I was never a fan of the hip-hop/metal genre, but RATM always played with punk passion, and lyrics that weren't afraid to be brutally poetic. They got the kids involved, making "alternative" music that proposed real alternatives, to get beyond the prescribed program. They put politics back into popular music, and carve out space for like minded artists like Ozomatli and System of A Down.

Sure, they made a lot of money, and that kills your credibility with the critics and cynics, but their fans knew better. Zack gave back to the movement. He was one of the angels that helped make the LA IMC pay its bills. They were the real deal.

Do you think he quit because he feels his job is done? I mean, face it...everything that Zack talked about is coming true now...do you think he was 10 years too early? Do you think he introduced radicalism to our current generation? Do you think people will finally pay attention to their lyrics?

I think he quit because the movement has finally begun and maybe he made a promise to himself that once the movement picked up, his job would be done. Who knows...but I hope he remains in the movement in some form or another.

God Bless RATM

In Solidarity,

Tim SpiritWalker

It certainly can't be the income, or the band's effectiveness at getting the message out. Maybe it's just internal conflicts. They've been around for what, nine years? That's a long time to work with the same people on a single project.

any fire that burns as brightly as rage's has is bound to take its toll. they made their point, they energized us when we needed energy (how many times rage lyrics went through my head in DC or Philly, or at other actions in between and since when i needed that push), and that's it i guess.

they were a rarity among "successful" bands today: they were conscious rap and true rebel rock, with heart, no posers. few bands would have the balls to say what they've said and then back it up, playing at a protest that eventually gets assaulted by cops. eddie, let's see pearl jam do that!

but we haven't heard the last of them. zack's branching out, and he's already done some independent work (CIA: Criminals In Action with KRS-ONE) that is conscious and hard as hell.

things are changing. rage has had it's finger on the pulse of this generation of resistance before this movement even woke up. i don't believe in living my life by song lyrics, but i'm sure as fuck glad there are a few artists out there whose message fits the mood of the times so well, a few artists whose message matters more than money.