'This Land': Gary Clark Jr.'s Scathing Rebuke of Trump-Era Racism | How I Wrote This

[@spacemanrob96]

People always talk about Hendrix and SRV and how amazing they were, but don't realize we're living at the same time as Gary Clark Jr. I feel like he's still kinda underrated. I hope he's just as recognized and respected as a legendary guitar player of his generation.

[@SF2036]

postmodern loser Agreed. What he lacks in phrasing as a soloist vs a player like Jimi or Slash he more than makes up with his hooks, and only gets better with each album.

[@jaramemitchell6383]

postmodern loser tbh IMO respectfully, a bit overrated

[@ltjplanet]

@@jaramemitchell6383 I gotta agree, I wanted to love GCJ when I first heard about him but, after hearing a few songs from a couple different projects he's just OK. I do like the message on this project but Im still not all in.

[@David-sc7hx]

C'mon, Jimi? Don't be ridiculous. Who's gonna remember GCJ in 10 years?

[@theartifact3454]

Hes great but not legendary (yet).

[@terryallen9546]

God Damn! The listening comprehension reflected in some of the comments is ghastly. Listen to the man speak, then listen to the man sing...then put the two together...then think about it for a minute before you comment.

[@t.thompson8985]

Amen.

[@gluce]

Yes!

[@scottbaxendale323]

Well said

[@Reggie_R_Rob]

Terry Allen couldn't have said it any better! 🙏🏾

[@Jay-cp9kd]

Hey I respect that he actually wrote about HIS own horrible experiences with racism. However, when rolling stone keeps implying that the bullshit “racist Trump” narrative (which is responsible for everything negative according to those Sally’s) made GC write the song, It’s hard not roll your eyes.. (I’m assuming this is what the original comment was about.. if not my bad)

[@TrackHeadStudios]

Born in ‘71, white. I’ve never understood why ANYONE would be a racist, since I can remember. I thought by now, 2019, it would be done. It’s beyond time to end this. Please, everyone, please judge others only by their actions, understand people can change, and each of us have to focus on ending racism. If you see it, hear it when among your own ‘skin’, say something; straighten them out. It may not instantly change them, but each step forward matters. Gary Clark is the BOMB!!!!!

[@gregory7958]

I was born in '97, in Brazil. The American culture is a HUGE thing in my country, which is just as racist as the U.S.A. Whenever I think about the 70's, an open minded person like you pops up in my mind. Thanks for being so kind to the ones who are different from you. I'm a self taught English speaker, so my comment probably is filled up with lots of grammar mistakes. Feel more than free to correct me. Have a nice weekend, Sir!

[@DebbieBeccia]

Gregory, you did an EXCELLENT job of replying to the comments. I am a real GRAMMAR nut, and I watch a lot of posts laden with errors. Yours is perfect!! Your appreciation of TrackHead Studios' attitude is RIGHT on as well. We SHOULD be kind to those different than we are. That is the way it SHOULD BE!!! Thanks again.

[@wriker36]

It’s bull shit. It never happened. Like 99% of all stories today about racisum.

[@billderinbaja3883]

@@gregory7958: Your grammar and eloquence are far in advance of a large percentage of native born English speakers... your hard work shows, best wishes for a successful life.

[@Chaos1214]

Racism is about color, but not skin color... It's about ignorance and gutlessness of the grimy, cretinous, inbred species that practices it... Racism is certainly about color... And that color is piss yellow.

[@jaycheek254]

People are just ignorant. I love you and appreciate you Bro! Hating anyone for the color of their skin is pure evil. This tune is raw and as always Mr. Clark has delivered. Yes sir, you are America's son.

[@elbob17]

Fresh take bro. So brave.

[@connieinfante2258]

Yeah brother. This land is Yours

[@phukyew14]

People don't hate people for their skin color they hate people for their character. And black people have horrible character.

[@tonybloke4002]

The tone on this recording is so good. This song gets better every time I hear it.

[@matthewhackett3429]

He put the other Musicians on notice when he hit the scene years ago. We still have yet to see his best simply because we’re probably not ready for it. Looking forward to hearing the whole album

[@davecrawford1479]

Props to Rolling Stone for not censoring the words and allowing the true power and feel of this song to ring true. Too often the weight of very heavy songs like this are censored, this is the society we live in and people need to hear and acknowledge the truth and stand up. Thank you RS and GCJ.

[@timlois]

This song has a raw energy I haven't heard since Zack de la Rocha. The raw authenticity is awesome. Love it. More, more, more!!!!!

