There are a lot of layers to this song but one thing I think y'all missed: The cult of personality is one of the most dangerous, and powerful, things in the world. It's why they always list two leaders (either of a country or a movement): one was "evil," one was "good," but they exercised the same control. It's the situation that arises when people follow someone no matter what; hence, the lines "I exploit you, you still love me" and "I tell you one and one makes three." The leaders of these cults control their followers, even when it means doing things that harm the followers. They speak lies and their followers accept them, convincing themselves it is best for them no matter what. Anyway, love the reactions guys, and the fact that y'all are constantly repping Louisiana.

@maryewilson2009

Жыл бұрын

Wow great interpretation. I had not given it much though back in the day until just now when I heard Brandon react to it. Your explanation reminds me of someone a couple of years ago who has many followers and they believe all of his lies. still relevant.

@beardymcbeardface69

Жыл бұрын

@@maryewilson2009 Yep 100%

@lakers013

Жыл бұрын

MUCH RESPECT!!! You guys have been watching things from my generation. THAT is the EXACT reaction I had when this song came out. I like that you guys homage to all the old school clips. Keep it up and I'll keep watching.

@zookeeper6799

Жыл бұрын

Thank you for articulating that so well. Its such a revolutionary tune!

@IdrisFashan

Жыл бұрын

This song started my journey into unpacking/understanding hero narratives and realizing that all cults of personality required scapegoats as much as they needed followers.

This brought tears to me, to see young brothers become WOKE.....I am 60 and have been rocking all my life. These are my brothers from Brooklyn, I went to high school with the lead singer Corey Glover...they are all beautiful souls and ALL their songs rock...and say SOMETHING. Will is a master drummer...one of my favorites and very cool people. There are dozens of great songs you need to hear, right up to today.

@zogjones

Жыл бұрын

Just saw a recent live video of them a Corey sounds AMAZING! Sounds like he's maybe even improved as he's aged?!? Scary vocalist! Musta been a trip to see them rise to fame. cheers!

@Darknamja

Жыл бұрын

Hello, Michael, I have always enjoyed rock too. My friends and I had a little rock band in the '60s. We lived in the South Bronx.

@Braktooth

Жыл бұрын

One of the best rock bands ever, for real.

@KingdomofSiam

Жыл бұрын

Corey played the part of Judas in the 2000s revival of Jesus Christ Superstar. He killed it.

@sytheprice407

Жыл бұрын

We all still need to Keep Your Eyes on the Prize. One of the best documentaries I've seen in my life

This band was so ahead of its time. This song still hits today not just the way it sounds, but the message as well.

@temisaqw

6 ай бұрын

i think that cult of personality is arround earth a lil bit longer than the band, you know

@riffhousestudios96

6 ай бұрын

A timeless track

@georgea8298

5 ай бұрын

Trump

@NaschC101

4 ай бұрын

​@@georgea8298Joe Biden 😂

@84doll

4 ай бұрын

Real talk

You guys crack me up. The look on Brandon's face when he realized the band is black was priceless.

@markdouglas9182

4 ай бұрын

There should be more black hard rock bands!

@scorpinok3006

3 ай бұрын

@@markdouglas9182 There are plenty if take time to look.

Criminally underrated band. That groove, the lyrics and Vernon Reid shreds.

@jayjohnston2682

Жыл бұрын

always thought the same .

@ReeceyOne

Жыл бұрын

Fair

@johndehaemers7115

Жыл бұрын

So Damn true. Teenage me knew WTF was up listening to these musical magicians

@timmyrushton9203

11 ай бұрын

agreed, great band. vernon reid is not human. 🙂

@kathies989

5 ай бұрын

Veron Reid=Genius

I was 18 when this came out, and I was a total metal head. No one cared the color of these guys' skin, this song was the jam! One of those tunes you sang to while driving. :)

@roberthaywood5197

Жыл бұрын

Metal is one of if not the only style of music is inclusive and welcoming no matter ur race,religion,lack of religion,sexual orientation if ur a metal fan ur a member of the family

@leroythemaster4268

Жыл бұрын

I was about 22 and a rocker. It shocked me that they never really built on what they had. There was definitely a market for their music.

@heywoodjablowme8120

Жыл бұрын

Same. Summer of 1989. It was a very good year.

@control_the_pet_population

Жыл бұрын

Metal fans are only assholes to other metal fans... they'll have bitter arguments over the 11 different genres of Norwegian Death Metal with each other... But when it comes to welcoming new fans? it's open arms until your initiation is over... then YOU will likely want to join the argument over Norwegian Death Metal genres... and it's a glorious mess.

@LauraHalvar

Жыл бұрын

@@control_the_pet_population 🤣🤘🏻🖤🤘🏾

It sounds familiar not only from guitar hero 3 and CM punk but also GTA San Andreas!! These guys are rock n roll legends and continue influencing kids still, mad respect on their name coming from a metal guy..

@didthat4835

4 ай бұрын

San Andreas had classics in all genres

@Ko_Qc

23 күн бұрын

that solo was so impossible to play in gh3 😄 that game still intruced me to many bands i didnt know when i was young and the songs i had to play in the game got somehow printed in my memory forever, the power of music i guess

@stevenbrenneman4368

16 күн бұрын

sly cooper 2 is goated

He was basically singing about the evils of blind, unquestioning worship of leaders. From becoming their tools and weapons to being lulled into a false sense of security or state of fear. Talk about nostalgia, I listened to them all through my junior high and high school years

@daynechastant

3 ай бұрын

And the video ends, as it should, with the young girl shaking her head to clear it...and shutting the TV OFF.

