“My favorite band of all time is The Clash. The thing I love about The Clash is they started out as guys who could barely play three chords. They dabbled in reggae, punk, rap, jazz. They came to a sound that could only be defined as The Clash. It was impossible to say what it was. I admire them for that.”

American singer, songwriter, musician, poet, activist, documentarian, and rapper

Michael Franti is an American singer, songwriter, musician, poet, activist, documentarian, and rapper. He is known for his politically and socially minded work, especially with the Beatnigs, the Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy, and Michael Franti & Spearhead. Franti founded and leads Michael Franti & Spearhead, a band that mixes hip-hop with funk, reggae, jazz, folk, and rock. His public voice often centers on peace, social justice, and issues related to the Middle East.