First Time Hearing RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE 🎵 Killing in the Name Reaction

[@JonnyPhive]

This song was a direct response to the Rodney King beating and not guilty verdict that triggered the LA riots of the 90's

[@angelabordack]

I was in 9th grade in Baltimore when the riots went down. The riots didn’t happen just in LA. Baltimore was rioting and half the country too. Not much has changed with police brutality, unfortunately. Something has to give. The cops need to get their shit together.

[@JonnyPhive]

@@angelabordack I remember i grew up in Reston, it was Terrifying watching the news. And i remember the Stonegate neighborhood getting pretty wild.

[@angelabordack]

@@JonnyPhive Meade City, in Maryland popped off! The cops wouldn’t go there. Shit was wild!

[@angelabordack]

@@garrybrotherton8408 Reginald Denny. He did nothing wrong but he got his head smashed in with a brick. Smh

[@pleutron]

@@garrybrotherton8408 But nobody remembers how King was drunk, speeding and nearly killing pedestrians, high speed chase... all before the "beating". Now I'm not saying that what the cops did was good. I think it was overkill. But King was also partially to blame for the whole thing.

[@tristramcoffin926]

Lex: This is what I imagine New Kids on the Block sounds like. Tom Morello: Excuse me while I now go walk into the sea.

[@stephaneherringtoniowritin4986]

Lol

[@lisamari941]

This made me mad, worst reaction ever! Ugh

[@sulufest]

LOL 😂

[@weedthepeople2795]

@@lisamari941 wellllll......I wouldnt go that far....Its peculiar to be sure.....or its the universe trying to kill me while im smokin

[@detroitshook]

Ughhh, Tom Morello is such a poser

[@lordmortarius538]

"Those that died are justified, by wearin the badge they're the chosen whites" is referring to the cops that beat Rodney King, and that refrain was a common one heard from police whenever a black man got beaten/killed by the police, "It was justified because of X". That incident is what kicked off the LA Riots in the 90's, and began to make the public at large more aware of police brutality. RATM is extremely anti-establishment, as all intellectual and sane people should be. Rage is definitely the anthem of the revolution.

[@mattreed7660]

@@leopitre7907 you clearly don’t know anything about Zack de la Rocha

[@brandonhammond9282]

Wearing a badge and the Trojan white goes back to some of those that work forces are the same that burn crosses mean some public officials are klan members

[@johnydsmithson6834]

Is? You mean were? They're boot lickers to the recent establishments. Gone the same way as most 'punk' bands we grew up with. Stop idolizing millionaires and think for yourself.

[@j.p.5806]

Of course, a hegemonic and totalitarian thought is something that we should all have, sure...

[@5ilver42]

@@leopitre7907 just about any movement that ever became anything was astroturfed and not actually grass roots. Follow the money.

[@tlw7rr]

You better listen to New Kids and then apologize to Rage Against The Machine 😉😂😂😂. Another great reaction. You two are by far my favorite reaction channel.

[@sylmen1111]

For sure, that was dug so deep ant enough dirt to cover that 💩

[@xMourningStar]

I'll say lol

[@BlazinRiver1]

It was not a comparison since Lex had never heard NKOTB! I am a metal head so you all know how I feel about those punks....lol....Lex was saying...imo...NKOTB "Should" have sounded like RAM.....let that sink in for a min.......If NKOTB had been a kickass band????????

[@tinaprice3497]

Agreed!

[@paulyguitary7651]

@@BlazinRiver1 if only they sounded like KMFDM

[@juicesghost8501]

Holy Crap imagine Zack and Tom hearing themselves being compared to New kids on the block! hahahahahaahahahahaah

[@jeremyfowler7505]

The way Zack acted like a bitch and split the band up they kinda were like NKOTB.

[@puppetmaster8551]

Tim’s reaction would probably be hilarious too.

[@bigdaddypiggy]

Crazy kids 🤪

[@corneliuscrewe677]

I would pay a fair bit of money to see any of Rage react to being compared to New Kids On The Block. Talented fellas, but awfully self important.

[@Clayton.Bigsby.360]

Rage Against the Machine used to pretend to be anti-establishment, now we realize that they are firmly in the establishment!! They could be doing a big pharma infomercial as we speak, trying to get people to take the vax and lick the boots of the government and Pfizer!! "Now you do what they told ya... Now you are under control...F*CK YOU I WON'T DO WHAT YOU TELL ME!!" .... except, now he'll do exactly what they tell him, and you better do what they tell you!! BAHAHAHA, laughable!! This entire ideology is a JOKE!!

[@jfox9126]

Oh my dear lord. Can you literally imagine if Rage had really written this song about people who wore Air Force Ones? This is priceless.

[@humegoon_6817]

lmao nahhh

[@valerieofgondor6872]

Air Force One is the name of an aircraft, is it not? What are you guys talking about?

[@MrBacchus18]

@@valerieofgondor6872 every other kid at my sons school wear Nike Air Force one

[@valerieofgondor6872]

@@MrBacchus18 LOL ok

[@patticakes4k]

Some of those at work forces, are the current SpaceForces.

[@briancannon0069]

Lex is totally turning into a rocker chick… LOL. This platform is letting her literally experience a lifetime of music.

[@MartinTheCoug]

Lol, total metalhead really!

