WATCH: Prophets of Rage tackle NFL national anthem protests in powerful 'Strength In Numbers' video

The politically charged supergroup have their say

Published 18th Oct 2017
Last updated 18th Oct 2017

Politically charged rock-rap supergroup Prophets of Rage have premiered a typically powerful video for their single ‘Strength in Numbers’.

Never shy about bringing injustice to light, the supergroup featuring Tom Morello, Brad Wilk, and Tim Commerford of Rage Against the Machine, Chuck D and DJ Lord of Public Enemy and B Real of Cypress Hill once more pull no punches.

Lifted from the band’s self-titled debut album, the hard-hitting video melds footage of American Football players including Colin Kaepernick bending a knee with imagery of slavery, blackface, racism and brutality towards black people.

Referencing the debate about whether kneeling players are "disrespecting" the flag, multiple examples of underwear featuring the stars and stripes flash up almost subliminally throughout the video.

In protest at America’s gun laws there’s footage of a vast array of high-powered machine guns being fired featuring the caption "Totally Legal", whilst conveyer belts churn out vast quantities of ammunition.

Elsewhere, imagery of animals in nature joining forces to gain unity and strength exemplify the song title's call to action.

As you'd expect, this fiercely polemical anthem features strong language. So probably best to listen on headphones if you're at work...

The video ends with a clip of Vice President Mike Pence - who walked out of the 49ers-Colts NFL game in Indianapolis on Sunday 8th October in protest at players kneeling during the national anthem – before the question “Is it the KNEE or is it The NEGRO'?" appears on the screen.

Prophets of Rage play a one-off sold-out show at The Forum in London on Monday 13th November.

Earlier this summer, the band spoke to our own Johnny Doom backstage at Download Festival. Watch their interview here.