On Tuesday, 5/18 a new website ignited the passion of millions of Rage Against the Machine fans. ProphetsofRage.com seemed to herald something new from the band that's been latent since 2011.
The website is bare bones, just a countdown clock to June, a place to enter your email address, and the slogan #TAKETHEPOWERBACK.
But actually, Prophets of Rage (a reference to Public Enemy's song on 1988's It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back) is a new group in which Cypress HIll's B Real and Public Enemy's Chuck D are joining everyone from RATM except their vocalist, Zach de la Rocha.
Prophets of Rage will be at the Hollywood Palladium on June 3rd to play songs by all three bands. They also have a set at Los Angeles' Whiskey a Go Go in works and a 2016 summer tour is being considered, according to sources of Billboard.
But for the love of Rage, please don't call it a supergroup yet, if ever.
For one, they haven't announced any original material. That being said, it would be awesome if they would drop a surprise album of originals right into your email box if you provide your address on site.
Timing would be in line with guitarist Tom Morello's famous progressive agenda, being that the California primary is four days after their debut show. So whatever happens, it's bound to be charged.
But statistically, it's likely going to suck, fizzle quickly, or never come to fruition if you call it a supergroup. Please don't jinx it.
Let's look at six 'supergroups.' Even the most exciting line ups can be plagued with ego or drug problems, schedule conflicts, or one-hit-wonder status.
At best, they do one album with a couple of good songs on it and either call it quits or release a regrettable sophomore album.
1. Audioslave
Audioslave is kind of an exception to the rule. When RATM basically swapped out singers for Soundgarden's Chris Cornell and started playing more emotional music, rock and roll fans bought it, and a number of singles have stood the test of time.
[anad]
But really everyone would rather this never happened and Rage Against the Machine continued on.
2. Child Rebel Soldier
Who would have ever thought that Pharrell Williams, Kanye West, Lupe Fiasco would have a "supergroup?"
After dropping their first collab and announcing the super group, the whole thing fell apart and they all continued on their tremendously successful solo careers.
3. Velvet Revolver
Velvet Revolver seemed super badass at the time. It was a throwback to 92 era Alice and Chains type of songwriting but with an updated sound featuring Guns N' Roses members and Scott Weiland? It was too cool-sounding to work.
After six years, like everyone had relapsed and the music didn't stay awesome for long. Once again, it fizzled out.
4. Murder Inc
Before it was a label, Murder Inc was supposed to be a supergroup featuring Jay-Z, DMX, and Ja Rule. Considering the beef between X and Hov, it's insane that this group was proposed.
According to Ja Rule in an interview with Mass Appeal, the two's egos were too huge to get their work done. They couldn't be in the same room with each other, and it never came out.
That's after they hyped themselves beyond belief, appearing on the cover of XXL's ninth issue in 1999. See why we shouldn't go around calling things supergroups before they've really done anything yet?
5. The Transplants
The Transplants were dope, for a little while. Operation Ivy and Rancid's Tim Armstrong teamed up with Blink-182's only good member, Travis Barker to create a rap/punk crossover that caught a lot of attention.
Except the band's reputation went out the window when their single "Diamonds and Guns" was featured in a shampoo commercial. None the less, they still remain together, having put out three albums.
However, they still really only have less than three good songs. Supergroup? Eh.
6. Tinted Windows
If you remember being excited about Hansons' Taylor Hanson singing in a group comprised of ex Smashing Pumpkins, Fountains of Wayne, and Cheap Trick members, then you must remember being crushed when they went nowhere after a year of trying.
This is what happens when people need work, apparently. And this too was called a supergroup despite the fact that it visibly sucked from the get go.
[anad2]
So please don't call things that will probably be awesome, like Prophets of Rage, a supergroup before we've even heard a note. You'll make it come out like Tinted Windows.
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[via Billboard] [Feature Image Courtesy MetalInjection.net]