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| Prophets of Rage | |
|---|---|
| Name | Prophets of Rage |
| Background | group_or_band |
| Origin | Los Angeles, California, United States |
| Years active | 2016–2019 |
| Label | Fantasy Records |
| Associated acts | Rage Against the Machine, Audioslave, Public Enemy, Cypress Hill, Soundgarden, Beastie Boys, Run-DMC, N.W.A, Public Image Ltd., Korn, Faith No More, Ministry, De La Soul, The Roots, Sonic Youth, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Pearl Jam, Nine Inch Nails, Alice in Chains |
Prophets of Rage was an American supergroup formed in 2016 that combined members from Rage Against the Machine, Public Enemy, and Cypress Hill to perform politically charged rock and rap. The band released a self-titled album and toured internationally, performing at festivals and rallies while aligning with protest movements and high-profile political events. Its members included instrumentalists and vocalists with roots in influential acts across Los Angeles, New York City, and the wider United States music scenes.
Formed in 2016 amid the polarized aftermath of the 2016 United States presidential election, the group brought together guitarists and rhythm sections from Rage Against the Machine and vocalists from Public Enemy and Cypress Hill to create a collaborative response to contemporary political events such as the Women's March, the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe protests, and demonstrations in Oakland, California. Early public appearances tied the band to benefit concerts and activism-connected events including rallies with artists who had performed at Madison Square Garden, Hollywood Bowl, and festival stages like Glastonbury Festival and Reading Festival. The project's formation echoed previous politically oriented collaborations involving figures from Beastie Boys reunions, guest appearances with The Roots, and solidarity concerts similar to those organized around Live Aid and Farm Aid. After releasing the album via Fantasy Records, the group toured arenas and festivals in North America, Europe, and Australia before announcing an indefinite hiatus; members subsequently resumed projects with Rage Against the Machine, solo ventures, and collaborations with acts such as Soundgarden and Public Enemy.
Musically, the band fused elements of rap rock, rap metal, and alternative metal, drawing sonic lineage from Rage Against the Machine, Public Enemy, and Cypress Hill while echoing influences from Run-DMC, Beastie Boys, N.W.A, Faith No More, Ministry, and Nine Inch Nails. Guitar work referenced techniques associated with Tom Morello's experimental effects and signal processing, with production approaches recalling work by Rick Rubin, Brendan O'Brien, and Butch Vig. Rhythmic and DJ elements reflected lineage from DJ Lord's turntablism and sampling practices tied to Public Enemy's era with producers like The Bomb Squad and sampling pioneers who worked with De La Soul and The Roots. Lyrical content often referenced contemporary issues paralleled in protest songs historically associated with figures such as Woody Guthrie, Bob Dylan, and political works by Bruce Springsteen, while performance aesthetics fit within traditions established at venues managed by promoters like those behind Live Nation and festival circuits including Coachella and Lollapalooza.
Core members included musicians and vocalists with pedigrees in multiple notable acts: guitarists and instrumentalists from Rage Against the Machine alongside vocalists from Public Enemy (Chuck D) and Cypress Hill (B-Real), with contributions from turntablists such as DJ Lord. The lineup involved figures connected to session work and collaborations with artists like Chris Cornell of Soundgarden, Mike Patton of Faith No More, Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine, and rhythm section members who had played with bands including Audioslave, Pearl Jam, and Alice in Chains. Touring and studio personnel often intersected with engineers and producers who have credits on releases by Nine Inch Nails, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Korn, and Deftones.
Studio albums included a self-titled release on Fantasy Records that featured tracks produced in collaboration with engineers and mixers who had worked with Rick Rubin, Brendan O'Brien, and producers linked to Public Enemy's catalog. Singles released by the band were distributed digitally and played on radio formats that also featured artists like Foo Fighters, Tool, and Linkin Park; some tracks were included in festival promotional materials alongside appearances by Muse and Metallica. The group also released live recordings and music videos with directors and cinematographers who had previously worked on projects for Rage Against the Machine, Beastie Boys, and Cypress Hill.
The band performed at major festivals and venues across North America, Europe, and Australia, sharing stages with acts such as Foo Fighters, Muse, Metallica, Green Day, The Rolling Stones, and Pearl Jam at events including Rock in Rio, Glastonbury Festival, Download Festival, Reading and Leeds, and Coachella. Benefit performances and politically aligned concerts placed the group alongside speakers and activists from movements involving organizations like the American Civil Liberties Union and advocacy groups linked to voting rights campaigns and environmental protests near sites like Standing Rock Indian Reservation. Live shows often featured guest appearances by members of Public Enemy, Cypress Hill, and occasional collaborations with artists such as Killer Mike and members of The Roots.
The group's stated mission connected it to protest movements opposing policies from the Trump administration and supporting causes aligned with civil liberties and indigenous rights, leading to coverage in outlets that also profile musicians involved in activism like Neil Young, Patti Smith, and Rage Against the Machine. Reactions ranged from praise in publications that cover political music and protest art to criticism from commentators aligned with opposing political perspectives; the band was discussed alongside debates over celebrity activism seen in coverage of events involving Bono, Bruce Springsteen, and Beyoncé. Their engagement with benefit concerts, marches, and rallies mirrored historic intersections of music and politics exemplified by events such as Live Aid and artists like Bob Dylan and Joan Baez, prompting discussion in cultural forums and academic analyses of music-led political mobilization.
Category:American musical groups Category:Supergroups (music)