Talib Kweli & Tom Morello Talk RATM, SNL Ban, Chris Cornell, Bruce Springsteen | People's Party Full
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 24 ต.ค. 2021
- In this episode of "People's Party With Talib Kweli," Kweli and Jasmin Leigh sit down with musician, singer, rapper, songwriter, actor, political activist, and legendary guitarist for Rage Against The Machine:
TOM MORELLO
This guitar icon gave us one of our most interesting interviews to date. Here's what we discussed:
• Unlikely inspiration drawn from Kanye West during quarantine.
• Being born in Harlem to a mother of Italian and Irish descent and a Kenyan father.
• His mother's work as an activist and his father being the 1st ambassador to the United Nations.
• Tom and Talib's first meet at a benefit concert for Mumia Abu-Jamal.
• The reasons why Tom chose to attend Harvard University.
• Finding his calling to become an electric guitarist at age 19.
• The making of 'Killing In The Name' and not knowing how iconic the song would become.
• The guitar work on 'Bulls on Parade' taking inspiration from RUN DMC's Jam Master Jay.
• Cypress Hill, Soundgarden and Ice Cube's 'AmeriKKKa's Most Wanted' inspiring the RATM sound.
• The mutual respect shared between Tom, B-Real, and Chuck D on the Prophets Of Rage project.
• Why Wu-Tang Clan left in the middle of the tour they co-headlined with Rage in 1997.
• Tom shares a classic Ol' Dirty Bastard story from that '97 tour.
• How in 1996 Rage joined the short-list of bands permanently banned from performing on SNL.
• Tom's take on all politicians being beholden to their lobbyists regardless of party.
• Getting himself fired from his job working as scheduling secretary for a Democratic Senator.
• His principle influences being revolutionaries like the Black Panthers, Che Guevara and others.
• The making of the music video for 'Sleep Now in the Fire' with RATM storming Wall Street.
• Tom being encouraged by the younger generation's openness to socialism over capitalism.
• The silver linings that come from racists playing and enjoying Tom's music.
• The spooky first meeting of Chris Cornell before the formation of Audioslave.
• How Tom's 'The Nightwatchman' project, playing folk music opened up a whole new world.
• Opening for Suicidal Tendencies before Rage Against Machine became known.
• Rage Against Machine's songs being banned from the airwaves following September 11th.
• Being on the road with Bruce Springsteen during the 2014 High Hopes Tour.
• Boots Riley and Tom forming the rap/rock group Street Sweeper Social Club.
• Tom, Talib and others putting on a free concert in Ferguson during the protests.
• The thoughtful intentions behind Tom's Atlas Underground project.
• Tom's 'Comandante' release being dedicated to the "guitar tribe".
• Fans of Tom and GNR's Slash being unaware or denying that they're black.
• Metal band Living Colour not getting credit for blurring the color lines of the genre.
• Why Tom felt he had to deny his love for Jimi Hendrix's music as a young guitarist.
• The making of 'Let’s Get The Party Started' featuring the band Bring Me the Horizon.
• Tom convincing Bruce Springsteen to perform 'Highway To Hell' in Australia.
• Explaining to Jasmin why playing Guitar Hero isn't the same as playing the guitar.
• A glimpse into what's coming next from Tom Morello.
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PEOPLE'S PARTY WITH TALIB KWELI
People's Party is a weekly interview show hosted by Talib Kweli and Jasmin Leigh. Guests range from the biggest names in hip-hop to global entertainers to the most progressive minds moving our culture forward. The audio podcast is available on Apple and Spotify. - เพลง
TIMESTAMPS:
2:49 -- Tom speaks on the unlikely source of inspiration he was able to draw from Kanye West during quarantine when his three plus decades long of touring and creating came to a screeching halt. They go on to discuss Tom being born in Harlem to a mother of Italian and Irish descent and a Kenyan father, his mother's work as a free speech and civil right activist, his father becoming his country's first ambassador to the United Nations, Tom being the first person of color to reside in his hometown of Libetyville, Illinois, as well as Tom and Talib first meeting at a benefit concert for Mumia Abu-Jamal.