[@Commoncents82]

She has been one for a little while

[@GypsyFairy85]

Rocker chick? Never

[@davidcmcchesney]

Turning in to a Rock Chic ? Are You kidding ? I can tell She been 100% Rock for about 500 years in all of her previous life & Spirit

[@AndyKusanagi86]

@@davidcmcchesney are you an oracle or something?

[@sutherngirrl7590]

Lex: This is what I imagine New Kids on the Block sound like. Me: 😂😂😂😂😂😂 um, NO... I'm diggin watching y'all do these metal songs. I wanna scoop Lex up and go to metal concert!!🤘

[@thewallcollection1245]

Go slow. You have to ease people into it or they tend to run off and hide from you for the rest of your life. Well maybe it's just me they hide from. You can never go wrong with AC/DC though.

[@aussie_danz8114]

Yeah New kids sounded more like a white boys to men, but there is only one BTM, I wish new kids sounded like this 😂😂

[@td315]

I was speechless when she said that and only slightly recovered when she said she didn’t know what New Kids On The Block music sounded like. Nobody that I’ve ever met has said they liked NKOTB, not in my whole school or since then. I can’t figure out who actually listened to them, maybe some sheltered middle of the country types, idk.

[@CrystalisQ]

@@td315 - So, um, as a sheltered Pennsylvania kid, I did like "The Right Stuff" and a few other songs. I didn't get posters or anything. :-P @danz - Ok, good. I immediately thought boys to men was more appropriate when she said that, but then was like 'well, I don't know BTM that well, maybe that's not true'.

[@peterwalsh2470]

what he said hahahehehehe

[@j-m-e4478]

This song came out in the early 90s, it definitely was a real problem back then. Regardless of whatever Rodney King did they surrounded him and beat him nearly to death with night sticks. There was a lot of socially conscious music getting released back then like Public Enemy, Rage comes from that same vain. There's not another band on the planet that sounds like them. They are the best living Rock band right now (imo).

[@heatnationwpb]

This song got you two thinking, talking, speculating... Rage has done their job. I fucking love this channel. 💯

[@PaulDige]

Agreed completely. They should check out Tom Morello's (the guitar player) podcast, which I forget the name of cuz I'm an idiot).

[@joshcornell8510]

They're leftist trash

[@nickbingo8653]

@@joshcornell8510 Commie trash would be more accurate.

[@SpenceJS87]

@@joshcornell8510 Cope

[@Clayton.Bigsby.360]

Rage Against the Machine used to pretend to be anti-establishment, now we realize that they are firmly in the establishment!! They could be doing a big pharma infomercial as we speak, trying to get people to take the vax and lick the boots of the government and Pfizer!! "Now you do what they told ya... Now you are under control...F*CK YOU I WON'T DO WHAT YOU TELL ME!!" .... except, now he'll do exactly what they tell him, and you better do what they tell you!! BAHAHAHA, laughable!! This entire ideology is a JOKE!!

[@jacktupp4358]

"This is what New Kids Is..." Rage: We failed at life... NK: Yeah, we're RAGE... we won at life!

[@shawnsnow2655]

🤣

[@deansnider7933]

LOL

[@parisbrat]

😭

[@Clayton.Bigsby.360]

Rage Against the Machine used to pretend to be anti-establishment, now we realize that they are firmly in the establishment!! They could be doing a big pharma infomercial as we speak, trying to get people to take the vax and lick the boots of the government and Pfizer!! "Now you do what they told ya... Now you are under control...F*CK YOU I WON'T DO WHAT YOU TELL ME!!" .... except, now he'll do exactly what they tell him, and you better do what they tell you!! BAHAHAHA, laughable!! This entire ideology is a JOKE!!

[@FrshChees91]

@@Clayton.Bigsby.360 yikes dude

[@jasondonaher9893]

New Kids on The Block and Rage Against the Machine is THE tour for 2023 people. Let's make it happen.

[@Efferri]

You gotta do lyric videos for Rage. They hit so hard. Check out: Down Rodeo, Tesify, Bulls on Parade, Know Your Enemy, and ESPECIALLY check out Wake Up

[@carihenson8019]

Came here to highlight these specific songs. Lol.

[@rastomasstanford7708]

Ghost of Tom Jones.

[@kitoyobeni1]

@@rastomasstanford7708 Tom Joad, actually. That's a Bruce Springsteen cover.

[@rastomasstanford7708]

@@kitoyobeni1 o yeah my bad lol. That song is fire.

[@tomtomthebear]

All of the above..!!!!

[@RealDrunkenMaster]

I highly recommend having the lyrics up for any Rage song. The lyrics always have deep meaning.

[@DrZentech]

It's true, but seeing the intensity of the performance has value too.

[@mikenewbold1699]

yeah if your a basic level human lol most cringy thing about the band is the preachy lyrics

[@Fishgod1216]

@@mikenewbold1699 IF caring about others' wellbeing is basic, then most of us are subhuman....

[@KemosabeTBC]

@@Fishgod1216 The themes may be deep but the lyrics themselves are as basic as they come, very simple repetitive sentences.

[@justinsayswtf]

@@KemosabeTBC For this song, yes the lyrics are simple and repetitive by design. Most of their other songs aren’t like that though lol

[@k_spats]

Sometimes Zack will sing, "Some of those who *hold office* are the same that burn crosses!" Work Forces = Police 🚔 *Great reaction!* Tom Morello is a sorcerer on guitar! ✨️ 🎸 ✨️ I'm still smiling about Lex saying it reminds her of New Kids on the Block! 🤣 💜💫✌🏼🎵

[@TonyHavenMusic]

I always loved that Zack would just repeat a line in a song to really drill it in, he had a strong message and made sure people remembered it

[@kikivon3501]

True fact!!!!!!! Zack will not be ignored

[@ext93]

WAKE UP!! WAKE UP!! WAKE UP!! WAAAAAAAAKE UUUUUUUUP!

