Rage Against the Machine’s song “Freedom”, the twelfth track of their self titled album, has a strong connection to Lost Notes 1980 and the some themes that were spread around that time. The Song ” raises awareness about the Native American Activist, Leonard Peltier, who was involved in the American Indian Movement (AIM).” (Genius, “Rage against the Machine – Freedom.”) and it is about how his is trial for two life sentences was questionable considering false testimonies and the prosecutions misconduct with false evidence. From many songs like this where they speak out of political systems of oppression and unjust systems, RATM are often seen as extremists.

Just like we saw in Lost Notes 1980 podcast episode “Hugh Masekela and Miriam Makeba”,we see cases where they are seen as extremists for talking against the law that was passed in South Africa and the injustices that are going on. We saw Mirima Makeba and Hugh Masekela both being banned from returning to their home country. In RATM’s case, news reports and concerts often shut them down and they are censored from the public for their lyrics which call out many relevant injustices going on everyday.

“Rage against the Machine – Freedom (Official HD Video).” YouTube, 26 Mar. 2011, www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_vQt_v8Jmw.

“Rage against the Machine – Freedom.” Genius, genius.com/Rage-against-the-machine-freedom-lyrics. Accessed 16 May 2023.“Rage against the Machine – Freedom.” Genius, genius.com/Rage-against-the-machine-freedom-lyrics. Accessed 16 May 2023.

Abdurraqib, Hanif. “In 1980, Hugh Masekela and Miriam Makeba Performed inside South Africa against the Government’s Wishes – in Lesotho.” KCRW, 24 Sept. 2020, www.kcrw.com/culture/shows/lost-notes/hugh-masekela-miriam-makeba.