7:53 -- Jasmin asks Tom about his attending Harvard and how being bi-racial impacted his experience attending the Ivy League University. Tom gets into all the reasons why he wanted to go to Harvard, his calling to become an electric guitarist at age 19, the powerful riffs on Rage's 'Take The Power Back', and Talib connecting with the song 'Wake Up'. Tom is also asked if there will be RATM music in the upcoming 'Matrix' sequel, and they discuss Rage's music always being relevant, as well as how the band's first rehearsals sounded.
11:33 -- Tom takes us through the creation of Rage's most iconic song 'Killing In The Name Of'. They discuss Zack de la Rocha's lyrics relating to words from Frederick Douglass' biography about pushing back against illegitimate authority, being unaware of how impactful the song would become, how Radioshack contributed to Rage's sound, Tom's ingenuity with his guitar work on 'Bulls on Parade' taking inspiration from Jam Master Jay, as well as Tom finding his signature sound after joining Rage and referring to himself as the DJ of the group.
16:46 -- Tom talks about Cypress Hill's debut album of 1991, Soundgarden, and Bomb Squad's production on 'AmeriKKKa's Most Wanted' being hugely impactful on the formation of Rage's sound. They also discuss the love and mutual respect Tom experienced working with greats like Chuck D and B-Real on the 'Prophets Of Rage' project, Tom's take on why Wu-Tang Clan choose to leave in the middle of the tour they co-headlined with Rage back in 1997, and shares a classic Ol' Dirty Bastard story as well.
22:13 -- Talib brings up his love of SNL growing up as he asks Tom to break down how Rage was permanently banned from the show in 1996. Tom details the results of a perfect storm set in place with that night's guest host being billionaire and then-Presidential candidate Steve Forbes and the band's stage being draped with upside down American flags. Jasmin goes on to ask Tom if he feels let down by Biden's current response to the Hatian migrant crisis at the border, and Tom gets into how politicians are ultimately beholden to their lobbyists regardless of party.
28:06 -- Tom speaks on why he was fired from his job working as scheduling secretary for California Democratic Sen. Alan Cranston for two years. Talib goes on to speak about one of his friends being trolled due to her supporting him, and Tom gets into his principle influences growing up being revolutionaries such as the Black Panthers, Che Guevara, and the Weathermen, Rosa Luxemburg, and Kwame Nkrumah. They also discuss the making of the music video for 'Sleep Now in the Fire' with Rage Against Machine and Michael Moore storming Wall Street.
34:38 -- Tom is asked about his take on how communism and socialism has been demonized by the right. They discuss Tom being encouraged by the younger generation's openness to socialism over capitalism, how Trump has taken advantage of communities like Tom's hometown that have been abandoned by both the left and right, how real change only occurs when everyday people take action, as well as Tom's views on silver linings that come with racists playing and enjoying his music.
38:27 -- Tom discusses Rage Against Machine reuniting for Coachella in 2007 being one of the favorite days of his life, the spooky first meeting of Chris Cornell before the formation of Audioslave, Audioslave being the first American Rock band to play a show in Cuba, how Tom's solo project 'The Nightwatchman' playing folk music opened up a whole new world to him, and what it was like opening for Suicidal Tendencies before Rage Against Machine became known.
46:43 -- Tom talks about how following the events of September 11th Rage Against Machine's entire catalog of songs was banned from Clear Channel, who controlled the airwaves of almost every radio station in the US, and how that time presented a crossroads of morality and ethics in the country. They also discuss Tom's love for Bruce Springsteen, being on the road with him during the 2014 High Hopes Tour, how Bruce was able to help calm Tom's anxiety when they first played together, and Talib talks about how he was almost brought to tears over Bruce's song dedicated to Trayvon Martin.