One of my favorite songs. Vernon Reid was the truth. A cult of personality is EXACTLY what the influencer culture is. These guys were 30 years ahead of the curve, because that's what life is today. A series of cults of personality...all live on social media.

@robinleggett2448

Жыл бұрын

Exactly!

@parliamentlite

Жыл бұрын

And they saw what was happening in politics, certain families like the Bushes, Clintons, became like royalty and now the Trumps and their supporters wave flags with his name as they storm the Capitol building while wearing branded merchandise and hoping for that family to become royalty. A textbook cult of personality.

@cyradragons

Жыл бұрын

Or like in the lyrics and the video, the current state of politics and government.

@phreddiekruizer

Жыл бұрын

Yeah... no... The current day social media influencers provide next to no positive social influence... They are strictly fame parasites who give back practically nothing to society.

@marcstov

Жыл бұрын

Beautifully said. Maybe 40 years ahead.

I'm glad y'all found this! Definition: "A cult of personality is the result of an effort which is made to create an idealized and heroic image of a leader by a government, often through unquestioning flattery and praise."

@revelgirl1742

Жыл бұрын

Like the Magas…scary!!!!

@ridemfast7625

Жыл бұрын

@@revelgirl1742 How's your gas prices doin, inflation, crime, open border... Wars everywhere - Afghanistan failure leaving Billions of weapons and cash for the Taliban and killing innocent allies and families, Ukraine slowly getting billions of $$$ and weapons from the US prolonging the war instead of providing what necessary months ago, N. Korea launching missiles over Japan and Japan having to use Air Raid sirens and their citizens running scared taking cover, Russia threatening the use of Nuclear weapons... Yeah, you stay focused on maga you turtle.

@dard4642

Жыл бұрын

@@revelgirl1742 actually, no. More like Joe Biden. The media and the rest of the govt were never on DT's side -- they only vilified him. I'm not making a political statement, just a definitional one -- DT is not a cult of personality because the system has to be on that leader's side.

@kevinsmith4429

Жыл бұрын

Like I said , Donald Trump is the epitome!

@ridemfast7625

Жыл бұрын

@@kevinsmith4429Hunter, is that you.

Fun Fact: Living Colour was discovered by Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger when they were performing at CBGB's. He produced their early demos and got them a record contract and set them as the Stones' opening act on the next tour.

@carlwilson1899

3 күн бұрын

Nice info

You guys were saying it sounded familiar. If you’ve watched pro wrestling in the last several years, this is CM Punk’s entrance music. Might be where you heard it. Phenomenal track. Have loved it since I heard it as a kid. Leader speaks/leader dies gets me every time too.

This was and still is a banger with a very deep message. Scary that 30+ years later it is even more relevant to our climate! Love yall sooooo much! Keep going on this amazing journey you have begun! Blessings!

@tbglover

Жыл бұрын

My thoughts exactly!!

@samantharose1144

Жыл бұрын

This 💯💯

@teresaparker9828

Жыл бұрын

This was one of my favorite songs in college! We loved loved loved this. Dragging main st with this cranked in my firebird!

@XwarriorsoulX

Жыл бұрын

if you think this song is still relevant you should check out the lyrics to Sacred Reich's The American Way the title track to their 2nd studio album

@BigFry9591

Жыл бұрын

Well, it's always going to be relevant. It pretty much any leader that made their own way to the top.

It makes me so happy to see young people discovering this amazing band. Living Colour were 30 years ahead of their time and back then, admittedly, most of us didn't have the social awareness to appreciate what they were saying. The world is ready now. Seeing young people internalize the powerful message of this song honestly brings tears to my eyes. Please listen to the rest of their catalogue; they are such fantastic musicians and their social commentary is so relevant and important. Thank you for sharing your reaction to this song with us. You're doing my old Gen Xer heart good!

@senorestes9387

Жыл бұрын

Amen!

@TahoeNevada

Жыл бұрын

Nothingness is a masterpiece!

@nessaseetah1805

Жыл бұрын

These guys were instrumental in waking us up. How society has reverted into such blind following the so-called-leader, I'll never understand (well... it's spiritual warfare - just didn't think our gen would see it) - - -

Vernon Reid is one of the most underrated lead guitarists... he's technically perfect.. He's also a top blues guitarist Corey ,lead singer, climbed up to the second level of Hammer jacks in Bmore during this sing and i was the guy that helped him over the railing. ... got to duet on "cult of personality " with him! He hugged me quick and rocked on... I'll never forget that

Cult of Personality is a statement on human society as a whole. This is one of my alltime FAVORITE songs!

“An Open Letter to a Landlord “ is a must reaction! Another banger from this band!

@terilynnelincoln3247

Жыл бұрын

Yes! That is a great song too!

@magich8ball

Жыл бұрын

"Glamour Boys" is another good one

@charliejaworski2562

Жыл бұрын

Definitely my favorite from that album.

@libsterella

Жыл бұрын

You beat me to it! This song will touch your very soul.

@gregnewman2512

Жыл бұрын

Yes, "...Landlord" is my favorite. "Why You Wanna Give that (Funky Vibe)" also great.

