Mike Shinoda , one of the co-founders of the band Linkin Park , is known for his eclectic musical tastes. In a recent article published in Metal Hammer Rage Against the Machine 's "Killing in the Name" impacted his musical development and the band's trajectory.
Throughout his career , Mike has always cited hip-hop as his main influence. However , he has never hidden his reservations about certain rock genres, such as glam metal and nu-metal.
In interviews, the singer had already commented on the lack of diversity and the stereotypical image that these musical styles often presented.
However, regarding Rage Against the Machine, the story is different: “I didn’t really like rock at the time – grunge didn’t speak to me like hip hop did – but 'Killing in the Name' changed my mind,” he told Metal Hammer (transcribed via Loudwire ).
And he concludes: “The things Tom Morello was doing with his guitar were incredible – taking influences from funk and hip hop and making them super heavy – and Zack de la Rocha was a phenomenon. I couldn't even process what was happening with that group, it was so good.”
The influence of Rage Against the Machine on Linkin Park
Shinoda's admiration for the band translated into elements in Linkin Park's music. A clear example is the track "One Step Closer," one of the biggest hits in the group's legacy.
The guitarist reveals that the phrase "Shut up!" was inspired by the vocalist of Rage Against the Machine, and his performance in the song "Killing in the Name".
Mike recalls the process: “Chester and I were in the room, trying to figure this out, and I said to him, ‘What do you think about just saying, “Shut up!”’”
“He was like, ‘Just saying that?’ and I said, ‘No, you’d yell, but that’s it, nothing bigger. You know that Rage Against The Machine song, ‘Fuck you, I won’t do what you tell me!’ (Killing in the name)? And he said, ‘Oh! This is going to be great! I’m excited! Let’s do this!’”
READ ALSO: Linkin Park considers reunion with new vocalist in 2025, according to website.