52:10 -- Talib brings the mutual friend they share in film director/emcee Boots Riley, originally from the rap group The Coup. They go on to talk about how Tom and Boots formed the rap/rock group Street Sweeper Social Club when Tom asked Boots to join him on one of his acoustic tours. They also discuss Talib and Tom as well as others putting on a free concert in Ferguson during the protests there, as well as the thoughtful intentions behind Tom's Atlas Underground project released in 2018 and how the concept came together with Tom not necessarily being a fan of the EDM genre.
1:02:28 -- Tom discusses his 2020 'Comandante' release that he created during quarantine being dedicated to the "guitar tribe", the fans of Guns N' Roses that are unaware or deny guitarist Slash as being black thinking the same of Tom, the KKK hanging a noose in Tom's garage when he was a child, the band Living Colour not getting their due credit for blurring the color lines of Rock and Metal beyond Jimi Hendrix, and why Tom felt he had to deny his love for Hendrix's music when he was coming up as a young guitarist.
1:08:34 -- Tom speaks on the making of 'Let’s Get The Party Started' featuring the band Bring Me the Horizon and explains how the song was intended as an antidepressant, giving people a pass to be upset about how messed up the world is. Tom goes on to tell the story of how his visit to Australia while on tour with Bruce Springsteen spawned the idea of them doing a cover of 'Highway To Hell' with Eddie Vedder. Tom is also asked to explain to Jasmin why playing a guitar is not the same as playing 'Guitar Hero', and we get a glimpse into what's coming next from Tom Morello.
Thank you!
Ya left one out 🔥 56:13 🔥
Thee Electric Guitar has a Future and not just a past.
@ 36:38 -ish...is it too late for a write-in this year???
If so...I'll get started working for next term. Mr. Morello for sure has been called upon. Besides, what better place than to start here; what better time is now.....
"Cornells music will never be Outshined", Toms nod to Soundgarden here was subtle but so on point.
this dude created a sound all of his own at the height of grunge...so unique...love tom morello
Not at the height of Grunge, Rage debuted in ‘92 and grunge really only broke out in ‘90… but get what you’re saying, he totally came with his own sound and style.. was one of the most influential and creative guitarist of the last 20-30yrs for sure
@@davidvied2507 Nevermind, Badmotorfinger and Ten were all released in 1991. I'd say RATM came out around the height of grunge for sure.
Talib I'm so happy you started this podcast. the gems dropped between you and guests are countless.
One of the biggest highlights and letdowns of the pandemic was finally scoring tix to RATM and then watching all the venues get shut down one by one. Great and really informative interview though!! I would love to hear Zach interviewed at some point too.
My boi we in the same fucking boat smfh gotta stay alive till 2022 lol
@spideysensei72 if Zach get interviewed by talib would be epic.
Fuckin A, I had tickets to dates at MSG. RATM and RTJ ... I was psyched. Still have the tickets ... fingers crossed.
Same here mate
One of the biggest mistakes was walking out of the RATM show after 1 song because WuTang was finished. #listentoselfoverfriends
The ODB stories just get better and better and more legendary 🤣
I'm still upset or bothered that Zach isn't classifed as an MC. Similar to Saul Williams. Its not your typical rap beats but they are rhyming and have superb lyrics compared to so called rappers.
He’s an MC. One of the GOATs.
THANK YOU! I have been trying to remember Saul Williams' name for years! Literally like 12 years!
I'm with you. He even has a rap album; plenty of rap songs. And at least one rap song that's damn near a classic..."C.I.A. (Criminals In Action" ft KRS and The Last Emperor. Straight banger.
Zach his verse on Just Money by RTJ last year was proof he is still one of the sickest rappers ever
Saul and Zach are criminally underrated in the MC discussion. Both, easily top 5 worthy.
This is one my favorite episode. Tom is a genius. Love that Talib encourages his guest to tell their stories.
Love that they bring up chris cornell here. I usually don't cry for artists deaths but that one hit me really hard growing up near Seattle.
So many nostalgic memories of MTV and "Black Hole Sun". The hip-hop heads were definitely listening.
