stayed true!
To be honest you are some of the rare ones actually "reacting" to the vid. You brought a personal note into it and added value by providing perspective and historical relevance important to yourselves. Thank you for that, I grew by listening to you.
I listened to this at the time. got 'anger is a gift'tattooed on me because of this band. never punched someone in a mosh pit. to quote the great chuck d; "don't believe the hype" 🖤
Back when this came out, most couldn't comprehend how deep the message of this song continues to be. A lot thought it was just a banger about defying authority. It appears the message is elusive on first listen here, too. It's about white supremacy and brutality in the police force. The lyric "by wearing the badge they're your chosen whites" also refences the brutality and class war targeting of all races. It's a quite brilliant way to highlight the disproportionate amount of police brutality against POC, include all races into the fold of protection under the badge, and include a nod to the brutality that occurs across races. This is still my favorite protest song.
This was my generation. I was and still am in these crowds. Rage was big right after the Rodney King beating. Rage brought many injustices to the forefront not just in the US but from around the world. Still one of my most favorite bands.
Yaaasss! Thank you for reacting to RATM! Rage is actually against violence even though the message is strong. I’ve been to shows where Rage stopped playing because of a fight in the pit. I highly recommend reacting to Bulls On Parade. Tom on guitars is other worldly talented. It’ll blow your mind. And they have crazy intelligent lyrical bars! And props to JOSH! 👏
Rage is the only band I can say doesn’t have a bad track. I grew up listening to metal and evolved into punk. Rage is the band that exposed me to rap/hip-hop. Their music has a spectrum between a more metal sound and a more rap sound. Listen to “freedom” and “bulls on parade” for more of the metal sound and “calm like a bomb” or “mic check” for their more rap sound. “Down Rodeo” (pronounced ro-DAY-o) is obligatory that song is the one that will radicalize you and make you into a fan.
‘Repetitive, profound, real lyrics over technical music. And a groove’! Hats off to you guys for intelligent comment that is so rare in reaction videos. Okay, here’s my deal. I was raised a middle class white boy in Scotland and musically seventies. I was a punk, musically, rebellious teenager, but of course my parents fought back. Then I was a biker, undergrad and musically associated with heavier music. Then came junior adulthood and being ever more aware of political injustices as I saw them. Then Rodney King’s murder? Off the scale anger. I was and still am seriously angry about injustices such as that, having read about my former country’s involvement in the slave trade. I see it as a travesty that it took BLM to raise consciousness and awareness in my own kids. So, for me? RATM’s killer single epitomised everything that I stood, and still stand, for. It still gets me every time. The frustration at the glacial pace of positive change. And the assistance that great music can have in achieving positivity. Thanks guys.
I wish I had gone to a Rage concert. I did go to many shows similar to what is shown in that video, Lollapalooza '92, for instance. Rage had a style all there own, but their music was definitely pulling influence from rock, funk, rap, and punk. They were amongst many alternative styles of the time, and there were many unique combinations of sounds emerging. Not all were angry at the system, government, or police but there were a few. This song for me was my next FTP, come out a few years later. I have had unfortunate incidents with police since I was young, so both songs really resonated with me. I have not done much to fight for police reform, but I have done some. Moreover, angry music helps me vent my frustration with a society to which I am not well suited. I battle depression and singing is in my mental health tool box. At this point I am really good at keeping myself out of the sluggish ineptitude that overtakes me if I don't fight it off; singing along to songs like this and exercising. F U, I did what you told me 🤓
I saw RATM in Spanish Fork UT, 1996. The local residents and business owners were terrified that we were going to trash the entire town. Businesses closed early and the Mormons hid inside their homes. The concert booking was an accident, and the town banned live music shows afterwards. This may sound insane, but you have to understand small town Utah.
This kind of music helped me channel my anger for sure... along with system of a down, slipknot, korn, tool and now RTJ. All these bands offer reflective lyrics for ourselves and society while providing the energy and messaging through the music itself. It's helped me realize that I'm not alone, allowed me to focus that unrelenting anger, and bring that energy to a better place. You'd be amazed how enjoyable and respectful the crowds are at the concerts where the music and lyrics are the angriest.
Rage is actually a metal funk band. Funk was the counter culture to "white" music during the 70's. Similar metal funk bands that came out during Rage's time were Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Primus and a few others. Rage uses the funk style because that's what activists played back in the day. They are calling out the bigotry, racism and disparity we all STILL face today. Nothing has changed since this album came out.
I just stumbled across your channel. I've watched many first time hearing reactions, and you two have some real insightful things to say compared to others. Of course, this song can get people talking.
I grew up with this at the end of highschool. I felt the lyrics. Like anyone with fire in their veins. But mostly I loved the musical vibe. I just felt it all through. So it was just an outlet for whatever I was holding in. Whatever it was at the time. Man, this will always be a favorite.
You head-bang and jump around to this music, guys. This song actually caused a concert crowd to register as a small earthquake on the monitors due to the crowd jumping in unison. I hope you do more of their songs. Just make sure you have the lyrics handy and pay attention to what Zach is saying. And make sure you know what COINTELPRO is before you listen to “Wake Up”. It’s more meaningful that way.
Rage opened they eyes of many young white kids like me in the 90s that had no idea what was happening to my black, brown sisters and brothers. They created a future BLM supporter. I was in the streets peacefully raising my fist in respect.
So glad I found you two, you guys have an amazing perspective on some of my favorite music, Tool specifically. I saw Rage at Woodstock 99 in Rome NY and will never forget that performance. The mosh pit was the biggest I've ever seen (400,000 + people in attendance) and my pal and I fought our way to the stage. The energy was physical & cerebral and took me over. What a great time!
Just because there is an electric guitar doesn't mean it's heavy metal, if you listen to the bass and drums there is a shitload of Funk in here...funny you asked about what happened to the ppl that actually listened and heard Zack..I try my best to participate in protests where I can even though my own people (Native Americans) kind of get lost in the shuffle ... Zack taught me to read books and be my own person. I've marched along side lots of ppl that were shaped by RATM. You guys should their song "Take The Power Back" next.
I've seen Rage a number of times and never experienced any violence. See Rage in concert is very similar to seeing Public Enemy in concert. In fact Chuck D, members of Rage and Cypress Hill eventually unite to form Prophets of Rage. Currently RATM is touring with Run the Jewels. Now thats who you should react to RTJ.
