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Taken from EarthTimes (Aug 12, 2009)
Universal Republic to Distribute Michael Franti and Spearhead Album All Rebel Rockers
by Universal Republic Records
 NEW YORK - (Business Wire) Universal Republic Records has entered into an agreement to promote and distribute ANTI-recording artist Michael Franti and Spearhead's current album, All Rebel Rockers, which marked Franti's highest debut on the Billboard Top 200 Album Chart. The first single, "Say Hey (I Love You") is currently one of the most requested and added records at multiple radio formats including Top 40, Hot AC and Alternative radio. As for the video, not only has it just been added to full rotation on VH1, but it is about to exceed nearly 1 million views on YouTube.
The infectious song has fast become a sales and request favorite, with Franti and Spearhead's sixth album, All Rebel Rockers, drawing rave reviews: "All Rebel Rockers is an all-time high (for Franti)...a perfect marriage of artist, attitude, and style," wrote the U.K.'s The Independent, with online tome PopMatters saying: "On All Rebel Rockers, Michael Franti and Spearhead churn out catchy, socially conscious music that tickles your dancing bone and makes you think..."
Recognized as a pioneering force in branding music as a vehicle for global social activism, Franti's reputation as a poet, activist, social humanitarian and musician has encompassed a wide range of projects and social justice initiatives through the years. Franti and Spearhead's seminal 2001 album Stay Human began the band's ingenious fusing of hip hop, funk, reggae, and folk-edged layerings, with 2006's Yell Fire and their current All Rebel Rockers exploring their more Reggae-inspired influences. All Rebel Rockers was produced in Jamaica by iconic reggae producers Sly & Robbie, and mixes Spearhead's languid grooves with addicting rhythms and Franti and the band's soul-stirring message of love and compassion, including songs such as "I Got Love For You," and "A Little Bit Of Riddim" and others.
Franti and Spearhead are currently out on the road playing individual headlining shows, as well as concerts with Counting Crows and Augustana as part of The Saturday Night Rebel Rockers Traveling Circus & Medicine Show. They have shared the stage with a virtual who's who of diverse superstar artists including the Dave Matthews Band, U2, REM, Ziggy Marley and others. Their music has been featured on HBO's award winning, critically acclaimed urban drama The Wire, the FX series Rescue Me, and other TV and film projects. Franti's social activism has also led him down a myriad of politically and socially charged avenues. His 2006 documentary I Know I'm Not Alone, which chronicled the chaos and devastation taking place in the Middle East, garnered universal praise and rave reviews. Michael Franti and Spearhead have also organized and contributed to numerous humanitarian efforts throughout their career.
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