[@Clayton.Bigsby.360]

Rage Against the Machine used to pretend to be anti-establishment, now we realize that they are firmly in the establishment!! They could be doing a big pharma infomercial as we speak, trying to get people to take the vax and lick the boots of the government and Pfizer!! "Now you do what they told ya... Now you are under control...F*CK YOU I WON'T DO WHAT YOU TELL ME!!" .... except, now he'll do exactly what they tell him, and you better do what they tell you!! BAHAHAHA, laughable!! This entire ideology is a JOKE!!

[@jameshogue2007]

😂 New Kids on the Block are the boy version of Spice Girls. Far from Rage!

[@jmag579]

I tripped out when she said that 😆😆

[@butchgriggs6325]

One of the greatest songs ever written.

[@burnsidebobthorpe]

And it's literally like 8 lines repeated each over and over building tension until the bottle is shook and the lid pops off

[@voidwraithprime8521]

Written 30 years ago, talking about issues extremely relevant to this very day.

[@garyjordan2019]

Nothing has changed....

[@blackwolf4653]

@@garyjordan2019 But i thought with Electing Biden ( who was a good friend of Robert Byrd former KKK member and scout ) Racism would definetly end.

[@carlgibbons5777]

@@blackwolf4653 Only one party all in enacting state law after state law to take away minority voting rights. Republicans know they can't win without cheating. They are STILL telling the big lie almost 9 months after Trump lost. Trump/GOP keeping racism alive and well. #RacistCult

[@blackwolf4653]

@@carlgibbons5777 haha so you think Biden is the most popular President in US history? really? All i know is that Liberals really deserve Biden and Harris. They perfectly represent liberals haha

[@carlgibbons5777]

@@blackwolf4653 You didn't address one point I brought up. Everything I said is true. You are the Fake News Cult. Now tell me how Republicans ARE NOT pushing the lie that Trump won and tell me how Republicans ARE NOT pushing voter suppression laws. You can't because you know they are the racist party to the bone.

[@adamgouveia7590]

Tom Morello is such a sick guitarist. First time I heard Rage I thought it was turntables and then I see Tom playing the parts, just blew me away

[@Wishbone1977]

Whenever someone listens to RATM and asks "What on Earth is making that sound?", the answer is _always_ "Tom Morello, on his guitar".

[@ext93]

He just has a way of writing a groovy riff then making it sound insane with some weird technique like smacking the strings with a pencil lol

[@jrhayes6901]

Toms guitar playing is mostly effects and very little guitar playing

[@dickslickerson486]

He said in rage he considered himself the dj of the band

[@lordmortarius538]

AND, he's also got a Harvard degree in political science :P

[@twainjones]

What's cool about RATM is that both hip hop and metal fans can agree on some damn good music

[@sambeckingsale2542]

It wasn't a different time back then. It was as it is today. Rage just calling it out!

[@SillyhAsH]

LA riots, Downset - Anger

[@sadhuskerfan7830]

It was a different time for Rage. They sold out

[@IR4TE]

If you go RATM you definitly have to listen to 'Wake Up' & 'Know your enemy', overall their first self titled album is a banger.

[@rachel.en3101]

Know Your Enemy is my favorite. 🖤

[@Funkh]

I love your openess, props! You're on your path to truth and truth is art and art is compassion and in the end it, it is all energy. Loved to watch you. Makes me love more.

[@thade7062]

You really really need to have the lyrics on hand for RATM. There isnt a single rage song that isnt politically charged and with a strong message.

[@hornyconvict]

he literally shouts the lyrics at you they're not hard to understand lol

[@patrickwilt1496]

@@hornyconvict if they're so clear and weren't hard to understand, Brad and Lex wouldn't be hearing different lyrics. It would be obvious, no?

[@jbone665]

What is really sad is RATM political issues are still issues today. They may carry different faces but we still have the same issues. We didn't all have cameras in our pockets like we do now so stuff like Rodney King was a shock for people to see happen. Many of us with black friends heard stories but there was a detachment and seeing it made it real in a way we couldn't imagine.

[@NecroGrin]

Yall started something now! Do "Know Your Enemy", "Down Rodeo", "Wake Up" or "Sleep Now in the Fire". All are great songs from Rage Against the Machine

[@dousty]

Probably the most unique band of my generation. Nothing was like RATM before or after them.

[@Sohbek]

I really hope someone comes along that can replicate their energy, message and funk. They don't have to sound the same, but give you that same feeling when listening to a Rage song. There's really nothing else like it.

[@averageman4208]

Run the jewels have similar messages. It's rap so different genre but they've had Zack on a few songs aswell

[@burnsidebobthorpe]

Nah , plenty of equally of not more unique artists in this very same era of music...Tool for one , Nine in Nails another...I could go on ...just saying those 2 are great examples of music that stood out in the same time range for sounding different than anything else ...RHCP was another ...plenty of other unique artists of the very same era doing their own thing and just as well ...I'd say Tool and NiN stood out a little more though , just my opinion

[@Askemanden]

Public Enemy 1988

[@jayluis189]

"Suicidal Tendencies" from 80s and 90s

[@johnbruner8440]

It was a different time in L.A.. The LAPD was a heavily racist organization. At the time this song was our anthem. I'm 56. If you were black, Hispanic or poor white, this song was NEEDED. OH YEAH, I'm white too. When we were growing up, it was not uncommon to just get stopped and smacked around.