This song and others like it are what convinced me to become a bankruptcy lawyer 25 years ago-to help people get out from under the thumb of predatory corporations who take advantage of regular people.
To answer some of the questions at the 14:40 mark, I have LOVED this album ever since it came out while I was in high school. I surprised a lot of people by playing it constantly in my car and I blew so many speakers! I feel like I've held true to the messaging in the music and although I don't make as big of a difference as I would like, I know that I still make a difference and am politically active in my community still.
I listened to RATM at 14yo when they released this album. Saw them live when I was 16. I'm from Europe, probably privileged, but if I had to think about how their message impacted me at the time, is that nothing's set in stone, working for the same boring ass job 9to5 and follow social constructs is not the only option you have in life. I'm now 41, working independently, supporting a family and I'm happy as one can be.
Great conversation guys! I'm 54 and was listening to Rage as I got out of college in 92. They were eye opening and relevant, and still are if you look at how little has changed. Maybe not enough people heard the message and have not stepped up to make the changes we need? Glad you guys found Rage
Rage is one of my favorites. I was born in the 90s. They were playing before I was born. Now as an adult their words resonate with me because things haven’t changed. Corruption and police brutality is still very present in society 30 years later. Don’t be afraid to stand up and redress your grievances. The police tell you see something say something. When you see them doing something wrong. “See something, say something” double edged sword.
![I.N "HALLUCINATION" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/n5B5q1Hwt_U/mqdefault.jpg)
Number one rule in a mosh pit: IF SOMEONE FALLS YOU PICK THEM UP
It’s a very respectful environment
💯
Organised chaos
First time I fell in a pit I felt like the show stopped. Must have been 5 or 6 guys getting my cheeks off the floor, made sure I was good, then disappeared.
I’ve found the most dangerous part of the pit is the edge of the circle. Usually dudes shielding their girl can get a bit annoyed and blindside you.
@@eldiego68 my high school GF got us tickets to a metal show (not a metal fan, 5'3) I cannot remember being more stressed. thankfully my current chick is a big punk fan so I dont have to trip lmao
This was a response to Rodney King.
I’m a 53 old white guy. In 96 saw them with Wu-Tang Clan. I was in the pit the whole show. Most diverse crowd I’ve ever seen. I feel they had way of bringing people together. Great message. I remember looking around in awe. High energy good time everyone getting along. Amazing!
53 yo whitey here too, so sick of being told how bad we are, I'm a child of the 70's man, never seen such division until the past few decades, we didn't give a shit back then
@@smiles1855 "never seen such division until the past few decades, we didn't give a shit back then"
First and foremost i want to say that you not giving a shit does not negate the fact that racism was very much prevalent back then aswell. The Black Panther Party etc existed for a reason.
The reason as to why you might feel like the division has worsened, is very easy to explain.
You see, when capitalism is in crisis, or more specifically in this case, when capital feels threatened, the capitalist class (bourgeoisie) will try many measures to make sure that the working class does not attempt anything. By sowing discontent and pitting different groups against each other, the threat of revolution is severely halted.
This is not unique to the US. When capitalism was in severe crisis in the late 1920s, and the threat of communist revolution still loomed over all of Europe, the German bourgeoisie used racism, in the form of antisemitism, together with class--collaboration, to draw the working class away from revolution. They did this through the Nazi Party, which the german bourgeoisie funded.
Bro I was there with you, one of the best days ever
I'm 42. I was at Wutang and Rage in 96. 15 years old. Different times.
I’m 45. This whole album was on my daily rotation in 9th grade. They very much fought against the system. One of my favorite bands. This video brings me back to the oversized shirts baggy pants and a gnarly attitudes 😂.
The guitarist is Tom Morello. He is a Harvard grad who studied political science and is very much an activist.
His tweet pointing this out (re: Trump) is one of my favorite tweets ever :)
As is Zack being in EZLN ✊🏾
His dad helped a revolution
Yeah and he’s a fake
I have insane respect for Tom (musically) and the whole RATM crew for the messages in their music over the years, but sadly, Tom aint quite the anarchist he used to be.Dude has moved on to the playing-private-parties-for-the-same-oligarchs-he-was-against-20-years-ago circuit.
These guys grew up in LA during the riots ... their music was a direct result of living through that time and era. It mattered to people and people noticed. I'm a 42 year old white guy and I was 16 when this music came out and I still love it to this day. It without a doubt opened my eyes to viewpoints I never thought about til then. Im glad I grew up with music like this in my life .. and artists like this just don't come around very much anymore.
Tom Morello also has a degree in Political Science from Harvard University, so.
Not only did they grow up during the riots, this song is literally a result of those riots. The condemnation of police racism and brutality in this song is a direct reference to what was done to Rodney King and the aftermath of that event.
...i'm 41 now, grew up with this music and the riots against the WEF (world economic forum) here in Davos, Switzerland... haven't been violent, but consious about who is stealing from the public...
Morello didn't grow up in shit LA.
Plus i believe this song specifically came about as a reaction to Rodney King and what LAPD did to him/ the lack of consequence they faced
As a 67yr old white lady, I can tell you how we are doing. We started this fight in the 60's and still try to stand for right. I love Rage, their energy, musical talent, their message. It is so damn hard to realize that we will never be able to rest. Hate, racism, and ignorance is not going anywhere soon. Try listening to Body Count No lives matter. We are still here, we are still fighting for change.
Body Count were the best!!!!
A-F'ING-MEN, Sister!!!!
61 and lived in So Cal when RATM hit. I was an angry liberal mom going through a divorce. My son could vibe with them with me. Being a full time working nurse feeling overwhelmed and overworked, RATM was a different sound and it was such an outlet to scream with Zach. Plus, great musicians. A requirement.
Damn STRAIGHT WE ARE!!!😮
Indeed. Workers of the world unite!
Rage isn’t about violence, they’re about truth. While the music and lyrics can seem aggressive, the core message is simple. Don’t take what you’re taught/told at face value. Learn to think for yourself. Learn to filter the BS and inform yourself based on history, truth and reality. Empower yourself, and don’t yield the floor. You asked what people who listened to Rage back in the day got from it-I can only speak for myself, but listening to their music made me stop and think. And six months from 50, their music still invigorates and inspires me to keep “thinking” and “questioning” and “fighting” for a more perfect union. Listening to Rage doesn’t make me angry, it makes me want to make a difference.
