Rapper FIRST time REACTION to Living Colour - Cult Of Personality! OMG!!!!!!

[@jackg5734]

one of the most underrated bands of all time.

[@marlew6629]

Easily. Vernon Reid the guitarist is on another level and any guitarist worth his salt knows it. He's a guitar legend.

[@jakecady47]

100% agree

[@sbombeck5419]

Extremely underrated! This song KILLED IT in the 80's and STILL KILLS IT!

[@daniaanne]

Agreed

[@loristone9242]

Fact

[@lisahumphries3898]

This song isn’t just about the US. It’s about the human race.

[@vladtheinhaler8940]

Biggest cults of personalities are Mao, Stalin, Hitler, Lenin, FDR, and Che.

[@andaimhineach4131]

AMEN!

[@jimedick9496]

Exactly. They referenced world leaders and influences. I loved their music!!

[@steffanheimdallson5807]

Vernon Reid is criminally underrated as one of the best guitarists ever. His solo in this song is my absolute favorite.

[@TheDegenerate666]

Dude is a fucking great! He shreds like a madman!

[@Floyd78]

Vernon Reid is a MONSTER

[@michaellyons7037]

I was going to post this until I read yours… dude was absolute dynamite. He made it look so effortless. I loved this band and his guitar play for years….

[@TKID-17105]

Reid is a shred-monster, he's so criminally unrecognized. And Living Color should be up there with all the Gen X bands, but they are so often overlooked. These guys ripped it up.

[@christyler6234]

I read somewhere that this solo was a take where he was angry and frustrated that after several takes he couldn’t get the feel that he wanted and just went super aggressive on it and thought it was a throw away at the end but it turned out to be the take he wanted. I love, love this song for so many reasons and the solo just pushes this song over the edge for me. Amazing!

[@kittylynnlpn]

Wow! I have seen many black reactors react to this video and the only reaction they really say is how great the song is and how shocked they were that a group of black artists were doing rock music. You were the first one who understood the message of the song and hit the nail on the head. Wow! That's why you're one of my absolute faves! You dive deep. 🙏🙏

[@kimzwolinski9919]

If you haven’t seen it already you tube channel “wondermommaog” did a great compilation video of reaction channels reaching to this song. It’s really great.

[@fatboy1271]

⬆️🤘🤘

[@williamreiser3118]

But yes before living color there was a Detroit All black metal group called Black Death

[@62egoodwin]

Absolutely agreed !!! Was thinking the same thing !!

[@donlowry6469]

It's all about manipulation.

[@mentalwedgee]

False idols doesn't just mean statues and symbols. We have a tendancy to idolize "personalities" and that is a road to ruin.

[@realPenrodPooch]

Well, close. No such thing as a "false idol". It's simply "idols". You're thinking about "false gods". To whit, idols and false gods aren't just statues and symbols. It's anything or anyone other than God Almighty. Money, govt., yourself, graven images, persons, etc. They all qualify.

[@islander_67lilbrownguy30]

Amen

[@TheDylls]

Fascinating to me that you phrase it like that. I was raised Roman Catholic but no longer "Believe". That being said, there are SO MANY great bits of the (King James) Bible that I still think about all the time when interacting with people. 😊

[@TheDylls]

​@@realPenrodPooch True, but I've heard a few times that some other Christian sects consider Roman Catholics idolaters for "worshipping a physical representation of Jesus on the cross"

[@McCarlKnoxville]

Trump is the perfect example 😂

[@jonathancapps1103]

You missed the most important message: 35 years ago Living Colour showed that an _all Black hard rock band_ can absolutely melt your face.

[@gchampi2]

And that's why they never got as big as they should've. The White Rock media didn't know how to promote them, because Black, and the Black Rap/Rn'B media didn't know what to do with them, because Rock. Should've been MASSIVE, but barring this one song, they never quite broke through...

[@Lolquake]

@@gchampi2 That's not true, I heard this all over the radio and the video was played a lot on tv back then, the problem was they only released one other song that kind of caught on.

[@ShaunHensley]

Yessir that was the main takeaway at the time 😂

[@ShaunHensley]

@@gchampi2they needed one more catchy song on that album. I bought it when it came out and didn’t quite find another banger like this

[@eriklarson9137]

@@gchampi2 As if they weren't massive. Big L for ya.

[@jondickson5773]

This song was ahead of its time. We are living this song right now.

[@Briansgate]

we've always been living this song.

[@kalijo1]

We are living the shit out of this song right now.

[@cthree7792]

They were living it then too. Reagan and the war on drugs that was designed to control the poor and funnel money to us allied dictators.

[@ginahouston9352]

FACTS!!! 💯

[@devonalomar9012]

​@@BriansgateOnly the young or uneducated fail to understand this. They truly mistakenly believe now is unique.

[@The_Gary_Douglas]

Fun fact… these dudes are all Berkeley School of Music grads. Super talented artists.

[@desiyoung9611]

Cal Berkeley or Berklee?

[@BigTroyT]

@@desiyoung9611 Berkee, as in NYC & Boston (and a few other places now). It's also now called the Berklee College Of Music - formerly the Berklee School Of Music.

[@jameswarner5809]

@@BigTroyT Berklee is the breeding ground for so much musical talent - St Vincent, Bent Knee, Sound Struggle. All excellent in different ways.

