K'NAAN

Phenomenal poet, rapper, singer, songwriter and instrumentalist with roots laying in Somalia and Canada. Currently placed at the helm of educating the world about not only his homeland Somalia, but calling to end all bloodshed and violence. Specifically trying to avoid gangster rap cliches realizing that kind of lifestyle is nothing to brag about or strive towards. I was a little late at falling in love, "Wavin' Flag" was my first official taste of his music and was also 2010's FIFA World Cup anthem. One of my musical dreams is to see K'nann and Michael Franti collaborate. They are masters of rhyme and are both dedicated to helping the world move in a positive direction. Maybe someday my dream will come to fruition. I am sending this post to both of my idols in hopes they will consider intertwining their wisdom to create an enlightened message that the world is in dire need of.

http://knaanmusic.ning.com/

Loreena McKennitt

Loreena McKennitt is a world wide celebrated singer/composer. Self managed, self produced and the head of her own music label. She has been creating hypnotizing music for more then two decades. Winner of countless awards and the founder of many charities. Loreena McKennitt is truly gifted and a shining example of music shaped by creative expression through education and tradition. Her music is simply timeless and is a pure pleasure to listen to.

http://www.quinlanroad.com/

Israel "IZ" Kamakawiwoʻole - Somewhere over the Rainbow

The Goat Rodeo Sessions

The Goat Rodeo Sessions is a recent collaboration of Yo-Yo Ma, Stuart Duncan, Edgar Meyer, and Chris Thile. A mostly instrumental album where Celtic, bluegrass and classical music form a sublime fuse. What is a goat rodeo you may be asking yourself. The urban dictionary describes it as the most polite term used by aviation people (and others in higher risk situations) to describe a scenario that requires about 100 things to go right at once if you intend to walk away from it. There couldn't be a more accurate or humorous title. Simply put, it is music in its purest form created uniquely by four gentlemen who are masters of their craft. 

http://www.yo-yoma.com/news/goat-rodeo-sessions                             http://www.punchbrothers.com/

                                            

Flobots

Are you hungry for a political rock and hip hop hybrid? Then Flobots will feed your need. Straight out of Denver and after my heart. Full of such much passion and adrenaline, it's impossible not to be motivated by them. Every member represents peace, hope and change. Below are my favorite videos. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.

http://flobots.com/

Rise

 

White Flag Warrior 

Mumford & Sons - The Cave

Adele - Someone Like You

Michael Franti & Spearhead

I consider myself a connoisseur of music. I can appreciate every genre. It is in that spirit that this post and others sure to follow are devoted to. Music that has an important message are true treasures. Somehow becoming more than the sum of its parts. Around 2005 I was introduced to Michael Franti & Spearhead. I had heard their music on the radio and knew I liked them but once I saw them perform live, I was hooked. There is a presence about Michael Franti, an aura. Together they are truly magnificent. Performances and lyrics that strike down to the very core of your being. I've been to several of their shows and have been lucky enough to meet them on a couple occasions. They will often interact with their fans after the show & you can tell that together you are apart of something bigger than yourself, something more relevant than just a great concert. Michael Franti is the ambassador for CARE, a leading humanitarian organization that is fighting global poverty. He is the creator of the Power to the Peaceful Festival in San Francisco. He also supports St. Jude's Ranch for children, Soles 4 Souls, Amnesty International, Waterkeeper Alliance and many others. He is truly making the world a better place.

http://michaelfranti.com/