[@GCJrFan]

This interview was so powerful, raw & emotional ❤️ Damn I love Gary Clark Jr. ❤️🎸🔥

[@GCJrFan]

Geoff - Really bro?!?

[@CruchyMode]

🚮

[@connieinfante2258]

F. That racist BS... He's Hendricks reincarnated

[@redstar40]

I LOVE GCJ he's the best. Thank you Gary for keeping it 100% real. No one does it like you!

[@johngrovier5930]

He breaks down all the barriers in music.

[@hanpua1056]

Lighting Hopkins would be proud of his stance and keeping the Texas blues alive and well .

[@CruchyMode]

Han Pua - Lighting Hopkins would tell him to man up lil bruh bruh

[@rend7267]

you're so right. Lighting Hopkins would be Texas-proud of this son.

[@jonathanhines2441]

I think he is the very best current musician and I can't wait to see him in Nashville in April. I support neither party because I work for a living and am not naive enough to think either party represents me. American society is OBSESSED with trying to get individuals to identify themselves in terms of groups that they supposedly belong to on the basis of race, age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and on and on...Then the blaming and name calling, hatred, and other b.s between various groups just continues. He is correct. We are all here and no one is going anywhere. Stop falling for the B.S. (including Rolling Stone which is full of a hateful agenda). Wake up, use your own mind, stop the divide in this country.

[@paulstanley3019]

Jonathan Hines. I was going to leave a comment no need. well put thanks 🤟🏾

[@MediaTruth]

You won’t be disappointed. I saw him in NY last year. Dope show.

[@gobinstruments4597]

Indeed! The only identity we should have are as Americans. Or even better, human beings.

[@holdenwill]

Great comment.

[@MrFancyDick]

Oh shit dude, I’ll be in Nashville for his Show in April as well. I’ll see you there homie. Props for the comment as well, respect.

[@hiddekoen9711]

The way he talks, calls up so many emotions already, glad they didn't put sad piano music in the background.

[@andrefjbernardo]

Yes! Exactly.

[@anthonys8947]

Or a tiny violin!

[@terryallen9546]

That wasn't ever going to happen. Right up front he said he was angry.

[@think4]

You can see the pain in his face! Wow! But he's a damn good musician! Keep up the good work! I stand behind him 1,000,000,000,000,000,000 % efinity!

[@bigdaddy1001rules]

He has such a great grasp of the use of a fuzz pedal ! Outstanding as always !

[@dimebag9814]

Gary Clark is fucking totally badass. Thank you Mr c lark for making music

[@ryanpotter9076]

He is so legit. Its impossible not to be moved by the emotion he lives his life by. Thanks GCJ

[@kazukichito5602]

wtf the real blues has just come back

[@josh0g]

This is what the blues sounds like after the arrival of HipHop. You can tell Gary is informed by both. It's got fire.

[@robertphillips2769]

Right on Gary Clark. Right on. Great, powerful song,.

[@patrickmccabe2078]

Real shit. Love his guitar playing. Power to the people

[@JozRad]

Enculturation, think about that. That makes this man special. Frank Zappa once sang, "...you know people I'm not black, but whole lots a time I wish I wasn't white" was singing about Watts. Keep rocking in the free world-

[@keisuketakahashi7317]

I love this. So well spoken i love his passion and the fact he has so much respect for the people that came before him. Much respect Gary.🙏👊

[@irondjangus2166]

Legendary.

[@scotthanson3459]

Rebel music in times like these is important. NWA and Rage Against the Machine weren't created in a vacuum. I wish there were more of it - there's too much ambivalence out there in music and otherwise. We SHOULD be pissed off! Well done GC Jr.. \m/

[@modguitar190]

This is pure 🔥

[@TwiztedGenius]

His Truth Bleeds Through The Soil Of This Land

[@lawrenceklein4918]

An Icon for all of us. As a musician myself, I totally get it. Gary consistently knocks it out of the park! Continued success!

[@jerryking1801]

I went to see Gary ciark last year with the suffers and zz top I didn't get to see the suffers because of parking , but I did get the chance to see and hear Gary Clark 2 years ago in Houston ZZ top was after g.c. and I left because ZZ top sounded old and antiquated .a very good show was put on by gc showed me how well put together he was.So I sit here watching this video and hearing the words of the song tells me that he has the right direction and attitude towards life and the pursuit of happiness and the dream!!!!

[@DieGeneral]

Thank you Gary Clark Jr., for putting into words and music the anguish and frustration that the African-American community have had to put up with, and still going through for so many years in America..