[@bromixsr]

Vernon Reid had some mad guitar riffs and solos. The man combines styles of music that back then you only heard in underground or garage bands. You'll see him listed among the greatest guitarists of all time for a reason

[@faith.s_mom]

@@desiyoung9611 Berklee (Boston)

[@tyghe_bright]

A cult of personality is when people follow a leader because they're charismatic, without thinking about what the leader really stands for.

[@BlueHen123]

Bro is voting for Trump and doesn't realize the song is exactly about Trump

[@ecbenson98]

@@BlueHen123 Nailed it. The only reason people are so devoted to him is personality, nothing to do with ideas or policy

[@therealcirclea762]

@@ecbenson98 It isn't about Trump, Biden, Obama or Bush. All of them are administrators of the State. The "Personality" is just one among may in the "Cult"... of the State. "YOU gave me fortune..." How many administrators of the State are not rich, no matter their "party?" "YOU gave me fame..." How many are _not_ famous? "YOU gave me power in YOUR god's name." Ultimate authority. Make it about Trump, and when you do, you are just part of the "other" cult.

[@trfrenchy]

​@ecbenson98 not true! It's about policy

[@geofftottenperthcoys9944]

@@trfrenchy Like?

[@-Thunder]

"When a leader speaks that leader dies" The system attacks the truth.

[@johnbordach4195]

Excellent, spot on reaction. May you keep educating both us and yourself for a long time to come. Where's my Tim Buckley?

[@lorries978]

Fred Hampton, Malcolm X, MLK Jr, and JFK were thought to have been assassinated by the FBI to stop the advancement of the Civil Rights Movement.

[@randal_gibbons]

Ignorance attacks the truth.

[@-Thunder]

@@randal_gibbons When telling the truth about corruption of the State becomes a crime you are ruled by criminals. The criminals on TV (the propagandists licensed by the state) will call you ignorant if you scrutinize “their truth”.

[@coachwhitford7315]

Fact-checking never existed until technology was exploited for truth telling, which then led to govt/globalists reclaiming technological exploitation utilizing all media hands on deck spinning PR narratives like "mis/dis/mal" information.

[@truckinleprechaunscottcask9747]

You didn't miss anything. The first time is said "only you can set ME free" the second time it comes around and says "only you can set YOU free". You got the exact message they were sending out. This song was true 30+ years ago. It's even more true today! Awesome reaction BP thanks for doing this song.

[@JaquelineGoodspeed]

More true today. They were giving us, " heads up."

[@basin7117]

​@JaquelineGoodspeed 😢 unfortunately it wasn't a "heads up," it was what was happening. Itwasn't addressed and it's now worse

[@Clear706]

Spot on. Especially when BP said personalities create cults. I was like bro, wait till you press that play button again , lol.

[@jeffk2526]

Every time I see a reaction to this song, I bring up this EXACT set of lyrics. Some of my favorite lyrics of all time!! I actually posted this before I saw your post!

[@craigkm5303]

And the third verse says “only I can set YOU free “

[@trottheblackdog]

I'm a 61 year old white dude, and their first CD was all I listened to for most of a year. That guitar solo was the TRUTH!

[@readerlistener5402]

My dad lost his mind when this was the first tape my elementary school little white girl self bought and played until it broke.

[@MicksMom365]

Me too. ❤

[@brianechols680]

55yrs old on this end... This band been on 🔥 for a long time...

[@NiamhCullen]

I am 53 and had to use a pencil to fix this tape twice. Still have the cassette

[@LunaMourn-o4b]

The song "Cult of Personality" suggests that leaders who rely on their image and personality to gather followers may not be as genuine as they appear. It calls out leaders for being narcissistic, manipulative, and dishonest, warning us about the dangers of blindly following a charismatic leader.

[@Metzwerg74]

so a song about trump..... !?!?

[@redline841]

​@@Metzwerg74 No, the song is about CM Punk

[@Trav1s-1016]

@@Metzwerg74are you truly believing any dumbass politician cares about you? They say what you want to hear my guy.

[@mrmagee911]

Hmm, makes ya think......

[@kennethlane7645]

​@@Metzwerg74I was wondering if someone was gonna say it. Lol.

[@scottiegriffin46]

Very underrated band, and Vernon Reid, probably one of the most underrated lead guitarists during that era.

[@andrewlaw]

Along with Rocky George of Suicidal Tendencies

[@davidstephan5116]

Name three other songs by them? Without google.

[@Bekka_Noyb]

agreed!

[@Boa_Omega]

love how Tarja Turunen teamed up with some of the greatest guitarists around today on her Outlanders album. Filmed in Hopes Bay Antigua. Including Vernon Reed and Joe Satriani. The music very different then her usual metal/hard rock. 2 years old now. Lots of messaging about the history of the paradise Antigua is now. And her and German EDM artist Torsten Stenzel it is a summer groove good anytime and with the visualizers its amazing . And yes wrestling fans should know " IT'S CLOBBERIN' TIME!!! Thank you Phil ' C.M.Punk' Brooks. For making the point.

[@Isa_barchetta]

Whats your favorite color,living color​@@davidstephan5116

[@sglenn63]

Written in one rehearsal session. Won best hard rock Grammy 1990 and 2 MTV awards.