I'm lucky my speakers survived when this came out in '88, my junior year! When it came on my volume always went as high as possible and STILL does! Vernon Reid shredded the hell out of his guitar solo! He's so underrated in my opinion. Amazing band! Amazing lyrics! Powerful meaning of blindly following! Living Colour killed it! Beast mode still 💪🏼 34 years later.

@justrightheightbear

Жыл бұрын

Same time period for me and my stock speakers in my 1980 Olds Omega did not survive, not that anyone expected them to. Love seeing kids love what we loved when we were kids.

@jayadelman5705

Жыл бұрын

I was 11 when this dropped and was an instant fan the moment I heard it.

@Brutalgruve

Жыл бұрын

Actually, he shredded a bunch of notes, and not particularly well, most guitarist have always thought Vernon Reid was overrated and dare I say, terrible lead player. Back in the 80's there were no black metal bands, metal musicians, just not full bands. So, in the mad dash to promote this band with everything they had, they ran over great musicians like Tony Mcalpine, Dean Pleasants and Doug Pinnick.... and many more. To some people, its color first, to me it's all about what you do.

@patrickorourke2369

Жыл бұрын

@@Brutalgruve Vernon Reid is a very good lead guitar player. Your opinion notwithstanding. Tony, Dean and Doug are all freaking awesome and successful. Color first? 35 years of quality production is what he "did." Terrible guitarists don't record and play with Santana, Public Enemy, Bernie Worrell and many other legit perfectionists.

@Brutalgruve

Жыл бұрын

@@patrickorourke2369 K, it does not change my opinion.

You might like Sevendust if you like living color. The passion in Lajon Witherspoon's voice is so powerful. I've been listening to them for over 20 years. They have so many great songs. Denial, Black, Splinter, Angles son, medicated. Enjoy guys and Thank you for everything!

@JessicaBeth13

Жыл бұрын

I was coming here to say this. Lajon reminds me so much of Corey - his passion, his powerful voice, his stage presence and he (as is the rest of the band) is a genuinely nice guy!

@sharoncarlisle9453

10 ай бұрын

Came to say the same. Sevendust is fire!

@legiontheory

10 ай бұрын

I absolutely 4th this comment.. Sevendust has been awesome since day one.

@Memnoch9299

9 ай бұрын

Absolutely love Sevendust. Lajon's voice is so powerful and full of soul and amazing melodies.

@mroberts7519

9 ай бұрын

Can't forget Howard Jones from Killswitch although his lyrics aren't usually as deep as Lajon's. Also, check out Fire from the Gods, more for just the voice that sounds like Lajon but deeper and raspier.

The entire band is extremely talented! The singer! The drummer! The bassist! Mr. Vernon Reid DESTROYING that guitar!🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 The little girl throughout the video IS KEY! You see her watching TV, as the band plays the song, she becomes mesmerized, completely engrossed. Just as the song comes to a close, she leans forward to shut off the TV. This song is an indictment of the industrial complex that is the mainstream media.....ALL platforms of media. It is the 'Cult of Personality' that you can not take at face value. This song is around 30 years old... Relevant then...even more so now. ✌️✌️

YEEAAAHHHH! This song still holds true! P.S. This band is criminally underrated and didn't get near the airplay it deserved.

Welcome to 1988 boys, I was 20 years old when this song came out that you are just hearing now 35 years later! Sounds just as brand new today as it did 35 years ago. I first saw them on Arsenio Hall, and I was blown away that there was a Black Heavy Metal Band out and they were this good! I never tire of hearing this song or watching this video! Song is probably more relevant today than it was 35 years ago, unfortunately! People are slow to listen and slower to change!

@dannyadams7180

Жыл бұрын

Amen george!.. I was early 20s when these guys hit..saw them 4 times live, once in Raleigh N.C. took my best friend (he's black) he thought he would hate it, ended up changing his view on how he heard and saw things) love this band, and their mssg!!.. people both black and white ....to quick to judge, to slow to understand!!.. only when this changes will REAL change begin to happen!!

@cindy844

Жыл бұрын

​@@dannyadams7180 an Adams from NC? You're probably my cousin 😂😂 I'm near W-S.

@dannyadams7180

Жыл бұрын

@@cindy844, not originally from N.C., just happened to be at the right place at the right time kinda thing!!

@arielbarthelemy5126

Жыл бұрын

i was 17 in 1988 and i was in cuba when i heard this song for the first time from a key west's radio station and the first thing I thought was the dictator I've known all my life , In my country there is a cult of personality to Fidel Castro that is still there despite the fact that the dictator has already died. An influence that has lasted 4 decades.

@rebeccamd7903

11 ай бұрын

I was with you for that broadcast!! 🤯🥰

About 20 years ago when I was in the Navy, there was a new black kid onboard my ship that I worked with and we had this song playing in the shop. He absolutely didn't believe us that these guys were black. 😆😆 One of the greatest rock riffs ever!

This is a song that demands multiple listening sessions. There is so much truth and so many references that most people miss on their first viewing/listen.

Everything Vernon Reid (guitarist and writer of all the songs) touches is gold. This whole album (Vivid) was incredible, and it's criminal that more people haven't heard anything but this song. Those of us who were just into hard rock that picked it up got our first taste for other genres, because Reid was so eclectic in his own musical influences. (I'm guessing this is what ultimately hurt the band's popularity, because they weren't easily slotted into a specific music category). He's a real musician's musician, and he's recorded with just about everybody under the sun.

