CD: “All Rebel Rockers”

Another fierce call for peace, compassion and sanity, full of Franti’s trademark hip-hop/reggae/soul flavor.

CD: “One Day as a Lion”

Rage Against the Machine’s Zack de la Rocha partners with former Mars Volta drummer Jon Theodore for five bruising, electronic hip-hop tracks, featuring de la Rocha’s trademark aggressive political lyrics.

CD: “Fight with Tools”

Political awareness and hippie optimism meet alternative rock and hip-hop. Features the popular rap-folk-? single “Handlebars.” These guys have also got their own social justice non-profit, Flobots.org. Check em out.

CD: “Rising Down”

Most political album to date by hip-hop innovators The Roots, not coincidentally released on the 16th anniversary of the LA riots.  Topics include war, hypocrisy, prison, and addiction, and features collaboration with fellow artists Mos Def, Common, Talib Kweli, and more.