[@leonardwashington6456]

Fun fact: when the makers of Guitar Hero 3 wanted to add this to the game in 2007, the owners to the rights of the masters wanted an exorbitant amount of money. So the band came in and re-recorded the song with a new guitar solo, 19 years after the initial release.

[@MetalMann-de3xi]

I've thought for the longest that they had some people come and do a dang good cover for it, because the guitar solos sounded different, and didn't sound exactly the same throughout, but the singer sounded just about the same. I played the guitar hero version so many times that I got used to it and grew to like it over the original because the solos were cleaner, meaner, and the song was on guitar hero just hit harder. When I found out a few years later about them recording a new version for the game, I was like no wonder! I think the guitar hero version is the better version now probably because it was well rehearsed then.

[@leonardwashington6456]

@@MetalMann-de3xi yea they'd been playing it nearly 20 years at that point lol

[@MetalMann-de3xi]

@@leonardwashington6456 up to guitar hero 3 they used a lot of cover bands to do some of the songs without masters and getting more legal permissions from band's label. That's why I thought it was a cover band from a company called Line 6 which they used. It's crazy how record labels chastise their musicians so much. Some are crazy enough to block sound clips of their band's being used on anything like a local metal band here in Louisiana, even just to give tribute to them. The record label is actually very small and the band is their most successful band having just two albums made in the early 90s. Bands want and need the exposure to succeed. I'm pretty sure guitar hero repopularized the song for younger generations before CM Punk made it his theme music. These days, a lot of vintage music is making a comeback to inspire more. I still have my old LP of their first album and listen to it every once in a while, but I think I've worn it out 🤣

[@MrPostman900]

all of these bands should go in and re-record their "Taylor's Version" tracks of the hits. f- these labels and producers.

[@wong5150]

i read they re-recorded it because epic couldn't find the masters in the vault

[@BillGraper]

I don't care who is playing, or what their race is. This song ROCKS!!!

[@markstasiak6127]

Amen!

[@thundermite1241]

Yep good music is goof music

[@PML78]

🔥🎸🔥🤘🏽

[@cainealexander-mccord2805]

But it is a little gratifying to see the young brothers and sisters realise that it's not white boys making that wonderful noise. That's right. Book. Cover. Judge.

[@adamr149]

🤔

[@JimBusch437]

"Open Letter To A Landlord" is another Living Colour song with a powerful message.

[@millerbeer01]

My absolute fav Living Colour song. So worth a react. Reminds me of growing up in the Bronx

[@OkieRA29]

Amen, still relevant today. Especially when you see the issues in cities like Baltimore and others. The gentrification of historic neighborhoods. Yes, I grew up on the East Coast in and around Boston, Philly and Baltimore. It is sad what they have allowed these places to become

[@josephmorgan9739]

Absolutely agree they are one of the bands that when I was a teenager opened my eyes to the real world.

[@tonydelapa1911]

One of my favorite lyrics ever: You gave me fortune You gave me fame You gave me power In your God’s name

[@JaquelineGoodspeed]

I like that too even though I am a believer in the Messiah.

[@thegridrunner9976]

That is the most repeated formula of every dictator throughout history. Freaking profound.

[@TheStaffmaster]

I'm EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO BE I'M THE CULT OF PER... -SON... -AL... -ITY!!!!

[@EmbassyNerdcore]

@@JaquelineGoodspeed Yeah it's saying that the ignorant people who worship money, put men in power only because they say they are good with money. Doesn't matter if its true, a lot of elections come down to who do you trust with money. Not who do you trust with the heart and soul of the people of the nation. The CoP has fortune and fame and power because his supporters worship him with their money

[@sheryldoughty8820]

Magats.

[@danrumble74]

The guitar solo is an All Time face melter 💯 ..and it was Malcolm X, FDR & JFK's voices

[@Metzwerg74]

who is FDR ? sorry but as a german, i´m not that familiar with american politicians names....

[@babylonsister118]

@@Metzwerg74 Franklin Delano Roosevelt, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Franklin_D._Roosevelt

[@Metzwerg74]

@@babylonsister118 ahhh... did not know, there was a middle name to roosevelt.... thanks

[@babylonsister118]

@@Metzwerg74 No worries

[@babylonsister118]

@@Metzwerg74 And until I looked him up, did not know he married his cousin! (fifth though, which I suppose maks a difference) Or if I did, had long since forgotten.

[@NiamhCullen]

I am white and they came out when I was a senior in high school. I blasted this in my car with my boyfriend now husband. We LOVE this band. They are tremendous. They opened at a concert. Omg so amazing.

[@randomhockeyguy9149]

Vernon Reid, criminally underrated guitar player of this era. These guys are still out there doing shows today. Saw them about 5 years ago at Disney World (Summer concert series) and they were still playing and singing great.

[@bigoz1977]

I seen them last year here in Australia with Extreme. One of the best shows I’ve ever seen. Nuno and Vernon on the same stage on the same night was a dream come true for me. 👍🏻

[@Alan_Duval]

@@bigoz1977 Wow! That would've been amazing!

[@bigoz1977]

@@Alan_Duval it was indeed 👍🏻

[@Alan_Duval]

@@bigoz1977 Nice! The closest I've come to seeing that level of guitar wizardry on stage was when I saw Vai many years ago, in Auckland.

