Michael Franti
b. 21 April 1966, Oakland, California, USA. Franti was formerly one half of highly rated hip-hop outfit Disposable Heroes Of Hiphoprisy. Following his departure from this crew Franti formed Spearhead as the new musical forum for his incisive lyrical vision. His debut as Spearhead, Home, was released in 1994 shortly after the break-up of his former band. Eschewing the hip-hop beats of the Disposable Heroes Of Hiphoprisy's sole album release, Hypocrisy Is The Greatest Luxury, Franti and Joe "The Butcha" Nicolo opted for a funk/rap hybrid performed by a quartet of live musicians and with vocal backing from Mary Harris and toaster Ras I Zulu. Tracks such as "Runfayalife" and "Crime To Be Broke In America" evoked memories of the classic early 70s musical vision of Sly And The Family Stone, while Franti's humanist outlook was summed up in song titles "Love Is Da Shit", "Piece O'Peace" and "Positive".
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Top Tracks
- Rock the Nation
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