They are literally a revolutionary communist band. Several songs are about the black panters and violent uprising against the capitalist state.
@@eddya6983 Good.
Very well said
I am also 49 and I would like to say as we were young when this came out I definitely think speaking for myself that it helped change my mindset towards everything not that I didn't think it was horrific back then it just makes you open your eyes and wake up. Things are really still the same I would like to say they are better but I think they just changed forms if you get what I'm saying
Since this song came out in 1992 (post-Rodney King), we've started 8 new official on-the-books wars, we're now constantly surveilled, and most recently we learned that our Rights are actually just privileges that can be suspended (global pandemic) or revoked (you are deemed a DVE - domestic violent extremist).
My contempt for this New World Order system and bond with my fellow neighbour & netizen has never been higher. I'm through the 5 stages of grief and as a Canadian, my standard reply to Mr. Man is, politely, "I'm sorry, I won't do what you tell me."
You asked what people's lives are like now who heard this song back then. I was a preteen then, and it absolutely inspired me to make myself aware of the injustices in the world, the political corruption, and really any time one human controls, manipulates, or degrades another. It made me look at my own thoughts and behaviors and how biases and thought patterns are normalized, socialized, and institutionalized and I decided to break free from that cycle. I began a journey that took me to various genres of music that had bands who used their music as a message. Since then I have attended protests, signed petitions, donated to charities. shared my values, and done what I could to raise awareness and keep the message alive. Did it actually make a change? I don't know. But music is powerful and this band was one of the first to show me its power.
I respect you
Same here. I went and helped clean up South Central, and became a lawyer eventually
Word. 45 year old white guy who is definitely a better human being thanks to Rage and hip hop in general. Wake up! 🔥
RATM and Public Enemy made more of a positive impact on white America's perspective than any current woke agenda or movement.
Ditto what Rachel said! I broke generational cycles and was very much influenced by this music and others!
They were actually against violence and spoke highly about that. They were also big on trying to wake people up to the modern racism that was going on at that time (such as the Rodney King incident) on top of exposing corruption within the government. All members were mixed races minus their bass player. Extremely talented and major respect for them using their platform to open eyes.
Thats why these concerts and those mosh pits are so important. It's an outlet for agression that simulates violence while being (mostly) safe.
What Tim and brad mix with
I was hoping someone would mention the Rodney King Riots. Ahead of BLM, there were the LA riots after the brutal beating of Rodney King. I feel like this incident is hardly ever talked about in history, but is so important for the context of current issues with police forces, and further evidence for abolishing the police.
Wake uuuup!
Imagine seeing the Rodney King tapes for the first time ever (who didn’t see eyes on the prize)
14:10 No one who listens to and understands RATM thinks that we've changed the world. Their music is unfortunately timeless, and the fight they inspire is endless.
Their talent is to be the voice of our rage -- making the screams we spit into our pillows at night echo in a stadium.
So well said man. Class of 91'.
"And the riot be the rhyme of the unheard!"
-Calm Like A Bomb, RATM 💣🤘🏼❤️♾️
The lead singer, Zach De La Rocha, is the literal definition of mixed... he has Mexican, African, Jewish, German and Irish roots.
nice - well the result was a genius - so i'd call that a good mix
Tom Morello is mixed too. I think that’s what makes them so funky in way that for me, as a Af American from their generation, was more authentic than the Chili Peppers. I love TCPs but Rage was so real.
Throughout history, people inflict suffering on others and say”I just did what I was told.”
Rage is an appropriate response sometimes.
Perfectly stated. "I was following orders"
Couldn't have said it better.
"Anger is a gift" ~Zack de la Rocha
In addition, Good Germans is an ironic term - usually placed between single quotes such as 'Good Germans' - referring to German citizens during and after World War II who claimed not to have supported the Nazi regime, but remained silent and did not resist in a meaningful way. Their apathy was its own crime. They weren’t survivors, they were subscribers.
As long as you vote for the people they want you too...and get vaccinated.
I'm 45 and used to rock this song almost every day. I am now a grandmother and mother and have done everything in my power to raise them to be better than I was and the generations before me. I always tell them that their job is to take the good from the generations before but leave the bad. I had a father who fought against Vietnam while teaching me to respect the service men and women with the utmost respect. Life is messy and never fair but should be equal. Just found you today. Thank you for your thoughts.
Stay blessed
This song condemns white supremacy and police brutality.
The lyrics were "Some of those who work (police) forces are the same who burn crosses" and "Those who died are justified by wearing a badge (police) they're the chosen whites".
Most Rage songs are about oppression or injustice.
As black men, y'all need to hear:
"Know Your Enemy" with lyrics (need the lyrics for that one)
"The Ghost of Tom Joad" with lyrics (need the lyrics for that one too)
The official music video of "Bulls on Parade" (probably their most famous song of all time)
"Renegades of Funk"
You know that Rage is fire because everytime one of these must hear lists pops up, they're completely different from one another. Personally, Know Your Enemy, Wake Up, and Down Rodeo top my list, but nobody's "wrong".
Rage's versions are awesome but "Tom Joad" is Springsteen, and "Renegades" is P.E., are covers.
Bulls On Parade next
"Sleep Now In The Fire" is probably my favorite video because they actually shut down wall street for a day, total badasses
Great songs...by white men...and hispanics...you all aint woke...smh
I'm 54 and love Rage. It's the same vibe as Public Enemy, my all time favorite group. And it still resonates today.
Exactly! Perfect analogy!
Exactly
Truth!
Rage definitely sums up the general angst of Gen X. Our grandparents were “Greatest Generation” and our parents are “Baby Boomers” and /or “Yuppies”. We were latchkey kids in a time where gender roles were really starting to change and realize their potential. We’re a crossroads generation, where analog meets digital. We witnessed Rodney King split an already split nation, and were angry that our parents and grandparents tried to ignore police brutality. However we remember that those before us also tried to ignore things like Selma and Emmett Till. When we became angry, we were discounted for nothing more than teenage angst. Rage sang about topics that many of us struggled to vocalize for ourselves.
Hippies, not yuppies. Yuppies was a very small, short-lived term for Jerry Rubin and Abbie Hoffman, activists hated by the US Government.
In the 90s, Rage turned me into an activist. They made me aware of Leonard Peltier. I did a lot of calling the white house & writing letters to the editors. As I got older, I changed my philosophy more to try and help those closer around me. Still love this band. I'm a 5'5" female who has had plenty of fun in mosh pits and no punching in the face. :)
same i fuckin love a pit
I came out of a pit in the 90s with an actual shoe print on my face. Badge of honor.
