Brad's success as the drummer of Rage Against the Machine came from the failure of a different band; he once auditioned for a band called Lock Up, who released one album (titled Somethin' Bitchin' This Way Comes) through Geffen records in 1989 and broke up when the album received little media attention upon release. Former Lock Up guitarist Tom Morello was looking to pick up where Lock Up left off and start a new band, and called up Brad to see if he was interested in playing the drums. A short while after, the duo met Zack de la Rocha, a rapper, and through de la Rocha met bassist Tim Commerford (a childhood friend of Zack's) and Rage Against the Machine was born.
When Zack De La Rocha left Rage Against the Machine in late 2000, Brad and the two remaining members, Tom Morello and Tim Commerford, opted to stay together to form a new rock band. Producer Rick Rubin suggested they have a jam session with former Soundgarden vocalist Chris Cornell. The meeting was an immediate success and they subsequently formed a band called Civilian, which was later renamed Audioslave. Brad Wilk has been the drummer of Audioslave since its formation in 2001.
Mic Check
Brad Wilk Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Wait a minute now
Check
To tha young r to tha e tha b to tha e tha l
Never give up just live up
Fed upon America, we be spittin' it up
Rippin' it up
To my brothers burning bare feet on black top
Whose curled 'neath tha shadows from tha gaze of tha cops
Whose huntin' for 9 to 5's through factory locks
Is now hunted on this modern day auction block
Mic check, ha ha ha
I be the anti myth rhythm rock shocka
Mic check, ha ha ha
I be the anti myth rhythm rock shocka what
Mic check, ha ha ha
I be the anti myth rhythm rock shocka
Mic check, ha ha ha
I be the anti myth rhythm rock shocka what
Flexin' and mashin' with complex text
Fast and in a fasion that snap back necks
Quicker than a fed cash tha company checks
Come with tha fire only Marley could catch
This be tha flame in the cellar beware
Nameless cold millions gaspin' for air
Those naked and wageless, scream within cages
They make you pull your shit just to get your share
Mic check, ha ha ha
I be the anti myth rhythm rock shocka
Mic check, ha ha ha
I be the anti myth rhythm rock shocka, what
Mic check, ha ha ha
I be the anti myth rhythm rock shocka
Mic check, ha ha ha
I be the anti myth rhythm rock shocka, what
Welcome down with the warrior sound, uh
With this mic device, I spit nonfiction
Who got tha power this be my question
Tha mass of the few in this torn nation?
Tha priest tha book or tha congregation?
Tha politricks who rob and hold down your zone?
Or those who give tha thieves tha key to their homes?
Tha pig who's free to murder one Shucklak
Or survivors who make a move and murder one back
With this mic device, I spit nonfiction
Who got tha power this be my question
Tha mass of the few in this torn nation?
Tha priest tha book or tha congregation?
Tha politricks who rob and hold down your zone?
Or those who give tha thieves tha key to their homes?
Tha pig who's free to murder one Shucklak
Or survivors who make a move and murder one back
Mic check, ha ha ha
I be the anti myth rhythm rock shocka
Mic check, ha ha ha
I be the anti myth rhythm rock shocka what
Mic check, ha ha ha
I be the anti myth rhythm rock shocka
Mic check, ha ha ha
I be the anti myth rhythm rock shocka what
The lyrics of Brad Wilk’s “Mic Check” reflect on issues of social inequality and injustices in contemporary society. The artist depicts the struggle of young people who want to make it in America, especially those who come from less privileged backgrounds. The opening lines present a message of resilience and determination to never give up, but instead to live up to one’s potential. Wilk mentions the way these young people erupt, spit, and rip on the microphone, using language as a way to uplift themselves and their community.
The next lines of the song shift focus to the struggles of people who face systematic oppression and limitations, such as black people whose feet burn on the hot asphalt, whose movements are monitored by the police, and who have to work hard in factories. The reference to the “modern-day auction block” suggests that even today, the basic rights and dignity of certain groups are not respected in society. The song’s chorus, “I be the anti myth rhythm rock shocka,” serves as a testament to Wilk’s purposeful lyrics that aim to challenge myths and stereotypes perpetuated by the powers that be.
