Spearhead & Ernest Ranglin

Michael Franti released only one album as half of the Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy, but it was praised for his insightful raps and Public Enemy-influenced beats. After disappearing for two years, Franti resurfaced in 1994 with Spearhead, a band more rooted in '70s funk. Eschewing the hip-hop beats of the Disposable Heroes, Franti and Joe "The Butcha" Nicolo opted for a funk/rap hybrid performed by a quartet of live musicians and with vocal backing from Mary Harris and toaster Ras I. Zulu. Tracks such as "Runfayalife" and "Crime to Be Broke in America" evoked memories of the...