[@bigoz1977]

@@Alan_Duval wow he’s no slouch! Another legend 👍🏻

[@BB-yh5rd]

Did a paper in college on tyranny, little after this song came out. We didn't have google and such, we had to write on what we knew. Late 1980s, 1990s we had MTv, the radio, the library (good one), and class. The lyric "you won't have to follow me, only you can set me free." No one thinks they're buying in to a tyrant but we do as humans. Only broad public support can allow a tyrant to exist and that means each person individuality has to hand over his or her will to the personality. By the time the Third Reich happened many Germans were beyond skeptical but the toothpaste was out of the tube. We all have fears, internal monologue, we're subject to propaganda, bias, all that no matter what we tell ourselves. Right circumstances, right message, bad things happen on a wide scale.

[@johncarpenter3751]

The reason we have a treasonous candidate running for reelection is because millions of people are “drinking” the kool aid!

[@averycausey3995]

Very well said! Thank you

[@arkhsm]

A certain party (read project 2025), are going to turn America fascist before your eyes, if you as a Democratic Republic don't WAKE UP to it NOW !!

[@denniscarney5249]

I had to write a response to MLK's 'Letter from Birmingham Jail' in college. My response was an amalgamation of this song and 'Open Letter to Landlord.' Easily my highest grade for that course.

[@RuasRui]

Almost 40 years old and the lyrics are more actual than ever... This song will always age as a good wine!

[@nickdietz4367]

On the first bridge to the chorus, he said “only you can set (me) free”, second time he said “only you can set (you) free”. Pretty fire

[@tokyobento]

New channel!!! “Political Pegasus”

[@andybarrett6472]

Saw them with Body Count, Janes Addiction and Siouxsie and the Banshees in 1990. Blew my 16 year old mind.

[@StunThePuppy]

The first Lollapalooza was the summer of 91’ and what a wild lineup.

[@reeseraines5136]

Body Count STILL putting out bangers.

[@doug071173]

Oh I bet that was a helluva show!!!

[@davereloader8837]

@@StunThePuppy Saw it in the bay area. Amazing show.

[@ogmandog]

That festival was badass across the board.

[@dhunter1133]

He's not making extreme examples; he's telling you they are ALL like this, regardless of whether you think they're "good" or "bad." Politicians serve the machine, not the people.

[@KeithDCanada]

This song was a direct precursor to bands like Rage Against The Machine, and Ice-T's rock band 'Body Count', an especially of his song "No Lives Matter" which, to me, defines current times and political climate better than any have recently. It's not black vs white. It's not Democrat vs Republican. IT's VERY MUCH rich vs poor.

[@graciezundt4201]

ABSOLUTELY 💯! How can we make others see this?

[@dizzle7558]

I actually saw them with Body Count..

[@Cchan53]

Saw them in the 80's in Cleveland, Ohio opening for the Stones...

[@Cchan53]

No other "rock" black band ever since ...they were good, what happened?

[@noother964]

Body Count are still going, still amazing and vastly underrated -almost unknown. I'd love to see reactions to their songs!

[@tat2jim]

Open Letter to a Landlord should be next. Great band.

[@Cherokeelion]

Thats a good one

[@Raynabobayna1]

YES!!

[@adrianstjohn4820]

Agree

[@courtnayzeitler8564]

My favorite LC song!!

[@hunterhitch2858]

YES!

[@breannacrowder7272]

I’m 50 and was a teenager when this badass song came out on MTV

[@johnathanstruble1064]

Recorded in the late 80s , most relevant in 2024...!

[@mnn1265]

Seems to be written about Trump and his cult.

[@PatternRecognitionMusic]

@@mnn1265 let's not pretend that doesn't go both ways - there is as much cult of personality surrounding Democrat leadership as there is Republican and has been for many, many years. There's a reason I tell people to do their own research and vote based on track record of policy, not just empty words or likability.

[@c1ph3rpunk]

@@mnn1265the fact that this is where you went indicates you’re a victim of the same cult mentality they’re talking about. It doesn’t matter what cult you worship, they’re all the same, and they are just that: cults. And with the absence of religious cults we’re forced down political ones.

[@mnn1265]

@@PatternRecognitionMusic Name one Democrat that has cult like status of Trump? You'd have to go way, way back in time to find anything approaching the Trump MAGA cult. If ever... So, no, I think that's false equivalency. It does happen to some degree but I can't think of anyone that even approaches the unconditional control of the party that Trump wields.

[@mnn1265]

@@c1ph3rpunk Nonsense, critical thinking is fundamental.

[@deborahfoster5520]

By far your best reaction. I’m 70 yrs old & have always loved this song for its strong message. I also love your message as well. Well done!

[@coachwhitford7315]

Perfect song to show the youngins just waking up that only times change, not the game.

[@Nick-vd8mp]

I'm a metalhead, but I always blast it when it comes on the radio.

[@tigg1972]

I always like how the little girl shakes her head and turns off the TV. (the tool of the cult of personality)

[@kellykeegan3569]

BP you get it! I was 15 when this came out. I was stunned by its truth telling. I played this for my mom who was not a hard rock fan and she couldn’t believe it! She said it was the most truth and accurate telling of the powers that be not only in this country but around the world. My family is military and police officers so I can say I was raised a patriot and that day my mom sat me down and explained why we should never idolize a human being ever. Why we should always question everything. And why we hold true to our morals and values of God, Country and Family in that order, and our “country” wasn’t the American Gov but her citizens. We protect the constitution at all costs and pray for wisdom every day because the world cult of personalities are NEVER on our side. Thank you for opening this song up to a new generation that desperately need to hear it! Peace..