[@phukyew14]

All you people do is commit crime and complain about everybody else when everyone knows that you are the only problem.

[@DaddisHouse]

holy hell this song....... So much in one piece. you not only hear it in the lyrics, but the guitar as well. Plus you can hear the passion in all of the song. This is one of my favorite song in a long time.

[@Black22Productions]

Powerful. I admire musicians who aren't afraid to make statements with their songs.

[@patriciaburke2401]

So very saddened that he was treated so cruelly. Parents, you had better teach your children acceptance, love, and empathy for all of God’s children. After all of the years since Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. tried to teach us love and equality, it’s hard to believe some people are still too stupid to realize how right and good he was! We still need major changes in our country! The ignorance is just too sad! We must unite as one humankind! Skin color is irrelevant. Only the very ignorant have not learned that.

[@judywooten3321]

Very powerful Gary Clark jr. Thank you for expressing your true feelings letting people know what you went through

[@247spiritualsoldier]

Gary's music and his guitar playing tells so much more than it shows.. so deep.. Just amazing

[@nicoleleckner7902]

Watching him talk about racism was like a knife to the chest. The song is so powerful😍

[@BenBen5501]

As I've always known. True artistry is born of pain. It reaches the soul and invokes a needed expression.

[@sandraturner9430]

Listening to you speak, about your encounter with racism and being so, raw and emotional about it. Opened up, such a sadness inside me. Thank you for sharing that. And it also made me realize, that no man can take our humanity away from us. Their hearts may be cold and filled with hate, our isn't. Love is stronger. You were blessed with such a talent, a gift that is music.Your vessel to spread the message of Love, Kindness and Respect toward one another. This land is mine, I'm American son, this is where I come from. Stay strong and true to yourself. Love you,

[@XR650L_GUY]

We ain't all like that brother. Great sound.

[@bishlap]

He's full of sheet.

[@paulbtaylorpt]

Thank you, Gary - I’m white and feel nothing but grief for the way African Americans have been and still are treated. Trump’s mindset is a national embarrassment, attempting to dropkick racial equality back 50 years. Keep doing what you’re doing, Gary, and thanks for the amazing music.

[@elbob17]

Do you think Gary Clark Jr is reading the comment section of KZbin? He's busy.

[@easyridin75]

You are one Precious man, Gary. Just remember, we are all created in the image and likeness of God. It is atrocious what your people have been through and I feel so sorry. I was never raised to hate and I am thankful for that. I never raised my now 36 year old son to hate. This song is so powerful and it hits the Soul. I am grateful for you expressing your hurt, anger and frustration through this Awesome song. We have to keep Praying for Peace and Unity. You are an instrument of God's Love and through your incredible music, you will reach many people. God Bless you!

[@NomadX7]

Respect Mate. Tell the thruth and we the People will always stand together.

[@jakelaurel9]

You keep getting better! Keep playing from the heart. I remember first seeing you playing in '02 at Waterloo Park on a Dean Cadillac. Loved you then and love you now.

[@michaelc2528]

Gary, just like so many things in my life that I wish I could go back and get redo's on, the same holds true for many social/political issues of the past... if I could go back and change things like what you have experienced, I surly would; just not right! I wish you the best in your walk, and might I also add, you are one of the most influential and fantastic guitar players/singers I have ever heard, and I'm a huge fan! God bless!

[@marvean2519]

You’re the man period!

[@ATreeForFive]

Much love for you Gary. You're the man. Keep the faith

[@justinculp9443]

Racism is taught. Nobody's born to hate ANYONE because of the color of thier skin. We've come along way, but we still have so far to go. There's always going to be racist people unfortunately. But those who are not need to cone together and show endless support. We are all brothers and sisters. We are all human. Let's take care of eachother and love one another.

[@rpool5874]

The future of the blues is in capable hands with Gary Clark JR!

[@suavevalen]

Every word, every chord, every note. Straight from the soul

[@matthewlittlefield9723]

Much respect for you Gary !

[@_RLP]

Powerful and raw... Fuckin' aces, mate. Cheers

[@Edw1nSayz]

" We all have to live next to each other when there is nowhere we can go, we are here". - GCJ One of many Patriots maskarading as a musician. Standing by.

[@wandajames143]

Important Song!

[@mikerowe9837]

Song gets better every time I hear it. Racism is rising in the UK at the moment and we need to stamp it out in all its forms. We are all humans end of story. Respect to Gary for this.

[@phukyew14]

Mass immigration from the third world and ethnocide of Europeans is happening in the UK at the moment We need to put a stop to that.