You're awesome, keep fighting the long fight!
I somehow completely missed the message. I never checked into what was really being said. I loved this album and I would play it on repeat as a teenager in Highschool. I could quote lyrics and I knew all the peaks and valleys for each musical build up and musical drop off…but I never connected on the message. I was such a naive knuckle head that I left high and joined the marines and would do the same jam sessions to RATM while being a cog in the machine as a marine getting ready to fight an opponent that I was deceived to believe was my enemy. I helped feed the war cannibal animal. I wish I better paid attention to what was being told.
@@ikey9845 None of us are purists even if we would like to be. If we own a cell phone we are most likely supporting slave labor in some form. Usually the mining of the necessary minerals, but also sometimes even in the assembling of the phones themselves. I guess we can just do the best we can with what we know.
This is my generation - Gen X. This song came out in response to Rodney King. MGK did a remake after George Floyd, and a bunch of middle aged white people got really upset and were pissed that Rage Against the Machine got woke 😄
Dude, they were always woke from the very beginning. This man has been going to political rallies since he was literally in diapers. Like, before he could actually walk. You just weren't listening. All you heard is "F*ck you, I won't do what you tell me" and you used it as an anthem to rage against your white, middle-class parents who gave you everything in the world while you threw a fit and wasted it all.
Not just woke. Openly revolutionary.
Southern fist
Rise through tha jungle mist
Clenched to smash power so cancerous
A black flag and a red star
A rising sun loomin' over Los Angeles
Yes for raza livin in la la
Is like gaza on to tha dawn of intifada
Reach for tha lessons tha masked pass on
And seize tha metropolis
It's you that it's built on
lol, this was fire.
Same. It sucks that the social changes that we had been made is currently being stripped away every single day.
I definitely have rage against the machine again!
@@CBGB_1977 💯💯
Gen X... We are the pepsi generation...
Just because this music’s message is amped to a high level doesn’t mean their crowd / audience (in a live concert) is going to be violent!
spot on. ive been to a lot of shows with crazy moshpits. they've always been the nicest people ive ever seen. always helping eachother, picking eachother up, laughing with eachother. i have never been hit or pushed whatsoever in any show ive ever been to
@@RapidVidsProductions You have to rely on a stranger to pick you up, as a pits movement alone flattens you sometimes, same for everyone, love it myself too. Getting dragged off of the crowd by security for surfing though, f that shite!
Theres mosh pit etiquette and if you violate it there is swift justice
They’re basing it on the mosh pit, from how it looks on the surface. Not on the amped up music. They don’t know that you help up anyone that falls etc…
We vibing out there
I grew up with this and I am now a poet, artist, activist and a nurse. I can only hope my efforts are changing the world.
Omg those shows are SO FUN! No one’s beating each other up, it’s just getting energy out in a healthy manner, and it’s amazing when you can all do it together.
LOVE you guy’s reaction videos.
Concerts like this are cathartic. Physically, emotionally and especially mentally. There message wasn’t lost on their crowds. We knew why we were there and loved it. This band is incredible and has opened eyes and is still relevant today.
I saw RATM in 1993 in Hamburg, Germany (also that night: Faith No More, Living Colour, Suicidal Tendencies and more).
In my recollection the earth shook when they began their set.
I, at age 23 managed to pogo for five minutes, then I was exhausted, went to the back of the crowd and enjoyed the music.
As a (black) German I didn't really get much of the message though.
4:00
"punching each other in the face"
nope bro. it's called "karate" in the rock and metal culture and it's forbidden (unless you are too drunk or high (which they gently push you out of the ring) or you know the guy you are punching and he is ok with it (btw eff will smith))
actually in almost every moshpit you can expect more than one hand by strangers to help getting you up if you fall. not many other genres' fans are that friendly in a seemingly aggressive situation.
Yeah whenever I see someone swinging fists in a mosh pit I have to stop myself from knocking their lights out for being a douche.
This song is kind of the most repetitive and simple song they have. try "Wake Up" or "Take The Power Back" from them, they might surprise you.
Agree this song does not represent their catalog very well.
Agreed. I really don't like that this is always the first song people hear from them. It's one of the most simplistic of their stuff to me.
I love this song and the whole album. The groove is so good that I can excuse the repetitive lyrics. Most songs don't say anything regardless, so at least they're saying something (over and over haha). And if you really think about it, the repetition is making a statement too
@@anthonyv6962 Yeap! Despite being one of their most famous songs (it was really impactful at the time and still very relevant today) it does not represent the very best they have to offer imo.
100% love rage and love this song. But it doesn’t do Zach’s lyrics, creativity or intelligence, justice.
I was 17 when this came out. I saw them live in Ireland around that time. I was a huge fan. I went on to work as an aid worker in some of the worlds most dangerous places, doing my piece to help those in need and try to right wrongs. In my 40s now I’m still an activist but I’m also a dad raising his kids to do right by others every chance they get.
I really appreciate you guys giving this a try. hopefully since the time you posted this you've learned a little bit about the band the lyrics and more about what they were about. feels like it went over your head
Ive been in a buttload of mosh pits... yes ive been hit in the face but never was punched in the face. There's alot of love and respect out there if someone falls you help them up. Its all about a positive release of aggression
There's usually at least one asshole who uses it as an excuse to hit people. Maybe not a punch but elbows that look like "accidents". Not my scene as I've gotten older.
@@willvr4 Yeah, those people usually leave pretty quickly with their drunk buddies carrying them out
@@willvr4 Crowd Killers in the pit get dealt with real fast
I agree, it was really fun pushing and getting pushed by unknown but respectful people. When someone wants to hurt, you notice it very fast.
Rage hit right around the Rodney King incident. I was in highschool at the time. They were super engaging for those of us who had anger about events in the world. I still have that anger in me thirty years later. The system is still broken, equality isn't had by all. Their music is still poignant and should still be an anthem today. Check out Down Rodeo. Also check out the lead singer with KRS One and Last Emperor, that's a good cut. Like the video, actual reactions, nice work. Cheers.
It was built broken
Perfectly said! 🍻🤘
Thank you! this music was the only thing that helped ppl keep their fcking shit together back then.
I was in high school back then too, now I am active in my community as a Tenant's Rights activist
I was in highschool too when that happened
These RATM reactions take on a whole new life when the lyrics are actually pulled up.
