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The Neighborhood Kids’ viral rage rap anthem during ICE raids turned them into Tom Morello’s ‘new favorite band’

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During troubled times, music can offer clarity about a situation or emotion, if only for a short while, slicing through the chaos. With California recently experiencing heightened federal immigration enforcement by masked agents, a hard-hitting hip-hop track titled “Kids in Cages” by the Neighborhood Kids has spread rapidly online, offering insight into this crisis from the viewpoint of those being pursued.

Over the past few weeks, I’ve been sharing a captivating video clip on Instagram that features me and my Latino rapper partner, Amon the MC, and Verde, hailing from San Diego. In this video, we stand boldly on an urban pedestrian bridge constructed of concrete and chain-link fence, delivering a challenging rhyme straight to the camera.

We’re the dedicated laborers… We’re the team who’ll handle construction and repairs, restoring your damage… We’re the pickers of fruit on your tables… We’ve been given a certain label… We’re the ones often accused of stealing jobs… And yet we earn minimum wages… And we’re the ones whose children are kept in cages.”

This version maintains the original message but uses more natural and easy-to-read language, with a focus on clarity and conciseness.

A post shared by The Neighborhood Kids (@theneighborhoodkidsmusic)

Initially, The Neighborhood Kids independently published the track in 2023. However, it gained significant relevance when Americans in Los Angeles and beyond witnessed distressing footage of immigrants being detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during raids. This video sparked interest among well-known musicians like Cat Power and Tom Morello from Rage Against the Machine, who circulated the clip on their extensive social media platforms.

The tune originated as an improvised rap during a band practice session, later getting formally recorded with swift-paced rapping by the duo of rappers, a rhythm produced by DJ JG on the turntables, and electric guitar notes that swirled from Niko Rosy. It was initially released on their 2023 EP titled “Every Child Left Behind.” The song’s name, “Kids in Cages,” was inspired by the controversial policy of the first Trump administration, which separated immigrant kids from their parents and housed them in temporary chain-link enclosures.

According to Verde, who can be seen in the video wearing an Aztec god T-shirt and her hair braided, people might assume that things have only recently begun. However, she clarifies that this situation has been ongoing for years, and they’re simply feeling a deep sense of anger. It’s perfectly alright to feel upset under these circumstances.

As a movie enthusiast, I found the song’s emphasis on the struggles and stories of working-class immigrants particularly poignant. It mirrored their central purpose of giving a platform to those who often go unheard.

Amon remarks, “Some individuals claim, ‘But we’re doctors and lawyers too,’ and so forth, but these are the ones who are being overlooked.” He continues, “These are the unrecognized champions who truly keep our nation functioning, who shape our nation into what it is. That’s why it’s crucial for us to acknowledge them and make sure people understand their importance.

Amon expresses that the track resonates deeply with him now due to the widespread anger not only about the ongoing mass deportations and ICE raids, but also because of the inhumane treatment involved – specifically, the separation of families.

Many overlook the fact that the issue is not exclusive to the Latino and Mexican communities. The Filipino, Taiwanese, Vietnamese, and Haitian communities also face this problem, and there are numerous other groups impacted as well.

Morello swiftly arranged an urgent concert titled Defend L.A., scheduled for June 16 at the Echoplex, which was both a protest and a fundraising event for the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights. He reached out to various artists who shared his views, such as B-Real of Cypress Hill and Nadya Tolokonnikova from Pussy Riot. Additionally, he connected with the Neighborhood Kids through a mutual acquaintance, the musician Grandson.

Approximately a few weeks ago, Morello wasn’t familiar with The Neighborhood Kids, but the title “Kids in Cages” instantly caught his interest.

Tom Morello expresses that their delivery is powerful and genuine. He found their lyrics to be exceptionally brilliant and observed their dedication to using music as a tool for social change. Upon seeing them on Instagram, he was instantly captivated, declaring after only 20 seconds that they embodied the essence of great rock ‘n’ roll, hip-hop, and punk rock.