@thegooddoctor4353

Жыл бұрын

Preach! I was around middle school age for this one and I agree! They should've blew up so much bigger. And yes I'm guilty of jumping around my room (back then) pretending to sing Glamour Boy any day of the week lol

@undisputedreflections

Жыл бұрын

To be honest, it wasn't until the wrestler CM Punk started playing it at the WWE shows back in 2012 or 2013. A lot of people didn't know that these artists were Black. Look the Arsenio Hall performances the crowd made of non-black people and their faces, they didn't know what or how to take them. Them and the group Fishbone and Ice T Body Count.

@bigmike2464

Жыл бұрын

You pair the lyrics with the guitar and the way Coery Glover sings like he is giving a sermon, the song resonates, even decades later.

@beatrizmallory

Жыл бұрын

I love their cover of "Back in Black", and how hard they still rock on "Bless Those"

@FeralPatrick

Жыл бұрын

AND he's a beautiful human. Met him, talked for 5-10 minutes, and he asked me for MY autograph. All the guys are humble and real.

This song was before it's time. A perfect description of social media. And influencers now with their fan base. Song means that some people will do for a specific personality.... That they may not do even for themselves...... This is a legendary band.....

@redrick8900

Жыл бұрын

Has nothing to do with social media.

@lovehandles4193

Жыл бұрын

It wasn't before it's time though. The 1980s were all about building brands and presence to influence through the media we had. The internet (which was also a thing, just not in everyone's house at the time) has only exacerbated that effect. But they knew what they were talking about in the contexts of 1988 for sure.

@rikk319

Жыл бұрын

This song talks about something as old as time--how some people will follow a leader, as long as he promises them what they want. Even if he never follows through, as long as he tells them what they wants to hear. The term "cult of personality" has been around for well over a hundred years, and that's exactly what it means.

@ericvonharding3421

Жыл бұрын

It was definitely before its time and the general public agreed. It was that rare hard rock Top 10 hit from an unknown band.

@lovehandles4193

Жыл бұрын

@@ericvonharding3421 I wouldn't say it was really.

a banger is a banger, the colors dont matter, and this shit always hits.

I first heard this song while playing GTA San Andreas, and I loved it so much I searched for the song and ended up loving the band. Finding out the band is so criminally underrated was heartbreaking 💔😢

@ilubyou13

6 ай бұрын

Same, I got it from GTA and loved it ever since

"You gave me fortune, you gave me fame, you gave me power in your God's name" still gives me goosebumps and I've heard this song at least 200 times.

@Rullarxxx

Жыл бұрын

Me2Bro and I've heard it probably 500times

The lead singer Cory Glover is related to the actor Danny Glover from the movies Lethal Weapon. Guitarist Vernon Reid is one of the best modern guitarists and the band was seriously underrated. Leaders that have followers that worship them are deemed to have a “cult of personality.”

@dbenn5314

Жыл бұрын

I heard he was his nephew. He has a small part in Platoon too

@danooc1

Жыл бұрын

@@dbenn5314 Platoon scene: kzread.info/dash/bejne/aoZ2pM1so7uqndI.html

@firecrakka

Жыл бұрын

Corey is in no way related to Danny Glover..... completely false.

@SicJits

Жыл бұрын

Their drummer punched axel rose lol I loved them. Vernon is very underrated

@nim4464

Жыл бұрын

no hes not

This is still 1 of my all time favorite songs for over 30 years, I still get hyped when I hear it. Music is on point and the lyrics speak so much truth.

I remember seeing these guys at the nectarine ballroom in Ann arbor in 1989, I thought wow, these dudes are going to change the world with this 🔥

Always felt this band was BADLY underrated. Wanted to see and hear more from them back in the 80's!

@scottmcclean2566

Жыл бұрын

Absofuckinlutely underrated...... shame too, I can't even imagine just how great this band would've been had they gotten the respect they so richly deserve from the start.

@sarahwalters4428

Жыл бұрын

DISGUSTINGLY UNDERRATED! Letter to a landlord is an absolute AMAZING SONG BY THEM!!!

@redrick8900

Жыл бұрын

They are inconsistent live.

Living Color were ahead of their time: they were amazing musicians, song-writers, and artists, delivering hard rock songs about ideology, pathos, and empathy, in a time dominated by hair-bands. They were criminally underrated.

@redrick8900

Жыл бұрын

They were of their time and they are a hair band.

@bobclark6319

Жыл бұрын

@@redrick8900 Thanks for taking time off from crying to your Elvis Costello and Kim Gordon records to share your eagerly awaited opinion

@redrick8900

Жыл бұрын

@@bobclark6319 So what you are saying is that you are angry about what I said but you can't refute it.

@module79l28

Жыл бұрын

*Colour

@vanhattfield8292

Жыл бұрын

@@redrick8900 You nailed it...

I listened to this all the time back in the day. It still sounds amazing and I'm glad you guys discovered it.

Always happy to see young guys discover great bands like Living Color

I grew up listening to Living Colour amongst other rock bands. They were the bomb!!! Rock is not limited by skin color

@zachdoughty1562

Жыл бұрын

seems like it is now unfortunately.........thats their (cult of personality) its sick! if you know of more rock bands that are black or brown or purple or green please let me know......i love rock and would like to hear it from all walks of life.