I was 18 when this released. I live in a little Scottish town by the seaside. Even here for this wet behind the ears white boy this song was fire. We knew what it was about, it made us angry too. The whole album made you think about injustice, at the end of the day poverty and inequality are everyone's enemies.
I appreciate your attention to the technical aspects of this song. It's a masterpiece.
This one was out right after the Rodney King beating. Zach Da La Roca (RATM singer) is said to be: Mexican, African, Jewish, Irish, German. I hope you both will consider reacting to more and try the songs listed to begin with. Rage Against the Machine: Down Rodeo__TOOL: Pneuma -or- Sober (Live)__KORN: Coming Undone__RUSH: Tom Sawyer__Led Zeppelin: Kashmir -or- Dazed and Confused -or- Immigrant Song (Live 1972)__Linkin Park: One Step Closer -or- Numb -or- What I've Done__and definitely some Metallica: Master of Puppets -or- One. Some who've reacted to Master of Puppets have said "that's bars!"
He’s Mexican.
@@aat3345 If you look at the his great grandparents you are both right.
mofo basically peruvian. ZACH IS THE REAL DEAL
none of us are shit.
@@aat3345 yeah also Mexican isn’t a race, it’s an ethnicity. You can be Mexican and be of various ancestries, same thing as people in the USA who can be of various ethnicities. I don’t get why that’s such a crazy concept for people in the USA 😅. I know Mexicans who are of Eastern European ancestry, still Mexican, I have French and Portuguese and Spanish ancestry and I’m still Mexican . Not arguing with you, just leaving some extra info for those who don’t know.. 😅
Zach de la Rocha is always speaking against inequality. Along with all the jams with Rage (Down Rodeo, Bulls on Parade, etc.) he’s done some songs with a different genres revolutionary voice, Run the Jewels. Y’all should check out JU$T
They’re actually all going on tour together this summer. It was supposed to happen in 2020 but was cancelled due to the pandemic
Yes @Ryan F! I also love Close Your Eyes and Count to F*ck along with the video.
A lot of great songs on that album but JU$T is my favorite
Also digging for windows
Still raging against the machine in my 40’s. Currently, I do it through education. I first heard Rage in the mid 90’s. Went to see them live in 99. Perfect set from start to finish. Guerrilla Radio had just blown up. One of the best shows I’ve ever been to. Their lyrics are heavy, but I the way I experienced them was more of a call to sit-up, take notice. This song and many others by Rage are more important now than they have ever been. ✊🏼
... and in my late 50s
Guerilla Radio though. No Gorillas are involved.
@@discostoo gorillas be ragin too!
@@l.shooknahs2028 I can't deny that, man be spittin facts.
Mid 40’s here. Favorite show was the Rage Wu Tang tour. I’m raging in the Assessors office. If you want to fight the power, then you may as well get paid for it.
I'm a Black guy from DC, born in '57. I've loved and love Rage. One special memory was attending the 1999 concert at the Baltimore Arena with my wife and son (who was 15). Great show. There was a mosh pit, no violence or problems. In fact, Alan Keyes, a Black republican who ran for president, was in the pit. Why, I don't know. We were not. A lot of people got exposed to RATM music from the soundtrack of The Matrix. I believe they enjoyed it but didn't take the time to listen to the lyrics. In fact, MAGA folks coopted Rage music, playing it at rallies and got angry when they found out what the music meant. MF's!!!
Catch some Bad Brains shows back in the day?
You raised such a great question! What did we do with this message from that time? I was too young to go to their shows as I got into them in 93-94 and I was 13-14 then. But they woke me the fuck up as a young teen. Teachers wondered why I was asking about Malcolm X and Mumia Abu Jamal and ting. Lol and they hated my rebuttals against their curriculum. So I could imagine others felt the same at my age and chose to become teachers in higher education. Or started working in alternative politics getting away from the current system we have. For me personally it's fully digested into the next level and I, as an artist, keep the movement going in my own way, ya see?
Very insightful reaction.
Take the punk movement of the 1970's. Disaffected youth, fed up with inequality and class war found an outlet in the rebelliousness of punk. Way back you had Arlo Guthrie railing against war & politics.
Rage saw injustice & greed & racism and they spoke up.
Saw them 3 days ago in Quebec City (July 16 2022) - capacity crowd of 120,000 people moshing and raging, and having a great time.
Someone falls, gets hurt, or is heavy early - everybody stops and picks up the person or assists the medics to get the person help. Lots of aggression, but lots of love in the crowd.
I was still up close, but maybe not as aggressive or energetic as I was the first time I saw them 30 years ago... They put on such a great show, and the message is still relevant.
since you asked: I was living in LA when this record came out. recorded in response to Rodney King's brutal attack, came out right around the verdict acquitting the officers who beat him (I was 22 yrs old). It took me a while to shift professional gears but now I work in policing reform. This record resonated so deeply it's in my bones now. It was extremely formative, learned a whole lot about what i didn't know. Really glad so many people are getting turned on to it lately. Appreciate your reaction, all the best to you!
Same here. I went and helped clean up South Central, and became a lawyer eventually
I think one of the bad ass things about RATM is that those of us listening were often in a demographic that was never really exposed to the history they talk about and when we got into the lyrics we started looking and got educated. Rage changed the way I viewed the world and made me go looking for the truth.
I'm 45, living in Olympia, WA and still Raging Against the Machine.
But I decided to take the Gandhi route...
Lots of ❤ and 🍄🍄🍄
During lockdown I handed out 'cid to homeless people.
The craziest part to me about their whole dynamic is that you’d be extremely hard pressed to find any suburban white kid like myself who was raised in the 90’s and 2000’s who doesn’t recognize every one of their songs and that the core demographic they are advocating for barely recognizes them.
They reached tens of millions of kids like me in the 90’s and we listened. I get a genuine kick out of watching POC discover them for the first time and watch how the messaging washes over them.
