In the ’90s, hip-hop groups like Arrested Development, Digable Planets and Jurassic 5 offered an alternative to the flashy superficiality of mainstream rap, and Michael Franti, first with his group The Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy and then later with Spearhead, was a big part of that movement. Drawing extensively from funk and soul and performing mostly with live instruments, Spearhead brought an organic sound to hip-hop, with lyrics focused on political activism and spiritual consciousness.
Since releasing their debut album, Home, in 1994, Spearhead, led by Franti with a revolving support system of other musicians, has branched out into reggae, folk and pop sounds, and has become closely associated with the jam-band scene, and the band’s unique style has helped to cultivate a devoted audience.
All Music Guide has said that Franti’s 2013 album All People is “about feeling good and hopeful,” and that’s exactly the vibe he’s been putting out there for his entire career. Catch Franti and Spearhead live on Aug. 15, and you just might come away feeling good and hopeful, too.
Mandalay Bay Beach, 9 p.m. Aug. 15, $34.50 plus tax and fee. 800.745.3000 Ticketmaster