[@UltimateAPBTS]

🔺🔺🔺

[@fungulusmaximus]

Was? LA, SF and other areas in Cali have had officers act as death squads. Video from last year and this year exist. The police are a gang.

[@thatguyb4]

not that much different now

[@elbruces]

And it's all better now? Look out your window.

[@drewt2790]

AHHHHH.... Fake institutional racism. Sorry... Hasn't existed anywhere in America for at minimum, MINIMUM, 30 years now.

[@mumbleslol]

“it was a different time back then” it really isn’t all that much different unfortunately. a lot of their songs still resonate to this day cause shit has literally not changed

[@TresTrefusis]

I would argue the guilty verdict rendered against Derek Chauvin vs the Not guilty one in the Rodney King case that inspired this song would tend to disagree with that statement. Is it perfect? No, is it the same? Also no. We are learning, we are reckoning, but change takes time. It takes legal precident, many of them, then the establishment of laws. All social change does, from the end of slavery to women's suffrage and even police accountibility. To say that nothing has changed is denying all the hard work that people all over the country have done to get to this point. Hell, social media and the actual media are so ready to crucify law enforcement at the moment they jump on them when they hear the words "police officer shoots black man/woman" without even getting the facts straight... I would say things are very very different from Rodney King's days.

[@alexchavez9083]

Ya slavery is still happening people are still getting lynched gorge floyed died from suffocation not a od Yada Yada Yada

[@roems6396]

If you can’t see that Rage lyrics are just as relevant today, then you aren’t paying attention. Chauvin is an anomaly. How many other beatings and unarmed murders from cops have resulted in zero punishment or change?

[@lumsdelj]

In fact, in many ways, more.. which is terrifying

[@cactustactics]

@@TresTrefusis George Floyd became the symbol of an international movement calling for racial justice. The fact it took that level of scrutiny to get some accountability for once shows how deeply embedded the problem is. It's a systemic issue and needs systemic change, a single symbolic guilty verdict doesn't really mean anything if it's not part of a wider effort to root this stuff out and make the police more accountable. Just look at the public and government reaction to that idea to see how much has really changed

[@adamkilroe9840]

This is the calm relaxing track on the album, and the least angry. Brilliant and absolutely iconic group. A fusion of true punk, metal and early hip-hop.

[@Lord_Cabby]

During live shows, Zach would change the lyrics most times to “some of those that hold office, are the same that burn crosses.”

[@ridoldy]

I've heard that was actually the original. The studios censored them, so they went with forces.

[@padywac1970]

The record company made them change it….record companies suck.

[@Clayton.Bigsby.360]

Rage Against the Machine used to pretend to be anti-establishment, now we realize that they are firmly in the establishment!! They could be doing a big pharma infomercial as we speak, trying to get people to take the vax and lick the boots of the government and Pfizer!! "Now you do what they told ya... Now you are under control...F*CK YOU I WON'T DO WHAT YOU TELL ME!!" .... except, now he'll do exactly what they tell him, and you better do what they tell you!! BAHAHAHA, laughable!! This entire ideology is a JOKE!!

[@Lord_Cabby]

@@Clayton.Bigsby.360 awe, poor little trumper

[@Clayton.Bigsby.360]

@@Lord_Cabby How about trying to stick up for your joke of an ideology, Your whataboutism doesn't work with me!!!

[@fonzcorp]

Its not really about the difference in time, but how bands like Rage had the courage and emotions to play what they wanted with no fucks given. Thats what makes Rage so special with the fans. They stood for so much and expressed themselves regardless what anyone said.

[@bikepimp72]

This song is so strong, so deep.. It's about forcing you to obey your political leaders, the law makers and the police without questioning them.

[@pm2886]

Deep irony that they're now Establishment hacks.

[@Varek.50]

"Some of those that work in forces, are the same who burn crosses." Talking about white supremacists on the police force.

[@markcoe5579]

The original line was. Some of those that work in office. The label made them change it. If you listen to the live versions they say office.

[@wimbuist]

I thought they were talking about politicians. They really work the forces. Police only exercise the power.

[@lumpheadthump]

@@markcoe5579 HAHA! None of that is true. Does that even make sense to you that "in office" would be more controversial than calling cops racist? This song was always about the police because it was about the Rodney King beating. FOH with that stupid lie, kid

[@lumpheadthump]

@@wimbuist Well, you were wrong

[@lumpheadthump]

@Liberty over everything I wouldn’t say expert, but I’m not an idiot who makes up stupid stories online for attention.

[@rickl5415]

As a 46 yo man these 2 help me to understand the disconnect our younger generations have with what’s going on today. This is a statement about our school system not Brad and Lex but damn they don’t know much modern history. I greatly respect their process of working through it tho. Love this channel.

[@BoothTheGrey]

Actually this song was basically about racism and wrong force by police (or even police brutality) - but you can put it on many different social topics. Thats what poetic lyrics is about - being so well written that you may interprete it in many ways.

