Hip-hop veteran and activist Michael Franti has always written songs against war. But when the war in Iraq started he decided to take his activism a step further, by traveling to Iraq and playing on the streets. Hear Michael’s story of his trip and how it inspired the documentary film “I Know I’m Not Alone” and the upbeat album “Yell Fire”.
Also, check out Global Exchange – An international organization dedicated to human rights!

Poet Linton Kwesi Johnson writes to the rhythms of reggae music. His deep voice recites words of revolution, drawing a dark, stunning picture of life as a Jamaican immigrant living in London.

Sri Lankan artist M.I.A. was denied entry to America because the U.S. Government determined that her profile made her a potential terrorist. She turned this all around by using her time to help build a playground in Liberia, visit youth detention centers and make a new album. The record “Kala” samples indie bands and brings the culture to many third world countries for the first time ever.

El Vez, The Mexican Elvis, calls himself a crusader for truth, justice and the Mexican-American way. In this feature, Roberto Lopez tells us how he was inspired to create the character of El Vez, and why El Vez will run for president in 2008. Find out more about El Vez and other Latino musical innovators at Experience Music Project's "American Sabor" exhibit, open until September 2008.

UK singer-songwriter Billy Bragg was inspired by Dylan and The Clash. His music marries the raw, pure power of folk with the attitude of punk rock.

For decades rock legend Patti Smith has spoken out against war, censorship and oppression. In this exclusive KEXP audio, Smith talks about her role as a revolutionary and how music can change the world.

Beth Ditto, lead singer for the soulful Portland rock band The Gossip is an activist for gay rights, civil rights and now called herself a "Fat Activist". Her controversial nude front cover for the British pop magazine NME has people arguing over whether it is "acceptable" for a big, beautiful woman to show herself naked.

Los Angeles band Rage Against The Machine mix hip-hop and rock to back-up some of the strongest political statements in music today. In this feature guitarist Tom Morello talks about how music really can change the world.

Legendary alternative rockers REM have been making political music for almost three decades. Click here to find out why their 2008 release "Accelerate" has been hailed as their comeback album. And hear what the band currently has to say about how music can be used as a tool for change.

Seattle hip hop visionaries Blue Scholars keep their politics on a personal level. Geo and Sabzi take direct action in their community and write songs that bring home the concept of war and what it means to our U.S. families.