@annlassiter4207

Жыл бұрын

*Morris Day and Prince have entered the chat*

@dustinmccartneyjr5136

Жыл бұрын

@Zach Doughty my man, killswitch engage, sevendust, sepultura is Brazilian, seether is south African, rock and metal has always simply been about sticking it to the man and being yourself regardless of your demographic

@NoRockinMansLand

Жыл бұрын

It's kind of interesting considering how it was once dominated by black musicians but in the 60s it changed

This album is a 10/10...one of the greatest debuts ever. One of the best live bands I've ever seen... Cory Glover is an incredible singer.

@deebrown4877

Жыл бұрын

💯💯💯🎯🎯🎯 AGREED!!!!!!

@joshythehand2960

Жыл бұрын

Yes.. I just commented on that. Glovers voice was actually more powerful live than on any album. And they were an incredibly tight jam band that could play for hours.. freaking incredible band to see live

@artis1969

Жыл бұрын

Saw them in early 91, they had some things to say about the Gulf War. Saw them this past August, at a community barbecue, they had some things to say about our current state of affairs. Both shows were great, and seeing them 30 years later, they were tight as hell. It was a fairground venue, and the crowd was so sparse we walked right up to the front. One of the best shows I've seen as well. Epitome of a true band. They are American heroes.

@funk-n-groovin6779

Жыл бұрын

Saw them live myself and partied hard that night in an "upright" college town. Unforgettable. Period, point blank.

@clarkem4119

Жыл бұрын

I love the contrast in style between side A and side B as well. Such a phenomenal band.

Still have this on vinyl from when it came out 1988. Great band and record.

I met these guys after a concert they did at my college back in 1991. They were really cool and down to earth. They talked to everyone who approached them. No inflated egos, very humble. Plus they sound great live.

I saw them open for The Rolling Stones in 1989. They blew them off the stage! Phenomenal performance I’ll never forget. Vernon Reid is one of the most accomplished explosive guitarists I’ve seen and I’ve seen so many. So glad you guys found this. Love seeing you take in their incredibly deep strong message! They did not hold back and I’m here for it!

@michaelsimpson398

Жыл бұрын

he made me pick up a guitar

@AmericanReligion_Band

Жыл бұрын

Same here...Shea Stadium. Living Colour was the reason and The Stones were an added bonus.

@mikeachenbach5519

Жыл бұрын

Same, saw them in Foxboro, MA and they were fantastic.

@evvignes

Жыл бұрын

Yes, I saw the same concert at the Superdome in New Orleans.

@philtrade3276

Жыл бұрын

@@AmericanReligion_Band remember it well

“I’m every person you need me to be” “ I’m the cult of personality “

It's crazy when people see this video, it always gets paused right away after the first verse and everyone always exclaims "THEY'RE BLACK!?!?!?!?!?!" and they get this mind blown 🤯 look on their face. We were all rocking this jam when it came out and everyone I knew had this cassette or CD 💯🔊🔥🔥🔥🔊💯

Saw these guys in the early 90s at a theater. Best rock show I've ever seen. The energy was off the charts. Glad you guys enjoyed it.

This band is so slept on. Living Color were pioneers in many ways.

@cupcakes7015

Жыл бұрын

Right ✅ 11/7/2022

@lotusmaglite

Жыл бұрын

Every all-Black metal/punk/hard rock band was slept on. Living Color was probably the single-most successful of all of them.

@atvena

Жыл бұрын

Faith no more had this sound wrapped up

One of the most under rated bands of the 80s, or ever honestly. The message is timeless.

Real musicians, real instruments, real meaning! Take notes kids, these guys are seriously underrated and among the best in rock music. Black people actually invented rock and would love to see more of this. Needs to make a comeback! I get to see them with Extreme next month which is another band similar to Living Color as far as lyrical content and talent. The two bands are tight friends so take a look at extreme next please.

I'm so glad you guys reviewed this! I loved your reactions and how you dived into the meaning of the lyrics I'm 62 and when their video first came out on MTV, I had the biggest crush on Corey. Damn,he is still fine ❤

I'm a white dude who's 57 years old. Played the s*** out of this cassette. When I had it when it originally came out. Actually saw them live in New York City. At the time of this release. Touring for this album. No matter what someone's skin color is. If they play the genre of music you like. You will at least give them an initial listen. These guys were great ! Wish they had more of a run !

@ek2156

Жыл бұрын

I was the same way! I am 52 and must have wore out 4 or 5 cassettes playing this song and other songs. I really liked all their songs. Helluva band that faded away a little too quick!

@chongli3007

Жыл бұрын

43 here and was glued to to the TV as an 8 year old. Couldn’t wait for mtv to play it again.

@phreddiekruizer

Жыл бұрын

I got to see them live in Feb 2020 on a Blues and Rock cruise ship, just before the Covid lockdown. ❤

@biga8230

Жыл бұрын

47 here, loved this tape

@bluedogok

Жыл бұрын

When I finally transitioned from vinyl/cassettes to CD's this was the first CD that I bought.

Vernon Reid...a master of his instrument. I remember reading about him in one of my guitar magazines years ago so I checked out his solo stuff. He is immensely talented.

One of the greatest guitar players of all time. Back in the day we didn’t see color. We could care less what they looked like, they rocked the hell out, that’s all we cared about!

@letsgomets002

3 ай бұрын

Not the greatest guitarist of all time that's for sure

I remember first seeing them in the 90's, and they blew me away. They have a other hits too, and you definitely need to listen to them. They were a fantastic band. Good choice.

