Prophets Of Rage Clear The Way For Power To The People (Audio)

Today (July 18) marks the first day of the Republican National Convention, the purpose of which is the formal selection of the Republican candidate for president of the United States. In many instances, the RNC is just a formality and this year is no different – having overwhelmingly succeeded over his opponents throughout the primary season, Donald Trump is gearing up for what will likely be one of the most contentious election seasons in American history.

Today also marks the arrival of the lead single from Prophets of Rage, the hydra-like supergroup featuring Rage Against the Machine’s Tom Morello, Tim Commerford, and Brad Wilk; Public Enemy’s Chuck D and DJ Lord; and Cypress Hill’s B-Real. Their self-titled anthem is a boisterous, unapologetic call to action whose release on such an important day is no coincidence.

Chuck D & B-Real Talk Merging With Rage Against The Machine & Significance

Political season aside, “Prophets of Rage” also arrives during yet another period of time in which racial unrest is dominating headlines across the country. The killings of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile at the hands of police has reignited the fervor of social-justice movements including Black Lives Matter, and the recent deaths of police officers in Dallas, Texas and Baton Rouge, Louisiana are a tragic byproduct of the ongoing strife in the modern-day civil rights era. With today’s acquittal of the final officer tried in the death of Freddie Gray in Baltimore, Maryland, yet another layer of what many view as injustice has been added to the conversation, and within the context of such events, Prophets of Rage are lending their voices to a very trying time during a historic presidential campaign. As the song beckons, it’s time to clear the way for all prophets of rage – band members or not.

The Prophets of Rage are kicking off their aptly-named Make America Rage Again tour tomorrow (July 19). Heads can expect a debut E.P. from the group later this year, and Cleveland-area fans can see them perform at 1416 E. 47th St. for a free show at the conclusion of the End Poverty Now! rally at 1 p.m. local time.