Rage Against The Machine

Formed in Los Angeles in 1991, Rage Against the Machine is acclaimed for its aggressive, politically infused lyrics. Throughout the 1990s, they achieved significant success with their politicized image, diverse influences, and punk mindset. The band embodies an important cultural intersection in the 90s—merging musical expressions from urban black rebels (hip-hop, funk) with their white counterparts (metal, punk rock).

Combining punk, hip-hop, and metal, frontman Zack de la Rocha's lyrics deliver a fiery critique of corporate America, governmental repression, and cultural imperialism. Both de la Rocha and guitarist Tom Morello were born into activist households, which shaped the band’s political beliefs and activism. De la Rocha’s father dedicated his art to Chicano causes, while Morello was raised by a mother involved in civil rights activism and a father who was a Kenyan rebel-turned-diplomat.

Rage Against the Machine sees their music as a means of social activism, with de la Rocha explaining this by stating:

“I’m interested in spreading those ideas through art, because music has the power to cross borders, to break military sieges and to establish real dialogue.”

Throughout their career, Rage Against the Machine has supported numerous causes, including advocating for a new trial for death-row inmate Mumia Abu-Jamal, defending the Zapatista freedom fighters in Mexico, and highlighting the plight of sweatshop workers. The band's leftist and revolutionary politics are reflected in nearly all of their songs, with politically motivated commentary being central to their identity. Notable examples include “Killing in the Name” (which tackles racism and police corruption), “Wake Up” (which addresses racism within the American government), and “Freedom” (which supports imprisoned American-Indian activist Leonard Peltier).

Rage Against the Machine disbanded in 2000, with three members joining Soundgarden’s Chris Cornell to form the rock supergroup Audioslave. They reunited in 2007 and have since occasionally performed at major live events, but have yet to release new material. In May 2016, it was announced that Tom Morello, Brad Wilk, and Tim Commerford teamed up with Chuck D of Public Enemy and B-Real of Cypress Hill to create the supergroup, Prophets of Rage.