@@Stanlayy-em4fk definitely! That was the perfect time to be a music fan period, Hip Hop and Grunge taking over the world
It's still crazy how Chris Cornell left.
And Tom slipped in the the Outshined.
Talib you’re turning out to be a superb interviewer, Props💯
Love that Talib gave a shout out to Boots Riley of the coup, would love to see him on here.
That Randy Roades tee shirt, though!!! 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Was a big fan of Rage and Audioslave. RATM was the soundtrack of my angsty 90s youth and Audioslave the soundtrack of my early-mid 20s 2000s college/military days. Absolutely amazing music.
25 years later and the WuTang/Rage show is still my number one concert experience. I feel lucky to have been there. ✊✊✊
Wow you went to that concert what year was that?
Audioslave played in Cuba in early May of 2005. Great interview love the questions that Talib Kweli asked Tom. I have been following Tom for a long time and his music is still relevant and has helped me through dealing with stage 4 rectal cancer. I love Tom's riffs and his sobering honesty! I would love to meet him some day and say, "Thank you for your music that has changed my life." I'm Armenian and I grew up in a conservative white suburban town when I heard Rage it was mind altering and revitalizing hear the truth about history. Rage's music and lyrics made me proud of my culture but also to learn about other people's history. Audioslave was amazing and has a special place in my heart it was different from Rage but I loved the melody and rhythm that accompanied Cornell's haunting existentialistic lyrics.
Finally! Y'all were teasing us with clips, glad to get the full ep
Genius. Amazing. Activist. I Learned so much as a youth listening to RATM a true talent. 🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼
Tom is a legend. This was a must watch interview. I need to see Rage live.
Hypocrite Tom you are a phony and a sell out also you are not that influential of a person or guitarist
Tom seems just...ummm...Idk. Delightfully relatable? Seems like a dude that soaked up that revolutionary stuff BIG TIME. He's the real deal. By now, it seems redundant to say this was a phenomenal interview. (They all are.) This one's special to me because I learned many things that I hadn't known before. 5 stars. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Much props to you Talib.. you bring the best guests that are the appeal to everyone no matter what culture you come from.. you can relate to the genuine hearts of your guests.. much props.. and God bless brotha
I'm 15 minutes in and love every second. We need Zach next please and thank you 😎✊🏽
Great, great, great interview. Such a humble legend full of everything that is right with humanity. Y'all have the best interviews going currently but this one was just that much more special.
I am elated that Talib brought up Suicidal Tendencies, the greatest band of all time starring one of the greatest lyricists of all time, Mike Muir. I'm glad that he and Tom made peace as they are both admirable musicians and gentlemen. The Verzuz I most want to see is Tom Verzuz Slash. They need to do it FOR THE CULTURE!
Yeah I heard that Mike Muir and Rage had beef.
In my top 10 favorite episodes 🔥🔥🔥
Aside from early Bad Brains who was bringing stage energy like Mid 90s Rage? It'll give you goosebumps.
Different style but MAD energy……Fishbone!!! Living Colour is also an underrated part of this group.
@@brandonharvey2354
Can't forget about those two! What am I thinking. Fishbone's "Everyday Sunshine" documentary is probably my fav music doc, up there with Marley.
Yeah. Living Colour, Fishbone, 24-7 Spyz
Great episode - watched from beginning to end 👏🏾
Tom has a very Obama-like quality to his voice. Thoroughly enjoyed this episode, much appreciated.
I was literally thinking the EXACT same thing! And they both have white moms & African dads. Eerily similar.
Same!!!…AANND they both have roots and connected to Chicago, IL. (Hence his illinois hat ha). Being from Chicago , it’s pretty cool that we produce some of the most influential , and positive public figures for social change in this country. (Apart from the coasts). Despite all the intentional negative propaganda in the news media.
I saw this comment 15 minutes and I now its all I hear lol! Good cal
@@brianregan75 AND they both went to Harvard
isn't it just a upper class american accent, i think they got that from harvard
Great interview.
Everyone has got to ❤ rage and Tom!
