In a bold musical statement, the legendary ska-punk band Fishbone has released a scathing new track aimed squarely at former President Donald Trump. Titled "Racist Piece of S-it" (or "RxPxOxS" for short), the song pulls no punches in its critique of Trump and his supporters.
Christopher Dowd, Fishbone's keyboardist and trombonist, revealed that the idea for the song had been brewing for nearly a decade, ever since Trump first announced his presidential candidacy. With another election on the horizon and Trump once again in the running, the band felt it was the perfect time to unleash their musical broadside.
The ska-infused track doesn't mince words, calling out various groups and individuals associated with Trump's base, including the Proud Boys, tiki torch-wielding protesters, and even fellow musician Kid Rock. The chorus leaves little room for interpretation, bluntly declaring, "Oh, you're just a racist piece of s-it."
Dowd explained that Trump has been on the band's radar since the late 1980s, citing the controversial full-page ad Trump placed in the New York Daily News regarding the Central Park Five case. As Black men who grew up in Los Angeles during a tumultuous era, Fishbone's members felt a personal connection to the injustice of that situation.
The song's release, timed just days before the upcoming election, is intentional. Dowd hopes it will provoke thought among undecided voters, encouraging them to consider the potential consequences of their choice at the ballot box.
Fishbone's new track continues a long tradition of musicians using their platform to speak out on social and political issues. Dowd notes that while such music from white artists is often labeled "protest music," similar efforts by artists of color are frequently dismissed as "aggressive." The band aims to bridge this gap by creating music that makes people dance while also encouraging critical thinking.
Looking ahead, Fishbone plans to release a new album tentatively titled "Stockholm Syndrome" in 2025, which will feature more observations on the current state of the world. In the meantime, Dowd urges voters to carefully consider their values and priorities before casting their ballots.
As "RxPxOxS" hits the airwaves, it serves as a stark reminder of music's power to challenge, provoke, and inspire in times of political turmoil.