Rage Against The Machine’s “Killing In The Name” Reaches 1 Billion Streams On Spotify

Rage Against the Machine’s incendiary 1992 anthem, “Killing in the Name,” has passed the 1 billion streams milestone on Spotify. “Killing in the Name” was the lead single from Rage Against the Machine’s 3x-platinum self-titled debut album, and was written in response to the 1992 Los Angeles riots following the beating of Rodney King at the hands of L.A. police officers. Rage guitarist Tom Morello took to X on Saturday to acknowledge the track’s Spotify milestone, while also admonishing those who have misunderstood the song’s potent message over the years. “KILLING IN THE NAME” just hit 1 billion streams on Spotify!,” Morello wrote. “Thanks to all those who listened to it: those who love it, those who hate it, and those that have enjoyed it without understanding it. Righteous proof that rebel music and irony are alive and well.” (Consequence of Sound)