“We would play songs live on stage, and then we'd watch their reaction we were receiving immediately, if people were dancing and singing along. If they weren't, then we'd go into the dressing rooms of the different NBA teams that we were playing in their arenas, and we'd change the songs right there.”

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.