Ray is speaking all the truth!!! 🙂
@@GeekedTRC somebody went down that rabbit hole with me 😂
Yea good observation
I think their message made a difference. They may have been advocating for POC, but they needed to wake up the white kids. Back then, to privileged white kids, it is all still a bit theoretical, but enter late 2000's and cell phones with cameras and the ability to instantly share via the internet, and these anthems deep in the minds of those 90's kids hit home, reality staring them in the face. This is why so many 30-40-something white people stood beside the black community in all those horrible killings. And just think, it was going on well before those cell phones, it was just not seen or heard. In most cases, those that saw these despicable crimes were too scared for their own safety to say anything and I don't blame them, since the system is rigged against them.
to answer your question, the singer (Zach de la Rocha) is of Mexican/Hispanic descent. the guitarist (Tom Morello) is mixed, and his father (Ngethe Njoroge) was a Kenyan diplomat, the first Kenyan ambassador in the UN.
this band is anti-establishment, and for equality of all people. this song is anti white supremacy (a very prevalent issue throughout the united states' history).
I don't mean any disrespect, but if you do not agree with the concept of this band, or this song, then I feel that you're okay/content with the current state of the united states, and the foundation of the country; which is rooted in hatred, and supremacy.
people that agree with this band, and this type of ideology, are for nothing more than equality.
👍
Rage is a fascist band.
Yeah I feel like maybe they thought the chosen white line was like in support rather than against? At least I hope they just misunderstood
👍❤️😉
Why do people even request or listen to RATM without emphasizing how important the lyrics are to the song??? It’s basically a political speech backed with instrumentals, not the other way around. It’s disappointing every time they don’t look up the lyrics lol. 99% of the impact is sucked out almost completely.
Rodney King and the LA riots was the inspiration for a lot of rage songs.
This was one of the biggest songs and bands of my youth. I love this song among dozens of theirs. I loved your questions about the people who listened to them. I think most of us have stayed true to the message.
I’ve seen them in four states and two countries, this band changed the trajectory of my entire life.
When I was 13 I heard this, and it made me rebel during my teens. I fought for minimum wage, and gave food to homeless people. I went to shows and protested. My life now, it changed few times but that message stuck with me. It never let me go with the flow and just accept the norm. Fuck the norm, be yourself and do what you want.
You guys are killin me! Dude, two smart guys reviewing this. You gotta watch the lyrics videos. HUGE messages in this group’s songs.
I grew up listening to Rage and now I’m a clinical psychologist working with teens, and I have many friends who still listen and live out that message. For me it’s all about true critical thinking (see song Wake Up), and about helping ALL people live fuller and better lives- not just groups in power.
I also grew up listening to Rage, and now I work at the local DA's office in the Domestic Violence unit. My career has taken a meandering path, but pushing back against those that abuse their power is a consistent through-line of it. Not that Rage was necessarily the inspiration. We may have been listening to this music, because it already resonated with our values.
grew up listening to Rage, Public Enemy, and such (as the child of a hippie/activist mother i also listened to all of her music) and it definitely spurred me to get more actively involved in political and social activism. became a teacher and purposely worked in low-income underserved areas, and am now a registered nurse working with people who are usually overlooked or ignored by the larger system. i’m still a regular at protests against injustice, and donate to groups who fight in ways i can’t. my sister and i started taking my nieces along to protests when they were 9/10 years old to make sure their eyes were open.
same, all my friends who love this type of music grew up and became graduates, engineers, architects, doctors... I still go to marches and I educated myself on current issues. You don't always have to sing about love, sometimes you have to scream and let your indignation and rage be heard.
Hey guys. Loved your reaction. You asked how this song affected people. It was one of the things that awoke my mind as a teenager to the things going on in the world, and a big influence in me becoming a journalist. I don't know if I have lived up to Zach, but I have done my best because of him.
I grew up in East L.A. in the 80’s90’s were hip hop/ rap/gangsta rap was prominent and skinny jeans were nowhere to be found! Hung out with the wrong crowds and started to see where my path was heading. Thankfully Rage came out and showed me the “writing on the walls,” and opened me up to so much more. They stuck with me or hit a chord because of the musical influence in their sound, of hiphop, rock, metal, punk, rap, funk, it was a perfect blend of spices. I learned more from Zack de la Rochas lyrics rather than some b.s. I learned in school lol. Such a great impactful band. Great to see more and more people discover Rage and feel that same vibe I did back in the day. Keep up the great reviews! More Rage ✊🏽
I went to see Rage about 5 times when they played over here in the UK in the 90s, twice at big festivals like Glastonbury, but they were at their best at the small venues like Brixton Academy, where they absolutely blew the f#*king roof off each time. I'm 58 now and I still get goosebumps when I hear those opening power chords, reminding me of the feral passion of those gigs. Yes you got a few bruises in the moshpit, but the adrenaline masked any pain.
Love ur passion, something that’s lacking with these two.
Yeah, you never felt the pain of being in the pit until the next day haha.
I wore stilettos in the pit watching RATM at a festival once - I have no idea to this day how I got outta' there without broken ankles.
Still, it was one of the best shows I've ever seen, pure awesome, animal chaos!
I love artists who don’t give AF & are prepared to put their careers on the line to remain true to themselves! I first heard this masterpiece when it came out in 1992 - I immediately went out and bought the 12" vinyl, and played it to death! About 10 years ago in the UK, someone randomly started a campaign to get this to No.1 in the charts for xmas - AND IT WORKED! Best protest song bar none - still love it! ✌️
I remember that, there were some very upset people. My parents didn’t like it, I loved it!
It was a protest against the constant processed X-Factor crap being number 1 at christmas. The X-factor team were very upset when RATM won. The BBC asked Rage to play the song live, but not to swear in the outro. Which went as well as you would expect. Then Rage played a free concert in thanks.
In 8th grade, 1998, listening to Rage Against the Machine, they had me researching the Weather Underground after listening to "Take the Power Back". It definitely can positively affect people.
I will always love watching people listening to Rage for the first time. I grew up listening to this in the 90s and I still rock out to rage 30 years later. listen to all their albums and open your mind to what they're talking about. It's just as relevant today as it was 30 years ago
We are grandmothers now. And we are still fighting for justice! Some of us are teaching truth to our grandchildren. Changing the world through the young.
MGK and Travis Barker covered this during the summer of 2020 when they were out in the streets protesting George Floyd's murder. Rage initially dropped this in response to the Rodney King incident in 1992 and police brutality and the system that far too often turns a blind eye to it in general. Wheel keeps turning,as fucked up as it is.
RATM
Calm Like A Bomb
With respect, the problem isn't that the system turns a blind eye to brutality; the problem is that the brutality is the system. It's not broken; the system is doing exactly what it was always meant to do, whether it tells you that openly or not.