[@davehart817]

No kidding eh? I didn't think they were that much younger than us, but I know a few of the younger guys that work for me have the same sort of disconnect, so it's not background or class, its what they are or aren't learning growing up. Also I learned a lot from bands like RATM, Propaghandi, Public Enemy, KRS-one, etc as a white kid in the suburbs of Canada, and I think kids today just don't have the same sort of thought provoking music to get them questioning authority. I guess that's what the machine wants, obedient and unquestioning subjects.

[@anxietyhamster6673]

I'm 36 and I got it immediately. I wonder what age the disconnect starts. I think it might be a lot of personal experience too. I know many younger people who got it immediately that it's about police brutality. I mean BLM is still a movement now

[@BuffMyRadius]

@@anxietyhamster6673 I'm 32 and I had to actively seek out information about the LA riots, Rodney King, and pretty much everything about the civil rights movement that happened after about 1971. I'm just a bit too young to remember 1992 and there's no way anything like that is getting taught in the school curriculum.

[@emem2863]

Haha. I was just thinking they have no historical context. It's quite sad, but explains a lot about some of the ignorant things I've heard people say because they have no concept of how history has impacted our present. At least these two think things through. Hopefully, they learn more about modern history.

[@ironcladvee6229]

It’s very true. In America, the education system has not been changed since the early 1900s. It was created to get kids ready to work a newly industrialized country. Line up, eat at the same time, ask to piss, etc. Now ask yourself this; “why would a ‘free’ country keep that systematic way of learning up to 2023?” Yeah.

[@cef3567]

You want to hear Zach spit some bars, please check out 'Wake Up" with lyrics. The whole song is lit af.

[@quantumman555]

Probably my favorite song of theirs.

[@TheNinjakat2010]

Yea unfortunately it's turned to "woke" not awake

[@reanimated]

And then catch him with Run The Jewels...

[@stephenrock8003]

Checkout Bulls on Parade by them, it's a gem!

[@Riverpattison1999]

lmao 'new kids on the block" i fucking died that was a literal boy band LMFAO

[@BlackTalonGaming]

The lyric is 'Work Forces' as in 'they have a Job in Police Force, Air Force, etc'. Literally some of those who are police are in the KKK. This was written in 92 during the LA Riots/Rodney King.

[@Zoonjse]

ye. I always took it as forces = cops. Plus this is pretty much anti government and authority song by them.

[@elbruces]

"New Kids on the Block" was a boy-band. About as opposite to this as it gets.

[@shaneord7527]

This was Christmas no. 1 in the UK in 2009. When they started including download sales in the chart figures they hadn't realised how the charts could be influenced by the public. The populous had had enough of shows like xfactor, who generally had the winner produce a song that would be time released to get the Christmas no. 1. So there was campaign to download this song that week and it worked. This made RATM the first group to get a Christmas number one with a download-only single, and resulted in the most download sales in a single week in UK chart history.

[@B0K1T0]

I deeply love how you are both seem to genuinely love to experience stuff that's new to you, completely open to any interpretation and able to leave out any judgment or "correctness". Just stumbled onto your channel because you happen to review so much music I like, but in such a different way than I thought at first first hand. Makes me think ❤️

[@voidwraithprime8521]

A lot of meat on Rage's bone, but just know that "Know Your Enemy" is one of the greatest songs of all time and you should check it out soon.

[@heatnationwpb]

I'll second that

[@woohoo1551]

I solidly 3rd this.

[@victormolina3601]

Herrummmphh!

[@antivanti]

+1

[@mattlevick3331]

What!? The land of the free?

[@RaffaPed]

Lex is usually so perceptive with the meaning of songs, but to miss this by so far was funny to watch.

[@tinaprice3497]

Describing a revolution which needs to be waged against the authorities in order to end their abuse of power, "Killing in the Name" is widely recognized as the band's signature song, and it has been noted for its distinctive guitar riffs and for the line "Some of those that work forces are the same that burn crosses." This song came out in 92

[@Blitzyduder]

I was thirteen when this song came out and first heard it at the end of a school dance. Teachers had a full scale riot on their hands when the end of the song was turned up. Great band, great message. still as relevant now as thirty years ago. Please please listen to their whole first album, it was a life changer, eye opener for my young self. Brad should get the hard bars being spit.

[@TheNinjakat2010]

A lot of old school rock/metal put this message out thats why ganster rap was put forth even tho nobody want the gangster life

[@sucraM89]

Me too! 💯

[@davidlloyd7454]

You guys break down these songs so well. It helps me to take another perspective

[@seanahern9511]

They performed this song live on TV way back in the day. They were told to edit out the cursing at the end... They didn't. :) Literally yelling "F*ck you! I won't do what you tell me!" on live TV. It's still out there if people want to see it too lol

[@krisalan5327]

And now they perform concerts that are only allowed if the goers are vaccinated because the government Says they have to be lol

[@seanahern9511]

@@krisalan5327 oooof... how far they've fallen

[@krisalan5327]

@@seanahern9511 indeed

[@OrAngeAnArchy]

I remember in one of their concerts (late90's early 00's, i forget) they stood with their mouths taped shut as a political statement...unfortunately the fans were not happy.

[@martymar1964]

That was on SNL

[@tylerjohnson5949]

Duuuuude! I love you guys talking this all though. I appriciate your discusscions and insights. We need more people like you two. Question everything.