[@peterryan4199]

Being a Military brat and Army vet I resonate with your family teachings. We need this to be taught in schools again, But we know common sense isn't common and few have the discernment to question everything!

[@randal_gibbons]

The American government IS her citizens. We govern ourselves through our elected Representatives. But we've gotten lazy and passed our responsibilities on to them which has made them more powerful than we are. We the people hold the most important office in the country, that of American Citizen.

[@-Thunder]

@@randal_gibbons The people on TV sure seem to think that both the USA and Democracy are spelled D.C.

[@AngelaFrazier-yl8jl]

As a veteran, I love this... I try to tell others, I vote to protect the constitution - not a person & not the flag - the CONSTITUTION against ALL enemies, foreign AND domestic...😢

[@kellykeegan3569]

@@randal_gibbons I agree 100%. We are a constitutional republic, but that fact hasn’t been taught in school (intentionally) for decades. And because of this, no one under my generation even knows what that means. I am a Gen X’er and I believe every generation younger than mine have zero clue of the greatness of our incredible country. Quite the opposite, all the schools, the media and all things social media repeat the mantra that America is a bully and fundamentally flawed and evil. It’s hard to bring up the next generation of patriots when the powers that be have carefully constructed a system to stay in power. And that system isn’t a call for patriotism, truth and excellence.

[@RobOHara]

For a lot of white metalheads like me growing up in the 80s, Living Colour opened my mind to Bad Brains, Fishbone, 24-7 Spyz, and opened the door for Body Count. Glad you discovered the song. It still gives me chills nearly 30 years later. Keep rockin' and reacting.

[@NicoleM_radiantbaby]

YESSSS, SAME! I became such a nerd for Bad Brains in particular!

[@rebelleparrish4937]

Love Bad Brains!!!!!!!!

[@codystensland4177]

The first line was "Only you can set *me* free" and the second was "Only you can set *you* free". The first one meant "You set me free. I'm in power and controlling you *because* of you.".

[@PGoodmanCOG]

Criminally underrated band.

[@gregbenwell6173]

I so strongly agree, had my own grand daughter call me a "racist" to my face....as I tried to explain to her WHY the 1980s was culturally important!! As I told her....."WE HAD the best bands for a reason!, the 1980s was a part, black, white, male, female it was a party and EVERYBODY was welcome!" we didn't really have the "divides" we see today!! RUN DMC doing music with Aerosmith, Public Enemy Bring the Noise, the band Anthrax, and on and on and on!!!!!! My generation had a number of friends from all different races!!! True mixing pot!!!

[@candi_renee_28]

This song had HEAVY rotation on MTV

[@karlbecker8775]

This band never got enough love, imo.

[@vivienneclarke2421]

It did in my household~!! Me and my (now ex😂)husband's first date was Lolapalooza 1991,Living Colour was one of the bands we went to see🔥

[@kenvannorman6126]

I've been saying this for years

[@Degner]

The TV show was originally called"Living Color". They had to change it to "IN Living Color" because of the band, who was around first.

[@morrisstewart1528]

My future bar trivia group thanks you for this info.

[@scottNNJ]

I don’t remember them changing the name. (The band also spells it “Colour”) but the TV show did need to change the logo - it originally had each letter in a different color, just like the band had on its album artwork.

[@billkeithchannel]

I bet the casting director for Star Trek: Strange New Worlds was a fan of _In Living Color._ That would explain why they cast a Jim Carey clone as the new Jim Kirk for that show.

[@jqths1974]

This song came out of nowhere and caught everyone off guard! This song was so far ahead of it's time and the message seems even more appropriate today than ever

[@fgrillo29]

I was 14 when this dropped. So timeless and ahead of it's time. This is a constant alarm. A wakeup call. Pay attention. Listen to your own voice and don't get caught up in BS. This is an all time banger.

[@bknsty14]

“I know your anger, I know your dreams, I’ve been everything you want to be” “I’m every person you need to be” These two lines are great and really reflect our politicians today.

[@brentottoson6974]

For all time. Evita Perón said as much and she got her own musical. A certain German also. He got a musical within a movie then and actual musical but not not as flattering a portrayal.

[@chrisg8767]

Late to the party on this one, but there's a subtle lyrical shift between the first chorus and the second. The first time, he says, "Only you can set ME free." Later he says "Only you can set YOU free." That makes the lyrics so, so, so much deeper.

[@marlew6629]

Eddie Van Halen on Vernon Reid the guitarist" He's on another level. I can't do what he does. His playing is incredible."

[@DavidB-vk8ei]

Really, this song is pretty easy to play.

[@greynoise1409]

HIs solo album "Mistaken Identity" was a road map to a future of "hip hop" that never happened (says the old white guy). Even on its own, it is sadly overlooked as a work of musical genius.

[@LeeB-l6y]

@@marlew6629 there is absolutely no way this quote is real. I love both. But it's just not true.

[@marlew6629]

@@LeeB-l6y He said it, during an MTV interview. It's true.