If you want to know what a person believes, pay less attention to what they say and more attention to what they do. Words lie; actions, less often.
@@michaelccozens right on!
Never say the poser's name and RATM in the same sentence. Ptuih. Disgusting.
I saw Rage at club dv8 in Utah. It was wall to wall. Rage was one of the few bands that had a unique sound, they had something relevant to say, and yes there were mosh pits but I feel like it was a lot more civil. You didn't bother anyone who wasn't in the pit, you'd get dogpiled. You helped anyone who fell in the pit. Stuff like that was just expected.
And this group specifically helped refine the moral focus of my group of friends.
I did not (spoiler) save the world. But my kids weren't raised with the lie that everything was solved in the 60s, that everything was peachy keen in the 80s.
Thanks for that insight Lyan
De
@@De.Dre.Universe Cheers; came for Bo Burnham and stayed as I enjoy your takes. Thoroughly enjoyed everything you posted here so far, really hope you keep it going. Thank you.
You guys did a fantastic job on this. We are still fighting the power. We all must stand united❤
Welcome to seeing and hearing our first amendment!
Yeah we grew up with this and yeah we are fine.
Most of us didn’t burn down anything.
We are world changers and so are our kids!!
Thank you RATM for giving us a voice.
I've been protesting and fighting the man! That's the result of RATM. Granted I was 11 in 1991 and didn't get into their music until later in the 90s, but this music definitely shaped my entire mindset of how I view the world. Me and so many other people. God bless RATM.
This is the only react channel I've ever subscribed to. I usually have low expectations as so often it's just a person staring at the video with nothing insightful to say.
You two are always having a very engaging and nuanced discussion on what you're hearing and it's very fun to watch.
Keep up the great work!
Thank you 🤙🏾really appreciate the love and support!!!
Know Your Enemy is a great track from rage against the machine. Pro tip, pull up the lyrics 😉
For real tho
“The beauty of this country is that we have people who have fought, bled, and died for him to have the platform to say what he’s saying right now.” The tragedy of this country is that people had to fight, bleed, and die for him to have the platform to say what he’s saying right now. This country is the machine, not the raging against.
A year old but worth the note.
At the end when you said hearing rock music with a message makes you realize it is not just a groove and you need to listen to more of it.
It always makes me chuckle because growing up with rock and metal we always felt the same way about rap. It wasn't until someone sat me down and was like yo you need to pay attention and actually listen to this and put on some Immortal Technique that I said "Wow, there's actually a message to rap and hip hop. I need to listen to more of this."
I’m 63 and this band is on my top 10 favorites list. Their concerts were amazingly powerful with crazy energy. I truly love their messages in each song they wrote. Still today, this particular song has a powerful message against government telling us what we can and cannot do, and trying to control society as a whole. I for one, will not allow the government to control me. This song is my go-to song whenever I’m sick of the government dictating who we can love and who we can’t, forbidding abortions, allowing police killings of innocent people, etc. - I’m sure you know what I’m getting at. As the song says, “f@@k you I won’t do what you tell me.”
Didn't expect you to be on timing like that - check out Tool - Pneuma (Danny Carey drum cam). Tool is amazing with odd timings and timing changes. Would be a good reaction vid from you and a whole new cult following.
Speaking of Tool. The lead singer of Tool sings a bit on RATM's "Know Your Enemy". Have seen both of these bands live back in the mid 90s (I'm old). The message that Zach is singing about here is the same one carried when he spits bars for Run the Jewels as well.
Man, this is music from MY generation! It was the time when we (here in Germany) listened to Nirvana, Bodycount, Metallica and Rage against the Machine. I loved this album and still do. The passion is infectious.
And that was, musically, a great time.
Hard to believe this is 31 years ago. I was 19 when Rage Against The Machine EXPLODED onto the airwaves. Long Live RATM and Long Live GenX👊🏼👊🏽👊🏿
guy in the white cap gets it :)
I usually don't watch reaction videos, but you guys were fun!!
The most liked comment I’ve ever posted on RUclips is me saying that I love watching people react to RATM for the first time, and it was to this song.
Thanks for making sure that stayed true!
To be honest you are some of the rare ones actually "reacting" to the vid. You brought a personal note into it and added value by providing perspective and historical relevance important to yourselves. Thank you for that, I grew by listening to you.
I listened to this at the time. got 'anger is a gift'tattooed on me because of this band. never punched someone in a mosh pit. to quote the great chuck d; "don't believe the hype" 🖤
Back when this came out, most couldn't comprehend how deep the message of this song continues to be. A lot thought it was just a banger about defying authority. It appears the message is elusive on first listen here, too. It's about white supremacy and brutality in the police force. The lyric "by wearing the badge they're your chosen whites" also refences the brutality and class war targeting of all races. It's a quite brilliant way to highlight the disproportionate amount of police brutality against POC, include all races into the fold of protection under the badge, and include a nod to the brutality that occurs across races.
This is still my favorite protest song.
2 rules for the mosh pit: 1.DON'T punch anybody in the face
2. DON'T be surprised if you get punched in the face
This was my generation. I was and still am in these crowds. Rage was big right after the Rodney King beating. Rage brought many injustices to the forefront not just in the US but from around the world. Still one of my most favorite bands.
Yaaasss! Thank you for reacting to RATM! Rage is actually against violence even though the message is strong. I’ve been to shows where Rage stopped playing because of a fight in the pit. I highly recommend reacting to Bulls On Parade. Tom on guitars is other worldly talented. It’ll blow your mind. And they have crazy intelligent lyrical bars! And props to JOSH! 👏
Rage is the only band I can say doesn’t have a bad track. I grew up listening to metal and evolved into punk. Rage is the band that exposed me to rap/hip-hop. Their music has a spectrum between a more metal sound and a more rap sound. Listen to “freedom” and “bulls on parade” for more of the metal sound and “calm like a bomb” or “mic check” for their more rap sound. “Down Rodeo” (pronounced ro-DAY-o) is obligatory that song is the one that will radicalize you and make you into a fan.
System of a Down... also does not have a bad track.
The whole tail end of Evil Empire is a rap-fest
‘Repetitive, profound, real lyrics over technical music. And a groove’!
Hats off to you guys for intelligent comment that is so rare in reaction videos.
Okay, here’s my deal. I was raised a middle class white boy in Scotland and musically seventies. I was a punk, musically, rebellious teenager, but of course my parents fought back.
Then I was a biker, undergrad and musically associated with heavier music.