[@jeffenglish9132]

I love everything about GCJ and by no means have I ever walked 1 step in his shoes but he paints a broad brush on this topic that quite honestly isn’t fair. Again, don’t know anything about his personal life but I’m pretty sure he grew up in Austin which is probably the most liberal progressive city in not only Texas but the south. I live in Dallas which I would say is 2nd to Austin in that category. Not once in my 42 years on this earth have I never heard what he describes happening to anyone around my city. My area in Dallas is almost evenly diverse so Trust me, it would’ve been news worthy. Again, I don’t dispute what he said. I wasn’t there. More over, I’m not sure what Trump has to do with any of this. I too took my kids to the Loraine Hotel this summer and it is very moving. That’s why it is a museum. What happened there happened in the distant past. Many people forget that it’s because of Dr King that black folks have advanced light years in society which is a great thing. This was a great interview and a good song that is from GCJ’s heart but to broad brush this topic to all of Texas and all Republicans is just as unfair as racism itself . Don’t punish everyone for the actions of a few knuckleheads. Love the music GCJ! Keep it coming!

[@DwayneJohnsonCochran]

I feel so strongly what he is saying to the world. As a musician and as a man on this planet, what does the color of his skin have to do with anything? I love what this song has to say. The saddest part is that he had to write it at all. Keep bringing it, Gary!

[@johnathanrubin8863]

I met Gary Clark in Austin he’s genuine

[@sifirid]

You were born and made this song about 50 years to late. Needed to be heard long ago

[@toddatkinson3651]

You truly are a patriot. You should be the poster child of what makes america great again.

[@calebberrian8360]

This song is very much needed in this day and age. Well spoken.

[@calebberrian8360]

Lol let me just add that every dislike is a racist american. Fuckin sad.

[@DavidDiMuzio]

I don't even like Trump, but I don't understand why Rolling Stone has to say "Trump Era Racism". Just stirs up more divisiveness. Great song though!

[@vedadtr3509]

Because the song says: Riding in the middle of Trump's country

[@davidpaul6656]

Because thats what it is!! Racism had laid fairly dormant in the North where I live until Trump was voted in. Then ALL these racist MFs came crawling out of their shitholes to bring IT back to the fore!!

[@mr501mc]

@@davidpaul6656 lol, what ignorance!

[@davidpaul6656]

@@mr501mc - From your moronic response I'm guessing you're a Dump supporter or blind, deaf and dumb

[@Cakez00]

clickbait my friend

[@sambhrantabashyal]

I love you gary. I bought a tele recently and the first song I learn was bright lights. I love you. Love from South Asia, Australia, and eastern europe.

[@jamarsu]

This song is great. His musicianship and voice speak to many of us. loved him the first time I heard him.

[@MarchetaMadden]

Been in awe of your music since the summer of 2012, when I bought your Bright Lights EP during a visit to Austin! This righteous song is absolutely amazing truth-telling!

[@tammyclark8308]

I appreciate you so much! You are making the change and how people resist being united... no clue. Thank you for

[@scottbaxendale323]

This tune is amazing and Gary Clark jr is the rock’s present and future.

[@jeffgerencser6052]

Thank you Gary Clark Jr. for being the light that the decent humans must follow.

[@KenKaniff69]

It doesn’t matter if you’re white, black, yellow, purple, green, republican, Democrat, liberal, conservative, etc. This man is successfully reintroducing Bluesy raw, emotion filled guitar playing back into mainstream music and everyone should agree that, that alone is a fucking WIN

[@lajmoneyyoung]

1 word : RESPECT

[@darkglobe111]

LOVE it, very much. Word.

[@jessemartin770]

Your anger is a gift. Your expression of it gifted. Too many stand by & let the hate smother the hope. We might not be the same color you & I but God knows our souls share the same purpose. Turn the light on & make the world see what there is to see.

[@Speakthetruth195]

Gary.. respect. All the other negative comments can die.

[@seanthomasmusic]

MAGA Make America Gary Again.

[@wishiwasdead247]

When did Gary leave ?

[@clancydubh]

It is so nice to see such effective and provocative freedom of speech. Powerful song!

[@tomlund4951]

What an excellent guitarist...obviously intelligent... he made his American dream come true...a model A? My kinda guy! God Bless You Sir!

[@ianbarcelos]

That was pretty fucking heavy. His best album until now. New sounds and being BOLD. Go get it man!

[@teriyjim1randa663]

There are good & bad people of every race, growing up in North Chicago, Illinois I never saw Any person treated in this way...love Gary’s music❣️

[@Chaddy_chadd]

Gary is gonna be bigger than his music real real soon.