Jasmine is correct that guitar hero introduces so many black children born after 1999 to great rock music and its cool to listen to it.
Thanks so much for this show! You guys are killing it
this was an incredible interview! loved ever second of it
A true revolutionary.
This made my day. I miss RATM, we got Coachella tix as soon as they booked, Ive still got tix for the tour. Great interview, thank you!
One of the best interviews ever. Thx Talib & Tom
Tom ='s Legendary. Thx 4 having him on ur show. Always cool hearing a couple legends chop it up.
This is an amazing interview, Thank you Talib Kweli and Tom Morello. " My hands and a Marshall Stack!"
Talk to us about Tom's impact! Fav tracks? What do you want us to share with the man?
Please let him know RATM is the most important band of my generation. Been a huge fan since 95
another great song is Guerrilla Radio th-cam.com/video/Rm1nCYOZB-s/w-d-xo.html
The RATM version of Testify always get me out of my slumps!
I gotta go with Zapata’s Blood. There’s a rare, hard to find version, that’s absolutely stirring.
Bulls on parade. Testify. Wake up
Omg this is gonna be great. My very favorite rock star! YES! Thank you for bringing him in. I identify with Tom so much, my Mom left Central Illinois too but for San Francisco where she raised her babies.
Absolutely legendary interview!
Tali’s Kweli is an outstanding, calming, learned, thoughtful interviewer. Tom Morello is a fascinating, mesmerizing person. I’m so glad to learn his story. Thank you.
The "WTF" look on everyone's face at 57:30 when Jasmine asked, "Have you ever been to space?" is classic. That's classic Jasmine for you.
🤣
THIS is the best Insight Podcast in the game right now the research that TALib and Jasmin does is by far the best
This is such a fantastic interview. Tom has long been one of my favorite musicians.
The best podcast interview I have ever watched. Thank you.🍀💚🙏
Bruh, Thank you Talib for this interview. I totally snoozed on Rage Against the Machine, Now I CAN RESPECTFULLY PLAY their music, it has a message I can support. 1 Love!
Holy shit, how am I just now finding out about this show. Can't wait to listen to the catalog!
I got to see rage back in 97 and is still my favorite shows I’ve been to. Hopefully I’ll get to see them again. I fucking love those guys. Much love
Same
Loved it, I’m gonna spread this like a Californian wildfire!
The Guitar Hero story is the best part of this interview. Keep up the great work Tom!
Oh, and T-Kwili too
Loving this interview
I saw today's guest and said, of course. Great talk, everybody...
I'm late lol one of my favorite humans on the planet. Such a good show with the craziest guests. Love the comedians as well.
As an EDM person, a lot of people dont release how DIVERSE the genre really is.
The style & message of Tom and RATM exists in EDM with subgenres like Dubstep, and Drum n Bass.
I swear when he said Knife Party, I fell in love all over again.
I was lucky enough to see RATM live twice back in 93 here in the UK. The first gig was the small stage of a local rock venue, with a 300 capacity. It happened a few days after they appeared on an alternative rock TV show in the UK, and at least twice the capacity showed up. They toured with Tool a few months later on the main stage, and after they performed, Tom and Zack wandered down to the small stage area and got chatting with me and a few others about how fondly they remembered the first gig. They were both incredibly down to earth, genuine and humble. Witnessing Tom play live for the first time blew my mind.
digging on these pods!
Props to Talib and Tom on this one.
This is a TOP SHELF episode. We need more of Tom Morello on ANYTHING. Thankyou for this ---> I subscribed based on this post!
This was REAL
Love this interview. Saw both of them live, legends! Do love that Gramatik / Talib Kweli song tho haha!
He's so eloquent and intelligent. Powerful words.
Fantastic interview! Happy birthday, Tom
Amazing. Rad. All the way live.
Droppin realness.
Fantastic Interview! " Urban Vernacular " I learned something today!
Tom is my favorite guitarist! And I love another Tommy fan.