Towards the end of the song, Wilk raises essential questions that echo through generations, wrestling with issues of power, governance, and control. He questions who has the power in society: is it the religious institutions, the politicians, or the people? In conclusion, Wilk’s “Mic Check” urges listeners to employ their voices and words as tools for resistance.
Line by Line Meaning
Wait a minute now
Pause for a moment and pay attention.
Check
Assess the situation.
To tha young r to tha e tha b to tha e tha l
Addressing the youth with an inclusive greeting.
Never give up just live up
Encouraging people to persevere and strive for success.
Fed upon America, we be spittin' it up
Expressing frustration with the state of society in America.
Rippin' it up
Challenging the status quo and breaking barriers.
For an even amount in each cup
Advocating for equality and fairness for all.
To my brothers burning bare feet on black top
Acknowledging the struggles of those facing poverty and hardship.
Whose curled 'neath tha shadows from tha gaze of tha cops
Referring to the fear of police brutality that many experience.
Whose huntin' for 9 to 5's through factory locks
Describing the struggle of finding steady employment in a difficult economy.
Is now hunted on this modern day auction block
Suggesting that people are being exploited and taken advantage of in today's society.
Mic check, ha ha ha
An exclamation to grab attention.
I be the anti myth rhythm rock shocka
Asserting oneself as a unique and unconventional artist.
Flexin' and mashin' with complex text
Emphasizing one's lyrical abilities and artistic style.
Fast and in a fasion that snap back necks
Claiming to be a powerful and impactful artist.
Quicker than a fed cash tha company checks
Suggesting that one is more efficient and productive than corrupt financial systems.
Come with tha fire only Marley could catch
Drawing inspiration from the legendary musician Bob Marley.
This be tha flame in the cellar beware
Warning listeners that the lyrics are intense and provocative.
Nameless cold millions gaspin' for air
Acknowledging the suffering of those who are impoverished and voiceless.
Those naked and wageless, scream within cages
Describing the experiences of those trapped in oppressive systems without any resources or support.
They make you pull your shit just to get your share
Commenting on the challenges and obstacles people face in order to attain basic necessities and opportunities.
Welcome down with the warrior sound, uh
Inviting listeners to join in the artist's message and movement.
With this mic device, I spit nonfiction
Stating that the lyrics are honest and genuine.
Who got tha power this be my question
Challenging society to consider who truly holds power and influence.
Tha mass of the few in this torn nation?
Questioning the state of democracy and representation in America.
Tha priest tha book or tha congregation?
Asking who is truly in control of religion and spirituality.
Tha politricks who rob and hold down your zone?
Commenting on the corrupt politicians who exploit and harm their constituents.
Or those who give tha thieves tha key to their homes?
Suggesting that the people who enable corruption and exploitation are just as complicit.
Tha pig who's free to murder one Shucklak
Referring to corrupt police brutality.
Or survivors who make a move and murder one back
Commenting on the cycles of violence and retaliation that can occur as a result of systemic oppression.
Contributed by Zachary F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Jake Reed
This is so awesome! And, yes, the hihat rejection in UNREAL! My new favorite snare mic is SNARE MIC!
LautenAudio
Thanks for being a part of it Jake. Can’t wait for your video!
Nate Testa
@LautenAudionow I can’t wait for his video 💪🏻🥁🤓
Randy Hanley
Dude! This is amazing. It's almost like the snare is recorded on a separate track in another room because the isolation is so darn good!
Marco Bicca Drummer
thanks Jake and Darrell for contributing to my debt :D ...... this Mic is FANTASTIC!!!!!!
Toro Cruz
Fellas what is the mic? Did I missed something? Is it th Lauten?
VC
Some of the most recognizable drum beats, fills, and patterns in the history of recorded music! Brad Wilk is the modern day John Bonham.
Jaxon Duncan-Savage
Brad doesn’t get enough love man! So much groove for one guy!!
LautenAudio
He’s awesome
WarPhi
Although I do agree with you 100%. When I heard he was playing on Black Sabbath's final album in 2013. He got the official nod of approval.