[@marlew6629]

@@DavidB-vk8ei You couldn't get that sound if you had 2 years to practice

[@elizabethfranco1284]

Cult of Personality, a pejorative term for a group that idealizes a leader and subscribes to common political,social,religious or philosophical beliefs.

[@shanepn]

Oh like MAGA

[@thatfrosteylife]

@@shanepn No, that would be you chomos with biden.

[@SonicProfessor_a.k.a._T._Andra]

First used in reference to the ideological cult which the individual who falsely named himself a "man of steel" ("stalin" **puking**) grew around himself. Later, applied to all types of tyrants, cultists and oppressive subjects of idolatry, worldwide. 👍

[@truckinleprechaunscottcask9747]

​@@shanepn, you could say the same about government entirely at the moment. And your TDS is showing.

[@UTubeHandlesSuck]

@@truckinleprechaunscottcask9747 I saw no sign of the _Total Devotion Syndrome_ that infects the MAGA cult. He wasn't waxing poetic about getting to lick Trump's boots, or cheering for the sniveling orange coward.

[@johnmolet7678]

Also, fun fact.. The singers name is Cory Glover. He played Francis in the movie Platoon!

[@newpairodimes]

Vernon Reid, the lead guitarist was the driving force here. Corey Glover, the lead singer, also did some acting. He was in Platoon. Glamour Boys is a fun track from the same album with a video too.

[@deborahcurry1014]

I came here to say exactly this!

[@tokyobento]

FAITH, FAMILY, FREEDOM!!!! WAKE UP AMERICA!!!

[@diydummy5138]

Middleman is a great track as well. When they first broke into the mainstream they opened do “THE” Rolling Stones. One of the best live shows I have seen ever and they are still touring almost 40 years later!!!

[@elliekahl5305]

He's Danny Glover's nephew, isn't he?

[@andreadeamon6419]

​@elliekahl5305 now that you've said that - kinda remember that he was

[@ecnalreleam]

Dude, it's one of the greatest rock songs of all time. Everything about it is perfect!

[@StayinInMyLayne]

This group was so grossly underatted!! Corey Glover still kills it today...and Vernon Reid ..Master Shredder!!!!

[@danielkelly2234]

Lot of people forget lead singer Corey Glover was in Oliver Stones Platoon film w/Charlie Sheen back in mid ‘80’s

[@PML78]

When I found that out years ago... I swear I put on that movie again and was " Oh Yeah! There he is" 😆😂

[@FloridaRocks]

Very prominent role.

[@madgen2699]

They were loved in the 80s so many great bands back then I miss it. People loved each other way more than they do nowadays. 🇺🇸🙏

[@kathigreen1479]

Yeah, Obama ruined that. Sadly.

[@MamaJewels99]

You’re blaming Obama for that? That’s so beyond stupid.

[@kathigreen1479]

@@MamaJewels99 nope, he brought race into everything and started all the woke BS. HE'S still Destroying America, just like he and Big Mike want.

[@randomchord]

@@MamaJewels99 No. It's not. Obama created more hate than any other president in my lifetime and I lived in the south in the late 60's, early 70's and my parents were hippie musician activists. Odetta sang me Happy Birthday and Winnie the Pooh when I was 5. I was at the center of the zeitgeist of the time and I can ASSURE you that things were getting so much better till Obama used racism as a political tool.

[@leonardwashington6456]

​@@MamaJewels99Obama intentionally set race relations back 50 years in this country, whether you choose to recognize it or not.

[@neonvandal8770]

I grew up on 80's Hardcore Hip Hop and got into this group after hearing the guitarist Vernon Reid played on Public Enemy's " Sophisticated Bitch". The album "Times Up" was a musical revelation, learning about Vernon Reid's organisation The Black Rock Coalition and the real history of black people and rock music. Incredible band and a wellspring of musical knowledge for those who want to learn.

[@Iggy010]

I am a music teacher and I talk to my students all the time about the meaning of the music that is out there. They usually don't care and as you said earlier "who cares what it's about, just vibe to it". The amount of powerful messages or negative messages a lot of my students miss makes me sad. You may be vibing to a song, which is fine to do, but you have got to stop occasionally and think about what message you are spreading through your music. The musicians are a messenger sure, but we deliver it to those around us. Whether you look at a song like this, Jimi Hendrix performance of the Star Spangled Banner, or similar songs there are very powerful messages that exist. These messages still resonate with what exists today. Thank you for looking into the messages of the music, while still enjoying the sound of it as well! This music teacher takes his hat off to you. I was 5 days shy of 3 years old when this song was released.

[@darkangel72-ge6sc]

This is one of my favorite songs. The message is deep and powerful. Most people don't know what the meaning of cult of personality. It slid in under the radar and is still in practice today.

[@KristyAshcraft]

I wish more people took this song seriously. It is telling the truth as it is. Which is why this song isnt as popular as it should have been. It was big, but not because of the message. It was in guitar hero, but as a kid, i didnt know what i was singing.

[@brettsiegel6934]

“How have I not seen this group before”? Me: I saw them live five times; first in ‘88, last in ‘23. Living Colour has been around for a long time, and their catalog is GREAT!

