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Growing up in Oakland, California, US, Michael Franti was raised in a black community by his adopted white parents, an experience which fostered a deep awareness of his cultural identity, a theme which Franti often tackled through his music. This awareness of self led to Franti to become deeply interested in social issues, displaying the same sense of passion as Gil Scott-Heron.
Franti’s first foray into music was in 1986 with his drum ’n’ bass/industrial outfit, the Beatnigs, which came to an end after only one album release. Franti then turned his head to hip-hop, forming the Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy, fusing jazz-influenced beats with hard-hitting raps that was at odds with mainstream rap, attacking the misogyny and materialism inherent in the music.
Franti’s next project was with Spearhead, delivering socio-political hip-hop, addressing matters such as homelessness, police brutality and the increasing AIDS epidemic. Spearhead garnered critical acclaim through their releases, enjoying over a decade of success that offered a voice against social injustice.
In 2003, Franti released his first solo album, titled “Songs From the Front Porch,” an album of sensitive R&B delivered on an acoustic guitar, offering a new platform from which Franti could present his poignant and thought-provoking lyrics. In 2006, Franti united again with Spearhead for “Yell Fire!” which was recorded in Kingston, Jamaica, after which several live recordings were made available.
In 2008, Franti joined with legendary producers Sly & Robbie for “All Rebel Rockers,” a record that found influence from Jamaica once again. After a stint supporting John Mayer on his tour, Franti returned to the studio for 2010’s “The Sound of Sunshine,” before waiting three years to release new material, in the shape of “All People.”
Some of the first hip hop I ever discovered when I was a kid was by Michael Franti’s Spearhead. The record was the group’s 1994 debut called Home and it was a fusion of lounge hip hop, soul and spoken word. Franti’s acoustic solo album Songs from the Front Porch was something I played on repeat after he released it in 2003. Whether on his own or with Spearhead (he tends to perform under the moniker ‘Michael Franti & Spearhead), he has continued to make interesting world-laced hip hop and soul music in career than has lasted decades. He has turned his songwriting and vocal skills to almost all genres of music, with his latest releases featuring everything from folk and reggae to rock and dance music – in the ‘80s he event fronted an industrial punk band called The Beatnigs. Sadly I was just a baby, so I never got to see The Beatnigs live. Michael Franti is a towering figure (6 ft 5 in) to witness it the flesh, as I did in London a couple of years ago, but he seems like such a gentle giant. His voice is warm and his tone laidback, even though much of his lyrical content concerns serious social commentary – he is political activist and social justice filmmaker on the side. This particular show was geared more towards his funk party music than the chilled lounge-hop I best love him for, but it was still a fantastic show and his band was seriously good. He is the perfect all-round entertainer.
cliverozario
Even if you have never heard them before, the Wheeland Brothers put on a high-energy show with original, catchy songs that will entice you to clap, sing, and hoot along with everyone else. Their well-done covers are songs you will know and already appreciate from artists like Sublime, Jack Johnson, and Bob Marley. No matter the crowd size, the Brothers put on a live performance as if they were playing to thousands.
cindy-wheeland
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