Then came junior adulthood and being ever more aware of political injustices as I saw them.
Then Rodney King’s murder? Off the scale anger.
I was and still am seriously angry about injustices such as that, having read about my former country’s involvement in the slave trade.
I see it as a travesty that it took BLM to raise consciousness and awareness in my own kids.
So, for me? RATM’s killer single epitomised everything that I stood, and still stand, for.
It still gets me every time.
The frustration at the glacial pace of positive change. And the assistance that great music can have in achieving positivity.
Thanks guys.
You jump, headbang, let loose and feel the catharsis
I wish I had gone to a Rage concert. I did go to many shows similar to what is shown in that video, Lollapalooza '92, for instance. Rage had a style all there own, but their music was definitely pulling influence from rock, funk, rap, and punk. They were amongst many alternative styles of the time, and there were many unique combinations of sounds emerging. Not all were angry at the system, government, or police but there were a few. This song for me was my next FTP, come out a few years later. I have had unfortunate incidents with police since I was young, so both songs really resonated with me. I have not done much to fight for police reform, but I have done some. Moreover, angry music helps me vent my frustration with a society to which I am not well suited. I battle depression and singing is in my mental health tool box. At this point I am really good at keeping myself out of the sluggish ineptitude that overtakes me if I don't fight it off; singing along to songs like this and exercising.
F U, I did what you told me 🤓
Thanks for sharing and opening up Liz. I really appreciate that insight and you sharing a piece of your life, story, struggle, and triumph!!! -De
I saw RATM in Spanish Fork UT, 1996. The local residents and business owners were terrified that we were going to trash the entire town. Businesses closed early and the Mormons hid inside their homes. The concert booking was an accident, and the town banned live music shows afterwards. This may sound insane, but you have to understand small town Utah.
This kind of music helped me channel my anger for sure... along with system of a down, slipknot, korn, tool and now RTJ. All these bands offer reflective lyrics for ourselves and society while providing the energy and messaging through the music itself. It's helped me realize that I'm not alone, allowed me to focus that unrelenting anger, and bring that energy to a better place. You'd be amazed how enjoyable and respectful the crowds are at the concerts where the music and lyrics are the angriest.
Rage is actually a metal funk band. Funk was the counter culture to "white" music during the 70's. Similar metal funk bands that came out during Rage's time were Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Primus and a few others.
Rage uses the funk style because that's what activists played back in the day. They are calling out the bigotry, racism and disparity we all STILL face today. Nothing has changed since this album came out.
Great reaction video! This is the quickest i have seen anybody queue on the lyrics. Took me a few listen before it really clicked
I just stumbled across your channel. I've watched many first time hearing reactions, and you two have some real insightful things to say compared to others. Of course, this song can get people talking.
I grew up with this at the end of highschool.
I felt the lyrics. Like anyone with fire in their veins. But mostly I loved the musical vibe. I just felt it all through. So it was just an outlet for whatever I was holding in. Whatever it was at the time. Man, this will always be a favorite.
Definitely Wake Up and Take the Power Back -
And lyrics!
You head-bang and jump around to this music, guys. This song actually caused a concert crowd to register as a small earthquake on the monitors due to the crowd jumping in unison. I hope you do more of their songs. Just make sure you have the lyrics handy and pay attention to what Zach is saying. And make sure you know what COINTELPRO is before you listen to “Wake Up”. It’s more meaningful that way.
Rage opened they eyes of many young white kids like me in the 90s that had no idea what was happening to my black, brown sisters and brothers.
They created a future BLM supporter.
I was in the streets peacefully raising my fist in respect.
So glad I found you two, you guys have an amazing perspective on some of my favorite music, Tool specifically. I saw Rage at Woodstock 99 in Rome NY and will never forget that performance. The mosh pit was the biggest I've ever seen (400,000 + people in attendance) and my pal and I fought our way to the stage. The energy was physical & cerebral and took me over. What a great time!
Bulls On Parade (with Lyrics) is a must react by these guys as well!
Just because there is an electric guitar doesn't mean it's heavy metal, if you listen to the bass and drums there is a shitload of Funk in here...funny you asked about what happened to the ppl that actually listened and heard Zack..I try my best to participate in protests where I can even though my own people (Native Americans) kind of get lost in the shuffle ... Zack taught me to read books and be my own person. I've marched along side lots of ppl that were shaped by RATM. You guys should their song "Take The Power Back" next.
I've seen Rage a number of times and never experienced any violence. See Rage in concert is very similar to seeing Public Enemy in concert. In fact Chuck D, members of Rage and Cypress Hill eventually unite to form Prophets of Rage. Currently RATM is touring with Run the Jewels. Now thats who you should react to RTJ.
This song and others like it are what convinced me to become a bankruptcy lawyer 25 years ago-to help people get out from under the thumb of predatory corporations who take advantage of regular people.
Thank you.
To answer some of the questions at the 14:40 mark, I have LOVED this album ever since it came out while I was in high school. I surprised a lot of people by playing it constantly in my car and I blew so many speakers! I feel like I've held true to the messaging in the music and although I don't make as big of a difference as I would like, I know that I still make a difference and am politically active in my community still.
I listened to RATM at 14yo when they released this album. Saw them live when I was 16. I'm from Europe, probably privileged, but if I had to think about how their message impacted me at the time, is that nothing's set in stone, working for the same boring ass job 9to5 and follow social constructs is not the only option you have in life. I'm now 41, working independently, supporting a family and I'm happy as one can be.
I saw RATM, cypress hills, Public Enemy, WuTang all on the same lineup…best concert ever
You guys definitely gotta check out more of their music, and with lyrics videos because the lyrics are deep.
“I’m supposed to light somethin on fire and throw it at a building or something?”
Yes
Shoutout to the Russian anarchists who are actively burning enlistment centers, arms manufacturing plants, etc..
Great conversation guys! I'm 54 and was listening to Rage as I got out of college in 92. They were eye opening and relevant, and still are if you look at how little has changed. Maybe not enough people heard the message and have not stepped up to make the changes we need?
Glad you guys found Rage
Rage is one of my favorites. I was born in the 90s. They were playing before I was born. Now as an adult their words resonate with me because things haven’t changed. Corruption and police brutality is still very present in society 30 years later. Don’t be afraid to stand up and redress your grievances. The police tell you see something say something. When you see them doing something wrong. “See something, say something” double edged sword.