[@thesteadingoffranya4423]

Dude the best part is they are still playing and still rocking hard. I laugh when I hear people say "why have I never heard of them" then fail to connect the message to that question. Television is the message of "allow us to show you what we want and manipulate you into thinking\feeling what we want". (fine when the premise is entertainment but as news it is oppressions in action) Social media is designed to maintain the construct of addiction and provide leverage against the population. It all revolves around the cults of personality making more money and accumulating more power.

[@Sonny-r1y]

Man dig watching his mind blown. Ain’t it insane that this song has more meaning now than when it came out.

[@Hoeech]

I've been listening to this song for nearly 4 decades and I never get tired of it. Their whole debut album is outstanding

[@andyjackson304]

Living Colour was the opening band on The Rolling Stones "Steel Wheels" tour. I was among 65,000 people at their tour date in Clemson SC in 1989 and Living Colour absolutely stole the show. I was already a Living Colour fan and had their album "Vivid" which is full of one great song after another.

[@susanwilliams9549]

I was there! I still can't believe how badly the stands in Death Valley swayed the entire concert! I just knew they were going to collapse.

[@LogicalJay]

I'm 50, so I jammed this song when it came out. It still lights me up today.

[@elizabethfranco1284]

It’s Malcom X from a speech of his from 1963 in the beginning

[@joecarcione6636]

Mick Jagger "discovered" this band in NY, loved them, and had them open many dates for the Rolling Stones in the late 80s...

[@MrLedotson]

Great concert. I saw Living Color, Guns and Roses, then The Rolling Stones. Eric Clapton came out and played a song with Mick ang Keith. Never forget that show.

[@daisydebcrafts]

I am in my 60s. The message in this song is true for all times. I love that you take a deep dive into the meaning of songs. Love your channel.

[@darkwing1128]

Now you gotta see how powerful this song is as CM Punk’s entrance in Chicago. Legit legendary. Especially with the message both the band and Punk stand for.

[@FrankD518]

Pegasus might have heard the music without being able to hear the lyrics. I don't know if he would follow wwe, but he might be more familiar with Bellator. As Phil Brooks aka CM Punk was a terrible mma fighter, but he was trying to make some coin following Brock Lesnar making a splash as a fighter.

[@heffiagametech8094]

Another 80s classic

[@andreadeamon6419]

I miss the 80s

[@heffiagametech8094]

@@andreadeamon6419 i do too

[@Evolved-]

Living Colour is an incredible band, period.

[@gokurules22]

please don't ever stop doing the breakdown of the songs. i love hearing all the perspectives and interpretations that you give.

[@RyanSchmidt-tk9dy]

The first two choruses use one different word each. Both take a different direction, yet both carry equal strength. On you can set ME free: leaders can't be given relevance without the following. Only you can set YOU free: you are the source of your own strength.

[@ValonGaming-DiabloImmortal]

I saw them in concert back in the late 80's and 90's. this SONG still resonates today. it is truly one of the greatest songs written!!!!

[@geraldrobertson7871]

I was 11 years old when this song, came out!!!! My parents didn't let it's message, slip by me as I was rocking out too it. When the Berlin wall was being torn down, they made a point, too tell me too remember this, cause it was a pivotal point in history, happening in my life time!!!!

[@lorijohnston4311]

One of the best songs of the 80s!! Still rocks just as hard as it did back then.

[@movieloverforlife]

I'm so glad that I grew up with MTV in the 80's, because it really gave us a chance to learn about all these great bands when they first came out. MTV back then had music on 24/7, so we were introduced to just about every genres of music. Now a days you don't know what great artist is out there, because unless they make it on the radio, you never hear or see them. I'm glad that we at least have youtube now, so that people get the chance to experience all the great music and artist from the past and those that are around now.

[@donnamcmanus7360]

The message is as old as time, only the delivery system has changed. The first "Only you can set me free" is the charismatic powerful leaders can only wield the power we give them. The second "Only you can set you free" is the affirmation that breaking from their influence is on the individual. At least that was how i viewed it when I first heard it. Great song and Vernon Reid shreds.❤

[@BayouMaccabee]

The message of this song it timeless. "There's nothing new under the sun."😮

[@jennifernorris9166]

There is evil under the sun! Beware ❤

[@sweetjunegirl]

Thank you for saying we are a Constitutional Republic. Stay strong!

[@mattbrothers2197]

This song absolutely blew the roof off when it came out. Everyone I knew was obsessed.

[@JPerzynski]

The iconic opening and closing lines of Living Colour's "Cult of Personality" feature famous quotes. The song begins with a snippet from Malcolm X's "Message To The Grass Roots" speech in 1963: "And in the few moments we have left, we want to talk right down to earth in a language that everybody here can easily understand." The title itself is inspired by Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev's 1956 report titled "On the Cult of Personality and Its Consequences," which criticized Joseph Stalin's use of oppression and brutality . The riff that defines the song was improvised during a rehearsal session, making it a special and powerful track for the band.

[@williamozier918]

In the 80s and 90s "black" music stations and outlets did not consider this a black band and so they wouldn't get play in the black mmusic community. That's part of the way media manipulates what black identity is rather than reflecting what black people are actually like.

[@jvsmith7888]

Living Colour came out in 1984. They hit their highpoint of popularity when they put out their first album "Vivid' in 1988. It produced their biggest hit "Cult of Personality" and the group rode high for the next few years, even appearing on Saturday Night Live. The band called it quits in 1995 but got back together in 2000 and are still making music today. They have put out 6 albums and have a large and devoted following.

