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Michael Franti & Spearhead

Michael Franti is a gifted and much-heralded spoken word artist and political activist from San Francisco, CA. As leader of the politically and socially-charged group Spearhead, Franti is at the forefront of hip-hop's renaissance, expanding the music's boundaries as he draws on funk and soul-driven beats. Through his music and poetry, Franti tackles a range of issues--the criminal justice system, corporatization of our daily lives, AIDS, gay rights, homelessness, the death penalty, drug addiction and suicide.

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Lowkey

Lowkey (born Kareem Dennis 23 May 1986) is a Poet, Playwright, Political Activist and award winning Hip Hop Artist of mixed British and Arab descent who has received airplay on numerous major radio stations including BBC Radio 1, 95.8 Capital FM, Kiss 100, Choice FM, BBC 1Xtra and BBC Asian Network and toured internationally, performing to crowds everywhere from Glastonbury and Trafalgar Square to Germany and Amsterdam. Background

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Mase

Mason Derelle Betha (born August 27, 1977 in Jacksonville, Florida), better known by his stage name Mase, is an American rapper and inspirational speaker. He released his debut album, Harlem World, in 1997 and it went multi-platnium, spawning the singles Feel So Good and What You Want. During the promo tour for his second album, Double Up, he announced his retirement from music. In 2004, under guidance from Diddy he made a relatively successful comeback with the album Welcome Back, but then once again went back to focus on his new career as a preacher.

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P. Diddy

Sean John Combs (born November 4, 1969 in NY, NY) is a record producer and entertainment mogul who presides over a media empire that includes the record label Bad Boy Entertainment, the clothing lines Sean John and Sean by Sean Combs, a movie production company, and a restaurant chain. He has taken the roles of recording executive, producer, writer, arranger, clothing designer, actor, singer and rapper.

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sound of rum

Sound of Rum formed in the summer of 2008. Since then rapper Kate Tempest, guitarist Archie Marsh and drummer Ferry Lawrenson have been playing gigs all over Britain, at every festival going - whether on actual stages or just busking in the rain. The band are in the process of recording their first full length album, which will be released early 2011 on Sunday Best, with singles out later this year. They are gigging extensively, across the country - if you want sound of rum to come play a gig in your town, email info@soundofrum.com

Die Antwoord

Formed in Cape Town, South Africa during Spring 2009, Die Antwoord is an afrikaans futuristic rap crew consisting of Ninja (Watkin Tudor "Waddy" Jones of MaxNormal.TV) and Yo-Landi Vi$$er. DJ Hi-Tek keeps the beats nice and dirty. The majority of their debut album, $O$, was released for free on the Internet in 2009 - Ninja also handed out free albums with hand-drawn artwork at live shows called $O$: Burnt By the Master.

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Wiley

Wiley, also known as Eskiboy (real name Richard Kylea Cowie, born 19 January 1979) is an Grime MC and producer from Bow E3, East London. Wiley has created his own musical genre, which he calls "Eski", and which is largely associated with the Grime genre. "Eskimo", from which the genre takes its name, is probably the best known Eski track. Originally performing under the title "Wiley Kat" (adopted from the Thundercats cartoon), he has now shortened his stage name and rarely is referred to as "Wiley Kat".

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Rahzel

Rahzel, born Rahzel M. Brown, is an American musician. He is a hip hop MC who specializes in beatboxing (he calls himself a 'vocal percussionist'). He is probably best known as a member of The Roots. He is also called "the Godfather of Noyze". Growing up in the Bronx, Rahzel went to Grandmaster Flash's shows regularly and later became a roadie of the Ultramagnetic MCs. He was also influenced by artists like Doug E. Fresh, Biz Markie, Bobby McFerrin, Buffy of the Fat Boys, and Al Jarreau.

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Clipse

Clipse is an American hip hop duo, formed in Norfolk, Virginia in 1992, made up of brothers Gene "Malice" Thornton and Terrence "Pusha T" Thornton. They met Pharrell in 1993, he formed a working relationship with the duo and helped them secure a contract with Elektra Records. The group's debut single flopped, but Williams resuscitated their careers by signing them to his Star Trak Label. The Clipse's debut album, Lord Willin', was released in 2002, and their sophomore effort, Hell Hath No Fury, was released in 2006 to much critical acclaim.

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Jeru the Damaja

He spent his early years in the Brooklyn neighborhood of East New York, where he has been rapping at block parties since the early days of his youth. He first showcased his hardcore Brooklyn style to audiences on "I'm the Man," a track from Gang Starr's 1992 album Daily Operation. The following year he released his first single, "Come Clean", which was produced by DJ Premier and became an instant underground hit.