I was in high school when this came out. Back when MTV actually played music videos. I remember the first time I saw this. I was blown away from the lyrics, imagery, and the intensity of the guitar playing. Such a powerful song that is timeless. And still relevant to this day.

@marienygard1173

10 ай бұрын

Same! I’ve loved this song and band since I first heard them back in the day.

@jintman

10 ай бұрын

I remember the first time I heard this song and saw the video. I literally got chills down my spine. I saw that real rock was not dead. Very underrated band.

I’m so happy these guys have discovered Living Color! Please see this band live - they still tour, and their live shows are🔥🔥🔥

@Alex-dh2cx

Жыл бұрын

Hold the fuck up, they still tour???? I've gotta find a show

@angeliquematos2590

Жыл бұрын

@@Alex-dh2cx Yes!!! I saw them play a smallish club in Manhattan, and they were more than fantastic! Enjoy!!

@jeffbarnes19fg76

Жыл бұрын

You are 100% correct. I have seen them twice in the past 4 years and they are fantastic live

@LS-tt9ci

Жыл бұрын

Cory Glover has one of the best voices in rock, hands down. Go see them. Still rock so hard. Vernon Reid… phew.

@anthonyesposito9953

Жыл бұрын

In Living Color was the Wayans Bros. sketch comedy show🤣.. the band is ‘Living Colour’

You guys made me tear up! The same reaction you had at the opening, I had when I saw this video when it originally aired. It was awesome and on point! These guys were light years ahead of their time.

This band is absolute LEGEND. So far ahead of the curve! I stop for this song every single time I hear it!

I saw them live , as part of lollapalooza, alongside RED Hot Chili Peppers, Minstry, Front 242, Alice in Chains, Jane's Addiction, Ice Cube and Ice T with his heavy metal band, Body Count, ... the 90s were the last great years for music, fusion of everything. It was a real thing... musically and culturally.

@brisblondie

Жыл бұрын

Me too!! So great!

@sulla4472

Жыл бұрын

Saw that in ATl. Amazing show.

@NationandState

Жыл бұрын

Me to, Same.

@prettybullet7728

3 ай бұрын

The 90's were great.

Vernon Reid was a great player. Very respected in the guitar world...

@peterbondmusic

Жыл бұрын

and still is!

@NarcisoSanchez

Жыл бұрын

Vernon Reid played guitar on Janet Jackson's Black Cat song.

@Brutalgruve

Жыл бұрын

What is unfortunate, Vernon was hailed as a "great guitarist". He was average at best, while GREAT black metal guitarist like Tony Mc Alpine were never hailed. I do not give a rat's ass about the color of one's skin, and even less when it comes to sheer talent. Vernon was a poster boy, tony was the sh!t, and that my friends is how the world works.... Unfortunately

@michaeltaylor8835

Жыл бұрын

Is he dead?

@VogonPoet67

Жыл бұрын

@@Brutalgruve The guitarist in the Isley Brothers was also impressive - he tears it up on the song Climbing Up the Ladder.

They still sound good live 25 years later.

... and that guitar solo is one of my top 10 solos of all time.

I've been a Living Colour fan since I saw them supporting Anthrax way back in 1988 in London. Great live band, and still going strong.

The most popular song by Living Colour, "Cult of Personality" opens and closes with famous quotes: And in the few moments we have left, we want to talk right down to earth in a language that everybody here can easily understand. This is Malcolm X from his "Message To The Grass Roots" speech in 1963. The point was to unify African Americans. The ending quotes start with John F. Kennedy's famous: Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country. This is from his inaugural address in 1961. Both quotes are from men who were assassinated. Most of the song seems to be denouncing idolatry, but there is the one stanza containing the line, "A leader speaks, a leader dies." Living Colour also seem to make no distinction between good and evil, as each time they mention a hero, they pair him with an enemy: Mussolini and Kennedy; Stalin and Gandhi. The final words are: The only thing we have to fear is fear itself. This is a quote from Franklin D. Roosevelt's first inaugural address on March 4, 1933. Roosevelt used the address to announce his "New Deal" program and encourage the citizens of the United States to overcome their economic problems as they emerged from the depression.

Hey, Homie in the "Can't Fold" Shirt got me LIVIN'!! 😂😂😂😂. IT STARTED WITH THE LAUGH - I GET YOU, FAM!! I GET YOU!!! 💪🏾✌🏾✌🏾

In the Ring, On the Microphone, Even on Commentary, Nobody Can Touch Me - Pepsi Punk Proud in Living Colors!

They opened for the Rolling Stones back in the day and they blew the Stones awaaaaaaaaaay! Freaking love this band!!!!!

@veloracer

Жыл бұрын

I saw that show at Alpine Valley in the late 80s... Stones, The Cult and Living Color

@danooc1

Жыл бұрын

Mick Jagger hired Vernon to play on his solo album after this tour.

@markwilliams6394

Жыл бұрын

Not in Houston. I expected a better show from them especially being great musicians. Could have been just an off night for them. Being a musician myself, I know you can have off nights and can't be great every night.

@Fukuimold

Жыл бұрын

Yes they did! I saw them at the HHH metrodome in Minnesota

@markwilliams6394

Жыл бұрын

@John Wheeler hahahahaha

Living Colour was light years ahead of their time. I enjoyed seeing you guys pick apart this song for what it really means.

@NoFeelinMetal

10 ай бұрын

Right along with Extreme who they are touring with now!

Fellas, thanx for this. Haven’t heard this in years. I remember when it came out and saw these black guys kicking ass and shredding. Great group.