[@daverowe03]

I was 14 when this song came out, and I always loved it. I listened to rock music all the time, but besides this band and later Hootie and the Blowfish, i seldom saw people who looked like me singing rock.

[@PatternSeeker...]

And now the lead singer of H&tB, Darius Rucker, is a Country singer. Talent crosses boundaries!

[@misstasha]

Have you ever listened to Sevendust? Lead singer, Lajon, is black and he has some amazing vocals in their songs. They have a song, Licking Cream, that features another black singer, Skin of Skunk Anansie, that has amazing vocals. It's my favorite song by Sevendust.

[@goat_wrassler]

Check out The Paradox. New punk band... Got a 90's sound, very catchy.

[@slumberlisa]

My husband and I were just going going through a middle school/high school musical journey today and this was at the top of the list! ❤ I'm 52 years old and this song still stands up!

[@davidhill7234]

This was a badass song, still is!

[@andreadeamon6419]

And he still rocks it. Voice is incredible after all these years

[@aerynsunx]

For more from Living Colour, I strongly recommend "Open Letter to a Landlord" and "Type". Strong, strong social commentary in those Living Colour songs as well.

[@jeremiahrose4681]

Never heard those songs before, just listen to them...WOW!

[@ElChupahuahua]

For those who didn't live through this era of music, you missed out. This is BLACK music. Superb in every f'ing way!!! I loved this band.

[@davidhill7234]

This song is TRUTH 100%%

[@tommyraytaylor2666]

"Open Letter To a Landlord" was the other big song off their 1st album. Another great song with a powerful message.Well worth your time. 👍

[@photoscottsb]

This song is a MUST!

[@bjs001001]

This song is even more relevant today in 2024 than it ws when it was made. Just a freakin masterpiece of music and truth!!!

[@billkeithchannel]

The general masses (voters) are not learning from the past, they are falling for the same lies and promises and believing scripted "events" are real.

[@denniscarney5249]

Not true at all. America has been under the sway of the cult of personality since the 60s at least. So, it was every bit as relevant then as now.

[@bjs001001]

@@denniscarney5249 in 1969 there were less than 4 billion people on earth. Today that number is 7.9 billion. Twice as many people to influence and an infinite number of media outlets to influence them through. Today's C.O.P. has more people to influence and it's much easier to influence them, so...

[@denniscarney5249]

@bjs001001 you were phrasing this in terms of 'relevance' in your original post. Relevance is a matter of % or a ratio. My point is that ratio of the population affected remains roughly the same. If you want to speak to sheer volume/mass/quantity then that isn't a measure of 'relevance, ' but rather 'importance' or 'significance.'

[@ykmalachi]

One of the best eye opening political songs for our youth. Back then and til now.

[@rad1calreal15t]

This was my anthem during my middle-highschool era. To this date, I'm still enlightening those I have the opportunity to speak to, in pointing out their idols and the subtle ways those personality cults are exploiting them. Song came out in 1988.

[@TheGoIsWin21]

The first True "black rock band", and wholly overlooked. Often emulated, never duplicated. Absolutely phenomenal

[@Wolfsblood1138]

This song was EVERYWHERE on rock radio when it came out in 1988. It was Gen X screaming into the void that we were sick and tired of being lied to. This band should have been HUGE, but predictably America's old "go to", racism got in the way, and they were buried under a wave of white bands in makeup. 😔

[@amagab2346]

Sooo true. Man my best friend and I would shout these lyrics together.

[@sjhudon386]

I think they were a little too heavy and progressive for mainstream rock radio.

[@dmbassett]

true. i grew up in the UK and in my circle this album/band was on constant REPEAT. Brilliant band.

[@SallyGraham-ys7sp]

They still tour, I'm seeing them on the 22nd

[@chrisleneil]

💯

[@Drake_Dimes]

If you want another Living Color banger you have to listen to Open Letter (to the Landlord)

[@lizwallace4523]

I was a teenager when this came out - When a leader speaks that leader dies is my favorite line especially since they show Martin Luther King, a true leader, a peaceful man killed - such a great song, an amazing video and message - whole album is awesome!! AND they are currently touring - saw them 2 times so far 2023-2024 - they are so good live - go see them if you can!!!!

[@JTrick2802]

You got it... our chosen "REPRESENTATIVES" on either side of the fence don't represent our needs. This song captures the charismatic leader who leads to destruction and the leader who stands up for change and is silenced.

[@billkeithchannel]

Politician on the national and state level are selected not elected. All politics is local (Tip O'neil) and that is the best place to change something.

[@scapito]

Vernon Reid, guitarist, one of the GOATS. He's a musicians musician, true artist. Rarely is he missing from any greatest guitarist lists of all time.

[@thewatcher8028]

Saw these guys at The Riviera in Chicago in '88. IT. WAS. INCREDIBLE. Still a top five show for me. Fun fact: the lead singer (Corey Glover) was in the movie Platoon shortly before this album was recorded. Also, this band was the ONLY band that wrote me back when I was at war in Desert Storm. Great guys.

[@chuckwagon7860]

Your BEST reaction ever......NEVER CHANGE, that's why we come back again and again! Blessings to you and the family!!!!