Zack De La Rocha

Zach De la Rocha was born on January 12, 1970, in Long Beach, California. An influential musician and activist best known as the vocalist and lyricist of the rock band Rage Against the Machine. Raised in Irvine, California, by a Mexican-American father and a German-Irish mother, his early life was marked by a growing awareness of social injustices, influenced by his father's political artwork. De la Rocha's music career began in the punk band Hard Stance before he formed the band Inside Out. However, it was with Rage Against the Machine, formed in 1991, that De la Rocha gained widespread recognition. The band's blend of hard rock, hip-hop, and politically charged lyrics made them one of the most unique and influential bands of the 1990s. They released acclaimed albums like their self-titled debut in 1992 and "Evil Empire" (1996). De la Rocha was known for his thought-provoking lyrics, addressing issues like institutional racism, corporate America, and government oppression. After Rage Against the Machine disbanded in 2000, he pursued a solo career, collaborating with various artists and remaining an active voice in political activism.