Artist Profile: Michael Franti & Spearhead
Wednesday June 7, 2006
There are numerous ways that folk and hip hop overlap. Hip hop began as a cultural (read: folk) phenomonena, and has become one of the most successful community-based socio-political musical styles. But Spearhead isn't necessarily hip hop. There are a lot of elements of their music that embrace other strong community-based genres, such as black industrial, punk, and various forms of world music.
Their performances can feel like peace rallies, and Franti's lyrics are certainly some of the most socially conscious available in contemporary music.
Comments
I saw Spearhead for the first time when they opened for the Indigo Girls at the Greek Theater in Berkeley. WOW, what an inspring, gorgeous night of music that was. And the fact that Michael Franti is so effusive about wanting people to love each other is just icing on the cake.