Amazing Interview and Morello is a fkn legend
I saw both of you live! Quality Tour and Battle For Los Angeles. Come back to New Orleans!
Tom Morello... thank you for existing!
Fun fact: Through my university I was able to visit Cuba in 2003. I remember playing "Move Somethin" by Reflection Eternal over some loud speakers in a restaurant. Folks dug it.
Tom Morello.., legend!, and all around fantastic guy..
Good stuff 🙏
Excellent interview! I love RATM!
Great interview.
Before I even start watching, I wanna say THANK YOU SO MUCH. This is honestly legendary, if I do say so myself. Hands down one of my biggest influences in music. Top 3 alongside Maynard and Adam Jones. I play guitar and RATM and Tool are my biggest inspirations when it comes to that. It was an honor to have had the opportunity to see Prophets of Rage here in London. What an INCREDIBLE show featuring original music but also RATM hits, Cypress Hill, Public Enemy... It was insane! B-Real standing on the rail in front of me, front row, was once in a lifetime. I know many fans have seen them a million times but it was my first time and it was so much fun. Excited to see Tool next year and hopefully RATM tour in the UK too!
Awesome interview!
He mentioned Kanye was what got him out a creative rut. Wtf. I have literally been thinking of Kanye after Donda released. It's been amazing how it's grown on me. I never expected it. But I've thought a lot about who Kanye is and what will matter when he's gone. He's truly an blueprint of how to defy and question everything. He's flawed just like all of us but he does it in the public eye which most of us have no idea what it's like at all. He makes him vulnerable in many ways. Sometimes accidentally, sure, but he deals with it nonetheless and usually become inspiration for music, his clothing or other projects like the Sunday Service Choir. I honestly respect him a lot more now that I'm a bit older an starting to deal with life.
I still miss Chris Cornell 😞🖤
Phenomenal interview 👏
Great interview!
Greatings from Bosnia
Great interview! :)
Love rage cant say it enough..very interesting group of guys. Gb
This episode hit the maximum amount of fire that is logically possible
Amor eterno a esta conversación ♥️
love the sweater
i owe tom a lot. he was a single bridge to me from metal and rock into hip hop culture which is now a dominant force and a big part of my life. without his sounds and music in RATM i dont know if i would develop such deep love for hip hop and its culture. a true icon.
Yeah, I like his approach on what he utilizes guitar for. Almost, like musical metallurgy. Transforming the instrument into something new. Stuff I remember first hearing with guys like Hendrix and Van Halen. Then, later with Adam Jones and Tom of course.
Awesome Randy Rhoads shirt Tom is wearing. Love Rage Against The Machine. Saw them live at Maple Leaf Gardens in Toronto in 99. Amazing show.
Love RATM. Still jam them til this day. ✊🏼🚫🤖
Floatin' back up on the scene I'm sayin' hello
Do my thing up on the strings like Tom Morello
Quality
Great interview Talib. I'm a huge fan of hip hop but Rage against the machine was the shit. Man I wish they would go back on tour with Wu Tang!!!
Sick interview 💥
Tom Morello heavily influenced my music ..if I could say anything to him it'd be thank you ..not just for the influence musically but for the knowledge as well.
Fantastic episode. I would love to see an interview with Zac. Also need will I am in too.
FUCK YEEEEEA!!!
Salute Rage Against the Machine, the most important band in my life
Much love from São Paulo, Brasil!
Their show here in 2010 was by far the best concert this country has ever seen, I don't give a fuck what everybody else says hahaha
🇧🇷 they played in sao paulo?!
Dude, RTJ & Rage! Yesssss
Tom been spitting nothing but facts. 🔥🔥💪
Legendary
Awesome interview thx for having this guy on. He’s a fucking inspiration and his creativity is something we’re all thankful for
Tom Morello is such a good sport on letting these junior high kids practice their interview.
A remarkably interesting guy from an incredible family.
Holy shit I literally posted a comment yesterday that I wish you'd interview Tom hahaha. I'm VERY effective.
Yall are absolutely right. RATMs music has been relevant since their first album