[@tjbjjtkd]

So much pain😔. Been to the Lorraine last time I was in Memphis, very sad experience. Music is one way to unite all people.

[@Edw1nSayz]

Best raw performance, filled with rage and emotion as should he displayed. "Art if it not truthful must also reflect social decay"

[@kc2094]

What an amazing monologue. He really put some thought into it. Great video editing

[@rileyhalls9301]

With respect, Gary wasn't in his right mind in dissing Trump- neither were a lot of others. Media, Big Tech & elites added to TDS.

[@persistentpedestrianalien8641]

With zero respect, you are in a cult.

[@blacksheepdog9810]

He is infected with wokeness. The lyrics to this song are so raunchy and corny and cheesy lmfao.

[@phukyew14]

@@persistentpedestrianalien8641 Black people have voted 90% - 98% Democrat for the last 75 years. That's pretty cultish.

[@LaMusicade4]

Brilliant

[@atrothe]

Come to Australia Man. We would love to see you perform here.

[@peteranderson7487]

You must have just missed him. He did a tour about 9 months ago. I saw him at Thebarton Theatre in Adelaide and he was awesome.

[@MilesSaysWords]

Affirming GCJ is one of my favorite current artists. A modern legend.

[@PixelatedSpirit]

A great and powerful song. I recently discovered him and i binged his stuff immediately!

[@clingermusicmanagement4486]

love the groove and sooooooo tasteful! thank you for making a really great song with a hook and great lyrics!

[@nicolasmorales7791]

The power of words and music, good music. Loved it!

[@TwoSneezeMusic]

Blak and Blu was amazing. The 2nd album was disappointing but still good. Can't wait for this one, I have a good feeling.

[@carlasweet5049]

Today George Floyd laid to rest. Here we are America. Powerful song by Gary Clark Jr.

[@phukyew14]

Bye Fentynal Floyd!! Hahahaha

[@ewamaddox7557]

This is real and hits in the heart like a ten ton truck. We all can do more.

[@bairdduvessa]

the sound is amazing its a beautiful wall of sound, great beat. great lyrics

[@natepayne9503]

Awesome guitar player and great musician, definitely going to listen to more of his music.

[@trusjr9222]

I can't even imagine what it's like phycologicaly being a part of a racial minority. Those Texans wouldn't last a day in your shoes! Keep up the great work G.C. Jr.

[@schreineinAV]

Calling it 'trump era racism'..... am I missing something? Is there a unique, new kind of racism that exists because of him? Racism has always existed in the USA.... same way bigotry and sectarianism has always existed in Northern Ireland.....

[@dimebag9814]

Trump era racism is the not so subtle way these cocksuckers. THROW THEIR RACISM in ppls faces riding the wave of tolerance the libs enforced on us.

[@JaMeshuggah]

Because Gary is only taking advantage of the times he lives in. Only write about race, one dimensionally and without anything new, when you know the toothless yet entrenched media critics will do nothing but praise you.

[@wiskeymagic]

It’s probably more the fact that your country voted in the biggest Twat to be president.

[@MrBlazerdude7]

I take it as ppl feeling they have the cover again. They can now say openly what they only said privately 10 years ago. Of course their has always been those who were open about it but there certainly has been an increase in its openness. I see it in my daily life

[@schreineinAV]

I need to ask now..... how exactly is Trump racist? Because of his immigration policies? Because the 'liberals' and the democrats say he is? He seems to have support from 'minority' groups too... It looks like a lot of people have took the democrat/ liberal/ celebrity Kool aid and been suckered by this conspiracy theory that he's a white supremacist/ racist/ sexist etc..... you're all being played like cheap fiddles.... wake up and see things with your own eyes and Hear things with your own ears.... and stop being told what to think! Hardly the definition of liberal.....

[@wesleymorton7878]

whewie, fire and fury, tasty and potent track, many thanks

[@skippythetubrat]

I would love to see him do some work with Killer Mike. Seriously. I bet they could come up with some killer shit.

[@AgeTheConfusion]

Scathing is an appropriate word!

[@wynnrichards]

Fucking blew mind. Not going backwards, amen to that...

[@karenholliday2703]

He really caught my attention until he said Trumpland. I was shocked and wonder how he feels about living in Bidenland? The Irish went through alot. MLK Jr is loved by all and preached unity not division, peace, not war! This land is OUR land

[@oakdaddy]

He don’t pull his punches. I’m looking forward to see where it goes. 56 in Alabama but I might have a couple years left....