My surf shop in Virginia Beach sold out of short John wetsuits because of this video. 😂🤙🏼 These cats where insane live. Great Band!!

I'm about to turn 51, and Living Color was one of my favorite bands in high school. Love seeing a younger generation discover them ♥️

'Bad Brains' would be another great band to check out. 80s Rasta Punk/hardcore, really influenced Living Color's sound. 'I Against I' and 'Quickness' are both awesome albums start to finish, I'm still jamming those whole albums 30+ years later..

@risingvoice3063

Жыл бұрын

Seconded. Bad Brains are killer.

@shaunh6875

Жыл бұрын

Yeah Souldcraft would be a good choice - kzread.info/dash/bejne/q6Z_qc-de5jThLg.html

@wendybmore

Жыл бұрын

Yep! Thinking bad brains as well..Killer! 🤘☠️🤪

@amon_asentir

Жыл бұрын

Totally second that. React to Bad Brains, please!

@cristinaf3844

Жыл бұрын

Oh hell ya!

These guys were ahead of their time, awesome group. I remember these guys taking the world by storm with their sound. Vernon was a beast on the guitar!

Living Colour's video and the lyrics for "Type" is scary at how relevant it is right now. "Open Letter to a Landlord" is a video that always hit me hard.

Probably THE most honest rock song ever. They told zero lies!

@gerardcote8391

Жыл бұрын

Not rock. Funk Metal, they were the first all black Metal band to break into the mainstream of both Metal and pop charts at the same time.

@brettteeter3461

Жыл бұрын

@@gerardcote8391 Rock.

@rickleblanc8900

Жыл бұрын

@@gerardcote8391 I'm not sure I'd put them in the "metal" category. I'd say Hard Rock with Funk thrown in for good measure....

@JK-zz4ip

Жыл бұрын

Back when music was more open ...nowadays If you are black you can only play rap or What is deemed "black music" Rock music is for white people. Its sad .

@redrick8900

Жыл бұрын

They called Kennedy a cult of personality. That is a lie.

Absolute masterpiece. Love Living Colour. It is a shame they're criminally underrated. Maybe, we should get them inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

This just made my day. My new favorite thing is watching us discover all the black rock that's out there. You fellas need to listen to Fishbone "Everyday Sunshine".

Cmpunk theme song

I saw Living Colour in 1991 and then again in 2021. Still an amazing live band! Glad you've discovered them! Other black bands you might be surprised to see. 24-7 Spyz, Bad Brains, and The Chambers Brothers

"ONLY YOU CAN SET YOU FREE!" Still the most intelligent line I've ever seen written in a song. This song is saying that weather it looks like that popular powerful person is good or evil it doesn't matter. Follow your own way, be your own person ❤️

I was in high school when this came out. As a guitarist as far back as that, I could not figure out what Vernon Reid was doing. Completely unique, a kind of controlled chaos, I'd never heard anything like it. Even 30 years later, I still can't play any of his stuff with any kind of authenticity. Just incredible. One of my classmates that also played guitar said to me one day, "he reminds me a lot of Hendrix". I said "you're only saying that because he's black! There are other black guitar players in the world, you know". What a dick. He didn't talk to me for a month. Oh well. The singer Corey Glover is also an actor, he was in the movie Platoon.

@383jpark

8 ай бұрын

Vernon Reid always hated that comparison for the reason you cite. BUT...was there a white guitarist you would compare his work to? Nobody was doing what VR was doing in 1988. Even more so with Time's Up. The Hendrix comparison is apt. Everybody else was trying to catch up with Eddie & Yngvie (until Dimebag). Curious to see your response. Who else but Hendrix in 88'?

I was in college when this came out. It rocks! It’s a warning about following leaders who don’t have your best interest at heart.

Cory, Doug, Vernon and Will....Living Colour were members of the Black Rock Coalition. Bad Brains, Fishbone, 24/7 Spyz, Kings X...all bands to check out....music is a world language. Keep at it fellas.

@danlemyre5803

Жыл бұрын

yes, king's x

@GaryCeaseGhostWolf

Жыл бұрын

@@danlemyre5803 agreed! There live rendition of Manic Depression was too notch.

@thegooddoctor4353

Жыл бұрын

Bad Brains was the SHIT! Rest well, H.R.

@blessedheavyelements8544

Жыл бұрын

Ahhh...Kings X... better times....better times.. Best Regards and Best Wishes for 2023!

@nessaseetah1805

Жыл бұрын

@@blessedheavyelements8544 no kidding... yet... blessed, indeed. ;) stay strong!

After 30 years, and this is still one of my favorite songs.

@princessofarchetypes3870

Жыл бұрын

it's one of those songs that you can't help but crank up and blast it!

Y’all are precious. Love watching you bang your head. Made my day 😅

Fellas I still remember seeing the video for the first time when I was a senior in high school ('88) and feeling that shock, excitement and awe of a black rock band rocking hard and with precision. That songs still rocks and the message is still so very relevant. If you like Living Colour, give their albums Vivid ("Cult of Personality") and Time's Up a listen. I'd also recommend the bands Bad Brains and Fishbone (who both influenced Living Colour) and 24-7 Spyz and (if you can find them) Follow For Now. Those two bands should've been so much bigger. Glad you were into that and thanks for sharing your journey of discovery new things with all of us!