[@Marshall-h4d]

I love you Lex... you're so beautiful and I love how open you are to different music.. never change gurl we love you for who you are 💙💙💙

[@revjim123]

Rage was one of the first bands to incorporate a hybrid hip hop metal sound. It had been done before, but it was usually on off collabs between rap and metal artists.

[@jaygee1616]

Yes they were

[@martinwarford1389]

*Faith No More has entered the chat.*

[@Lagg_007]

you misspelled Anthrax

[@findlestick]

For comparison, here’s some New Kids on the Block-lyrics 😂: 🎶 “You got the right stuff, baby Love the way you turn me on You got the right stuff, baby You're the reason why I sing this song” 🎶 A slightly different tone. 😆

[@jamescox4231]

🤣

[@cactustactics]

pov: you read this in Zack's voice

[@cbp117]

Oh man u guys made me laugh so hard.. I just imagined Rage of the Machine singing step by step 😂😂😂😂

[@bobby_c07]

RATM are of the finer examples of rock and rap being blended together. Dub War - Strike It

[@greengelacid2061]

The entire Evil Empire album is a masterclass in discourse...I highly recommend you absorb the whole album...

[@MarloFan]

One of the things I enjoy most about about this song is when it got to number one in the UK Christmas charts. There's hope for us yet.

[@thisistheyear99]

Love the reaction. Hope you dive into Rage deep. I'm white and am 48. There was racism back then in the forces and there is still today. Sure, media has some spin, but definitely racism in the force. Rage teaches facts. You'll realize that more and more along the way. Cheers! ✌🏼

[@jonny26281]

You also have to take into account when this was released…. The same year as the Rodney King trial and the LA Riots.

[@ZainKhan-kg6qr]

1:46 you are right about the way it sounds and that's why I love it. It just sounds very raw. Just a bunch of artists making music together

[@gregbaker9857]

Y'all have to put this band's uniqueness both musically and their social commentary into context of their humble beginnings. Long before Zach's razor sharp lyrics and Tom's guitar genius we're let loose on the public at large! Find the video of their first public performance, it's at a small outdoor commons area of a California UC. There's people just going about their business, walking and milling around oblivious to this band setting up on essentially a covered patio. They have no idea they're about to watch the birth of one of the 90's most controversial iconic bands. It's cool to watch the dynamic of a take it or leave it sparse lunch hour audience, go from barely paying attention to a growing now focused crowd, realizing this isn't your avg. garage band by their 3rd song! Find it, watch it, live it.....

[@backstagecollectibles9776]

...and I truly ABSOLUTELY love Lexi's love and positive vibes, and Brad's great insight. I'm from a small town with honestly, not many POC so it's nice to hear a different perspective on the music I love. Please, keep up the great reactions! #PEACE

[@cyberdan42]

One of the most intellectual, powerful and influential protest bands of the era, of any era. This is what music can do when unleashed.

[@lalah9481]

Lex, your joy gives me JOY! Thank you.

[@sucadhalberga2765]

OMG Lex I just spray spit my water when you said you imagined this this what NKOTB would sound like. Here's an analogy: If NKOTB is blueberry muffins, Rage Against The Machine is spicy pulled pork. That's how different the flavors are. BTW if you want to react to an NKOTB anthem it's definitely "Step By Step" or "The Right Stuff".

[@dmwalker24]

Literally almost fell off my chair when she said that. Yep, spicy for sure... And seasoned with a sprinkle of weapon's grade plutonium.

[@sucadhalberga2765]

@@dmwalker24 a heavy sprinkle

[@johnbush5347]

What?, not hangin tough?, 😂😂😂😂😂

[@sucadhalberga2765]

@@johnbush5347 how could I forget the 3rd song of the NKOTB Trinity?! 🤣🤣🤣

[@inklanois]

I love hearing new folks discover RATM. It's wild.

[@davehart817]

Theres a great tictok vid of a middle age guy acting out being introduced to RATM that is hilarious, look it up and thank me later!

[@thevarietychannelofyoutube4769]

The irony is that these two are very far right

[@jayreyes5984]

I love your reaction and your approach to the topic. You guys have quickly become my favorite reaction channel. Great critical thinking on your part.

[@emeraldcity_]

I gotta say, I have never heard Rage against the machine and thought “Donnie Walberg would rock this “

[@katherinemorelle7115]

Maybe Donnie when he was playing the crazy dude in The Sixth Sense? Definitely not the Donnie playing a corrupt cop in a show that glorifies cops. Blue Blood sucks, btw.

[@karozhun_0895]

But he has "The right stuff"

[@bullus41]

😂😂😂😂😂🤣🤣

[@selectronium]

i consider this song a late 90s companion to the Nine Inch Nails late 80s song called "Head Like A Hole"... it might be a good one to check out, too :-)

[@aspringwind]

Can't wait to see this. I saw them their next to last tour.

[@andy1982222]

This song is just as relevant today as it was when it came out

[@mistersniffer6838]

Where is the song for thugs are POS and deserve a good beeet'in???

[@michaelpeele5739]

You know, it is sad but true.

[@charleslee1862]

Freedom and liberty means you get to live your life how you choose, free to follow any religion (ie Native Indian), and pursue whatever desire just as long as you do not breach someone else's freedom, liberties or property.

[@javianjohnson8746]

This is a great song with a deeper meaning behind the lyrics. So cool

[@christinewaide5249]

One of the greatest songs ever written!!!

