You might not know the band Prophets of Rage. At least, you might not know that you know them. The supergroup consists of Rage Against the Machine members Tom Morello, Tim Commerford and Brad Wilk, DJ Lord and Chuck D of Public Enemy, as well as B-Real of Cypress Hill. With a lineup like that, it should come as no surprise that the band is primarily focused on political issues. When the band got together last summer, Tom Morello said in an interview with Rolling Stone, “We’re an elite task force of revolutionary musicians determined to confront this mountain of election year bullshit, and confront it head-on with Marshall stacks blazing.”
Well, this morning the supergroup has released their third full single, “Living On The 110.” Just like the band’s previous singles, “Unfuck The World” and self-titled, “Prophets of Rage”, the song has no qualms about making political statements. It focuses on the homeless population of Los Angeles, estimated at nearly 60,000, to make a greater point about income inequality in America. “The 110 is a freeway in Los Angeles and living beneath it are thousands of homeless people. Bentleys and Rolls Royces roaring by are literally driving on top of the poor and their makeshift homes, a picture perfect analogy for the grotesque economic inequality that plagues our times,” said Morello in a recent interview.
Sonically, the track is exactly what one might hope from a Rage Against the Machine/Public Enemy/Cypress Hill supergroup. Hard hitting lyricism, massive guitar riffs, and a beat you just can’t help but nod your head to. The musical chemistry between members is apparent – their styles merge together well to create a song which is both meaningful and fun. “Living On The 110” is the third song off of their upcoming self-titled debut LP, which will coincide with a world tour, “Make the World Rage Again.”
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