When the invitation to join Defend L.A. arrived, the band members found themselves in various locations. Amon, Verde, and DJ JG were performing a gig in Sacramento, recording a gritty Spanglish video for their song “Third World Problems” at the state Capitol. Rosy was on a trip to Rome without his guitar, while the rest of the band were in San Diego. Eager not to miss the opportunity to perform with Morello, Rosy quickly returned to L.A., and the group gathered together at a nearby rehearsal studio on the day of the show.

The Neighborhood Kids opened the night, after Morello introduced them as “my new favorite band.”

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In a flexible setup, The Neighborhood Kids can function as a streamlined hip-hop group consisting of two rappers and DJ JG on the turntables, or as a complete band with Rosy on guitar, Emmerson on bass, and Gatoz Locoz on drums. At Echoplex, they unleashed their full potential, amplifying their rhymes with the intensity of an outburst (comparable to Rage).

The hip-hop artists donned military jackets and traditional keffiyeh headscarves before delivering a 30-minute set of protest music that blended elements of hip-hop, funk, and heavy metal. “Biddi Bomb” was a powerful anti-war anthem, according to Amon, mirroring the ongoing conflicts in Gaza, Sudan, Congo, and Armenia. “And the Kids Say” showcased frenetic DJ scratching and carried traces of Rage Against the Machine’s rebellious spirit, with the repeated line, “I won’t follow your orders…” and allusions to Billie Holiday’s haunting song “Strange Fruit.

Towards the end of the evening, Morello called them up for an impromptu jam session on Woody Guthrie’s “This Land Is Your Land.

This neighborhood group of young people is autonomous and runs independently, but they haven’t started a nationwide tour yet. At the heart of their act are two singers who are deep admirers of traditional hip-hop, evident in their style that echoes Dead Prez and Immortal Technique.

It’s only appropriate that the band will take the stage at Rhyme Fest, held at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on August 17. The lineup boasts legendary hip-hop artists such as Xzibit, Dilated Peoples, DJ Quik, the Alchemist and many others.

Amon states, “We’re all about authentic hip-hop,” he explains from the balcony of Echoplex moments before their Defend L.A. sound check. “We use samples, but we also have a live band. We’re more like a band collective. This group is our team and our family. Whether we create music with them or without them, they always find a way to contribute.

Apart from being an uncommon pair, Amon and Verde are the lead duo of a rap group. Their unique relationship seems to further ignite their creativity and drive in their work.

In my critique, I find it breathtaking how the harmonies seamlessly transition between soaring high notes and gentle low ones. Collaborating with someone dear to me on these tracks feels more than just music making; it’s akin to birthing something new, utterly unique. Each song is like a fresh life brought into existence.

Over the past few weeks, the surge of ICE-related activities and protests has sparked the creation of fresh tunes. When asked about their objectives as a band, Amon emphasizes that they’re not focused on winning awards or climbing charts. Instead, they plan to channel any earnings into supporting their local San Diego community. Their ultimate aim is to foster more homegrown voices similar to their own, amplifying grassroots activism.

As a cinephile with a passion for the arts, I can’t help but express my dream: someday, I aspire to establish a nonprofit institution dedicated to nurturing talents in music and the performing arts. Our vision is to have a skilled turntablist on board as a DJ instructor, helping us preserve the art of DJing for future generations. We aim to provide classes in spoken word, songwriting, and various musical instruments, fostering creativity and ensuring that our children can express themselves through these mediums.

“And apart from that, we just want to take our message across the whole world.”

Although the Defend L.A. performance served as a significant validation that the Neighborhood Kids’ message is resonating globally, they’ve grown accustomed to valuing both large and small audiences alike.

Verde points out, “It makes no difference whether there’s one observer or many – even a single person can impact the world significantly.

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2025-07-16 22:01

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