[@jonisilk]

This is my favourite Xmas No1. (It topped the charts here in the UK, 15 years after it's release, as a protest against the manufactured Pop Idol/X-Factor winners that had monopolised the Christmas song charts over the previous decade)

[@Zoonjse]

really? I grew to this and then I hadn't heard it for years. And on Christmas day 2004 this was on the radio lol.

[@leonadams8097]

Yeah, and the Beeb asked them to play it, broadcast live. Check out that fine video, my friends.

[@maxxmantooth5219]

The difference you’re looking for- check out beastie boys- often classify rock those with instruments- rap- those with machines and sound boards.

[@nationalnesteggsolutions2335]

Bro, you know what.....this is probably one of THE MOST THOUGHTFUL reaction videos I've ever seen on RATM Killing In The Name. You guys talked through the various aspects of the song and tried to intelligently discover and interpret the meaning of the song, and in context, through your own individual prisms. You guys are awesome! I'm a fan now!! Keepin grindin!!!

[@randybaker6042]

This nation is not founded upon your individual freedom and being able to do whatever you want to. That entire concept is insane. No society could ever survive under such a concept. Individual freedom in a social setting is automatically defined by how much freedom the first individual has to give up to insure the second person has at least as much freedom as the first. From what's for dinner to a thermostat setting to everything else.

[@xenovirus6507]

Check out John Locke

[@randybaker6042]

@@xenovirus6507 very good advice. Every American should at least know the first few pages of his letter concerning tolerance and every American desperately needs to read George Washington's letter to Congress urging ratification of the constitution. Washington clearly explains the purpose and difficulties regarding the constitution along with stating the obvious....individuals, be they persons or states have to give up a measure of freedom in order for there to be a union of people and/or states.

[@randybaker6042]

@John Doe You post on the wrong thread?

[@jimmyb524]

@John Doe you’re obviously a communist and therefore should move to a communist country. Enjoy eating what the might give you for the day! And you’d never be able to say what you did because they’d lick you up.

[@fungulusmaximus]

@@jimmyb524 Communists have had to fight off moron capitalists like you forever. The US and other western countries antagonized Russia after their revolution simply as anti-communist, and Russia still went on to become the Soviet Union. You do not, by your comment, understand what communism is. There is no communist country. There are governments who are led by communists, but they have not achieved communism. There are many socialist countries who are trying to achieve communism, which is an extremely lengthy process. Also, I guarantee whatever belief you actually hold of communism is actually just describing capitalism.

[@the_lomax]

Its about Institutional racism, it was a direct commentary on the Rodney King attack.

[@rontaylor3476]

I think you guys would really enjoy Deftones. Chino’s voice and the band are awesome. Music has context but is fantasy so doesn’t really need broken down but is fun to listen to. Lex would definitely get swept away in the music and vocals.

[@sepulfan02]

"Hexagram","Digital Bath","My own Summer", "Elite" i love Deftones but i rarely listen to "change(in the house of flys)"

[@TheNinjakat2010]

Adrenaline was the best album

[@Andyleobl]

I found out about deftones after nick diaz walked in to "change" great song

[@rontaylor3476]

@@TheNinjakat2010 I’m a fan of all their albums. Some say adrenaline, others say around the fur ( which is the album I first started listening to them.) others say white pony (biggest success commercially). But I truly love it all and every album is different but you still know it’s the deftones. Amazing.

[@TheNinjakat2010]

@@rontaylor3476 I stopped after white pony but have heard good songs from after. Personally I'm a korn kid

[@JockJutManhwaRecap]

dont do new kids on the block....RATM is the best Anti-Government band that their is.. You got to listen to the lyrics.. try "Bulls on Parade"

[@Andyleobl]

I wonder if they will get what bullet in the head is all about.

[@JockJutManhwaRecap]

@@Andyleobl they may they seem quick witted

[@TravisTofTheLeftHand]

They about Communist/Socialist Gov. for you not them. Just like Bernie Sanders.

[@garrettlrider]

They're total sell outs now and support the very system the sung about .

[@numberonepun6969]

I met Tom Morello when I was living in Livertyville Illinois. REALLY chill and nice guy. Was so happy for their success with Cornell in Audioslave. Great guys.

[@sevendeep]

King was pulled over for drunken driving and then speeding to evade. The ranking officer ordered the others to holster their guns, which displayed the fact that they did not believe their lives were in danger, contrary to what they claimed in their defense. What should have ended with simply throwing the people in the car in jail and being booked for their day in court turned into King being tasered and beaten 60 times while on the ground, fracturing his skull, face, knees, and legs. The officers defense team replayed the beating so many times to the jury while bringing Rodney Kings past offenses against him to pin him as a dangerous criminal that some feel that it successfully framed the incident in a light where the officers "showed restraint" by only "attacking to fully subdue" Many things were different back then, but some things were painfully the same.

[@Lestat13]

Well put. Brad & Lex, please read this. My comment was mainly responding to your reaction. This comment gives you both historical context as well as the current problem. It’s not something that the “media” created. Lastly, I’d be interested in your thoughts regarding the Tulsa Massacre & the fact that a Republican rally was held there on the anniversary. I truly want to know your thought processes & how much are assumptions versus critical thinking 😎

[@0okamino]

"Didn't you see how he was dangerously unarmed, and curled up in a fetal position on the ground? We had no choice but to keep brutalizing him. It's not like we killed anyone... well, we didn't kill _that_ guy."

