In an interview, Albini reported that 'Rapeman' is "... the title character in a Japanese comic book that I had come across through a friend of mine. The comic book is just a total mind-bender. There's a whole genre of comics in Japan, rape stories where women are raped in really graphic detail for whatever reason, and it's an amazing thing that this is just an accepted part of their sort of normal popular culture." Albini and Washam became "sort of obsessed" with the comic, and named their new group after the titular antihero.
Rapeman's performances would often be the target of protestors, who felt that the band was mocking or even encouraging rape and violence against women. Albini has described such criticisms as idiotic, arguing that punk ideology is generally very sympathetic to feminism.
The playing style at times was reminiscent of more traditional noise punk (as on "Up Beat"), at other times cranky art-rock (as on "Monobrow"), their sound gave centre stage to the signature guitar style of Albini.
The band broke up for personal reasons, but not, as has been rumoured, over a dispute relating to their name. Albini launched his career as a recording engineer and played bass with Flour before going on to form Shellac. Sims reunited with ex-Scratch Acid vocalist David Yow to form The Jesus Lizard.
Hated Chinee
Rapeman Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
hated chinee
he's not a man
not a man by law
not a man, not a man at all
can't marry no
white man's child
the hated chinee
he's not a man
not a man by law
not a man
hated chinee
he can't marry no
white man's child
hated chinee
smoke opium
he smoke it all night long
and his boy he masturbate
hated chinee
smoke opium
he smoke it
then masturbate
hey
These lyrics are from the song "Hated Chinee" by the band Rapeman. The title itself is an offensive slur towards Chinese people. The lyrics are deeply racist and derogatory towards Chinese men, portraying them as not being fully human or deserving of respect. The phrase "not a man" is repeated throughout the song, implying that Chinese men are somehow less than human or inferior to other races.
The song also touches on the theme of miscegenation, or interracial marriage, another controversial topic at the time the song was released. The lyrics suggest that Chinese men are not allowed to marry white women and are instead relegated to smoking opium and masturbating.
The use of highly offensive language and imagery in this song has rightfully sparked outrage and condemnation. It is important to recognize the harm that this type of rhetoric can cause and to actively work towards dismantling systems of oppression and discrimination.
Line by Line Meaning
hated chinee
Using a racial slur to refer to an individual of Chinese descent.
he's not a man
Suggesting that the person being referred to is not worthy of being considered a man and is inferior.
not a man by law
Claiming that there are legal restrictions or limitations that prevent the individual from being considered a man.
not a man, not a man at all
Reinforcing the idea that the individual being referred to is not a man in any sense, and therefore has no masculinity or dignity.
can't marry no white man's child
Imposing societal restrictions on the individual's ability to marry or be romantically involved with someone of a different race, emphasizing cultural intolerance.
the hated chinee
Re-stating the derogatory label used to refer to the person being targeted.
he's not a man
Reinforcing that the person is not considered a 'real' man, which is seen as a mark of superiority in society.
not a man by law
Recalling the idea that the individual is not legally considered to be a man or treated equally under the law.
not a man
Using the same slur once again to reinforce the idea that this individual is inferior and unworthy of respect.
hated chinee
Repeating the label used to describe the person, emphasizing the artist's animosity towards this particular ethnicity.
he can't marry no white man's child
Reiterating the societal prejudice against interracial relationships and racial hierarchy.
hated chinee
Using the same slur yet again, emphasizing the artist's contempt and lack of regard for the individual they are referring to.
smoke opium
Playing into the stereotype of opium use by Chinese people, demonizing their drug use.
he smoke it all night long
Making exaggerated claims to stigmatize the drug user and imply that they are dangerous and unpredictable.
and his boy he masturbate
Using vulgar language to suggest that the person being targeted also engages in immoral behavior, like child abuse.
hated chinee
The slur is used once again to shock and belittle the ethnicity of the individual being targeted.
smoke opium
This line is identical to an earlier one, making no new assertions or adding anything relevant to the song's overall message.
he smoke it
Repeating the drug use allegation, pushing a stereotype of drug addiction among Chinese people.
then masturbate
Using vulgar language to discredit and belittle the person being targeted, portraying them as immoral and depraved.
hey
An exclamation used to punctuate the end of the song, but does not add any new information or context.
Contributed by Logan F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@jomartinkelly1
I just love how one of the angriest songs in existence climaxes with a major chord.
@rockyslay4310
If only I could trade in a couple Metallica concerts for a Rapeman concert! That guitar sound is the best!
@artathearta
Goosebumps everytime. If I can make music like this some day, I will be proud.
@TheIkaraCult
Its the drums that make this, they sound like theyre one step ahead of the rest of it.
@sizone
Albini's legendary Russian mics. Which he later sold... :(
@djefferson5669
@@sizone Russian mics? This was recorded at Chicago Recording Company CRC.
@usualdosage7287
@@sizone not the recording, the actual drumming is impressive
@seanmckelvey6618
I love those blasts of feedback.
what a song.
@Alltoofinite
Remember, when I first got this album… All I could think was holy, fuck, Steve Albini, playing with the scratch acid rhythm section… Perfect
@meanytunes
Rey Washam's drumming on this is just magnificent