This song was released the summer going into my senior year in high school. This song was EVERYWHERE, and we couldn't get enough. It was played at every party, in every car, and all through the next few years after it was released. Vernon Reid is amazing - that guitar solo still amazes me. This song brings back so many fond memories. It's one of my all-time favorites. So glad you guys found it.

Glad to see you engaging with the lyrics. I’ve seen a number of reactions that only pay attention to the music, which is a real shame. I’ve always seen the song as being about people’s unfortunate tendency to turn over their thinking (and their wallets) to charismatic figures, whether heroes or villains, preachers or professors, lifestyle coaches or politicians, you name it. Doesn’t even matter if that figure is right on every count, you still need to think for yourself, reason things through for yourself.

@Star_R666

Жыл бұрын

Exactly and history repeats itself over and over - hence the situation the US is facing now

@nehifamily

Жыл бұрын

Yes! This.

I remember watching this with friends on MTV as a premiere video. All of us being lovers of Rock were blown away by the music. We knew this was an instant classic when we heard it.

I trace my love of both alt metal and punk back to THIS song, when it blew up in the late 80's. Still one of my favorite jams of all time. Amazing lyrics. Amazing guitar work. Amazing everything.

Vernon Reid is one of my favorite Lead Guitarists EVER ! Had his own distinctive sound at a time when so many other guitarists were derivative of others. And the lyrics are deep on so many levels. LOVE this song !

@Thebipolarbowler

5 ай бұрын

Absolutely UNDERRATED guitarist! Been a fan of these guys since I first heard them in High School. Still hoping to see them live!

@keithsowder4308

5 ай бұрын

@@Thebipolarbowler Yeah....I think a lot of that has to do with a lot of Metal / Rock fans despite hearing how great they were...feeling like they were a "Gimmick" band...because what they did back then was very rare...most of the record buying metal public just assumed that if you're black you're gonna do Pop, Soul, R &B, Jazz, Hip Hop or Rap...and I think that hurt their sustainabilty.

Vernon Reid shredding the axe 🎸 and Corey Glover’s vocals 🗣 is one of the best ever rock music has ever witnessed. LC was a great great band

@chongli3007

Жыл бұрын

-was- *STILL IS*

I also like watching you guys delve into the meaning of the lyrics. You may or may not have been accurate but thats what beautiful about music. You guys listened, and started finding meaning and importance in the words.

lol Glad to see you guys discovered them.....rock and metal fans have known for years about Living Colour. We all liked them.

This is one of the great songs of all time. Glad you liked it, and enjoyed it.

@alcarney1122

Жыл бұрын

They have a song call Pride .It goes hard.

They performed this live at wrestle mania 29 for CM PUNK and it blew me away that they sounded just as good live all these years later

@sooparticular

Жыл бұрын

whats cm punk?

@jovaniolivares3757

Жыл бұрын

@@sooparticular the best wrestler in the world 🫡

@RojoCube

Жыл бұрын

@@jovaniolivares3757 he's also a hot head drama queen.

@ZodsSnappedNeck

Жыл бұрын

@@jovaniolivares3757 Also the greatest UFC fighter of all time

@anokacity

Жыл бұрын

@@RojoCube welcome to professional wrestling.

My new favorite channel....keep it going gents!

I love how yall break down the lyrics and how they resonate. these lyrics apply to any point in time. we as humans fall under the trappings of leaders. we support leaders because we are attracted to their personalities.

This song fits the world today. Outstanding lyrics and outstanding musicians. Perfection. To me he's saying we're easily fooled and will follow the good and bad at times if we don't think for ourselves. Yup, it fits the world today. Social media, influencers etc. All can be dangerous. StaySafe&BlessingsAll🦋

@maceomaceo11

Жыл бұрын

It fits the world at anytime, which is why it is timeless.

@tyharris9994

Жыл бұрын

Hope and Change. Absolutely.

Can we talk about the Body Glove outfit? All the rage during that era!!! One of the most iconic guitar solos from generation. Constant play on MTV back in the day. 🤘🏼🤘🏼🤘🏼

@christopherdacunha8636

Жыл бұрын

Mentioning the Body Glove outfit. Living Color played here in NYC a couple of days ago on Halloween (10.31.2022). Lead singer Corey Glover a few songs in took off the clothes he was wearing to reveal a Body Glove underneath and performed the rest of the show that way. Said he decided to for Halloween to dress up as...himself.

@deecal2001

Жыл бұрын

@@christopherdacunha8636 That’s amazing! Thanks for sharing 🤗❤️

@debbiedelgado2877

Жыл бұрын

Girl he had my hormones raging back in the day with all that tight spandex! LOL!!! Great song too! Loved them!

Welcome gents. I've been with them since they came on the scene and WE ALL FREAKED when this dropped. Never loses it's edge. Enjoy

Cult of Personality is a great song, one of the greatest from the 90's. Keep rocking, gentlemen!

@bullzeye40

Жыл бұрын

This is an 80’s song, 1988

@marymckinney4472

Жыл бұрын

It is a great song. You should really listen to the words he's singing. Very strong, and true message. Hm the mainstream media will get away with telling you one and one makes three.

@BillGraper

Жыл бұрын

@@bullzeye40 1989. It hit the top 40 in April '89.

@tattooedman42

Жыл бұрын

@@BillGraper This song dropped in July of 1988. In 1989 it went into the Top 20. If I'm not mistaken, they also got a Grammy that year.

@sierrajohnson7300

Жыл бұрын

From 1988 !