[@robcarney7597]

"Is this rap or is this rock?" Exactly.

[@FabledEra]

PLEASE, THE LOVE OF GOD. NEVER SAY NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK AND TAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE PROBABLY SOUND THE SAME. ITS EXTREMELY INSULTING TO RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE. New Kids on the block is a boy band. Not even close to rage against the machine. Nowhere does newkidsontheblock sound even remotely simular or even close to rage against the machine.🤔 other than that, great reaction. Interesting breakdown of the lyrics.

[@diggidy600]

I know right..nkotb..wtf😂

[@simoncowell6571]

Lex, what you said at 7:10 about them not liking the band is exactly true of "the establishment" which exists in politics, economics, socially, culturally, etc. Highly recommend checking their performance of this same song on BBC Radio 5Live in the UK for a glimpse of what they think about politically correct/corporate culture.

[@EiriUesugiKun]

12:08 - How about George Floyd? This song is just as much about his treatment as it was Rodney King's. This song is as, or even more relevant 30 years after it was released.

[@pepelaugh7]

I'm 100% sure you already heard this song years before on the GTA San Andreas rock radio (K-DST) that's where i heard this song for the first time, and i loved it. (that's why i think you feel you heard this song on a videogame tho)

[@MrAldi1993]

Loving watching Lex turn into a metal head. You guys should check out some Slayer and Lamb of God!

[@briandaniels8945]

Lamb of god is amazing wish Adler was still w em

[@TonyHavenMusic]

The song's lyrics were inspired by the Rodney King case, where after a high-speed police chase the suspect King was beaten by several law enforcement officers, and the subsequent 1992 LA riots sparked by the acquittal of the officers involved. The lyrics "some of those that work forces are the same that burn crosses" draws a link between the LAPD and the KKK

[@ricksoto5845]

I'm inspired to do rap reactions. I know nothing about rap. Doesn't mean rappers aren't talented. They definitely are.

[@unklebacon44]

Good 90s. Political music Tom Morello is another guitar God.

[@amandaw5317]

A guitar god that knows his shit..... people talk shit about the political aspect of this band "oh more celebrities that have no clue what they're talking about." And failing to realize the man has a degree in political science from an ivy league institution

[@EgoChip]

Might have been written in the 90's but it's still relevant now. Sadly, human nature never changes.

[@kittenklub1964]

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 MASTRPIECE 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! ✌️

[@Snipergoat1]

If you think this is called putting your career on the line in order to remain true to themselves I got some corporately made RATM merch to sell you. You can wear it next to the guy wearing the also sweatshop produced Che Guevara T shirt. Rebels both of you. They are damn good musicians but it does not mean you have to buy into their bullshit.

[@bluepandaman]

Haha that new kids on the block comparison was wild.

[@gentlemandave1135]

You guys should do ‘Bulls on Parade’ by Rage next. Listen to Zack spittin bars. I enjoy watching Lex smile & rock out. Subscribed 🤙🏻

[@gatorlover1969]

This song is more relevant now than ever, it’s about cops.

[@KEVROREACTS]

Government, not cops.

[@nielgregory108]

You are so wrong. There is less bs today than ever.

[@gatorlover1969]

@@KEVROREACTS what do you think they mean by “wearing the badge”?

[@SketchyMagpie]

@@KEVROREACTS government and cops.

[@gatorlover1969]

@@nielgregory108 in 2020 there were over 1000 fatal police shootings in the US, far more than any other wealthy nation. For example, Canada had 36, Germany had 11, England and Whales had 3. More relevant than ever.

[@stjjames]

Wow how refreshing- such an intellectually honest take. Dig guys! Liked & followed.

[@TheNorcalmonkey67]

My long deceased nephew turned me on to RATM, EVERY TIME I hear them, I think of him, but am thankful that he turned me on to such an amazing band....

[@mountainbikemayhem1833]

Brad, with regards to Rodney King…context doesn’t matter, if you’ve seen the video. There is zero reason whatsoever, even if he was a cop killer, to have multiple officers of the LAW to surround a man and beat him nearly to death. There is no context.

[@dl4138]

Even if he was a cop killer? What they did to the man was WRONG AF, but pump the breaks dude.

[@knightmare187]

@@dl4138 nah he’s right on. If you’re the good guy, there is a line you don’t cross no matter what. It’s called integrity. This is the standard the police should be held.

[@zennenn]

Yes, even if Rodney had killed police officers, he should not have been beaten. That's why we have courts, to sentence punishment for crimes. Police are not empowered by government to do that. Somehow police are capable of detaining white people without beating them.

[@mountainbikemayhem1833]

@@dl4138 I was never implying that he was actually a cop killer...he was stopped for suspected DUI, then attempted to flee. I used that specific example because if cops are going to circumvent the laws they are sworn to uphold, that would be it. They aren't Judge Dredd... EVERYONE is entitled to their day in court. And they shouldn't look like they had been in a car wreck on the way to that appointment with justice.

[@garrettlrider]

@@zennenn white people are beat too dont fool your self other races are also arrested peacefully stop believing false narratives

[@bermradioraw4332]

This was from the early '90s and it is the polar opposite of New Kids on the Block - lol

[@joshw8968]

Bulls on parade, testify; and sleep now in the fire are all awesome songs with a message. Also maybe a lyric version would be a good idea for rage.

[@Datníğğa123]

Every rage song has a message you can name any song