Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy was an American experimental hip-hop group, active in the early 1990s. The group was founded by Michael Franti and Rono Tse, and their music was characterized by its political and social commentary, as well as its fusion of hip-hop, spoken word, and other genres.
The group’s debut album, “Hypocrisy Is the Greatest Luxury,” released in 1992, was a critical success, featuring politically charged tracks like “Television, The Drug of the Nation” and “Language of Violence.” The album addressed issues like media manipulation, racism, and war, with a focus on promoting social justice and activism.
Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy’s unique sound drew from a diverse range of musical influences, including punk rock, jazz, and spoken word poetry. Their use of sampling and electronic instrumentation added to their innovative sound, and they became known for their dynamic live shows.
Despite their relatively short lifespan as a group, Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy had a significant impact on the hip-hop and alternative music scenes of the early 90s. They paved the way for socially conscious hip-hop artists and helped to popularize the fusion of hip-hop and other musical styles. Their legacy continues to inspire and influence artists today.
1. Television, The Drug of the Nation
“Television, The Drug of the Nation” is a socially conscious and politically charged song by the Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy, released in 1992. The track, which incorporates elements of rap, rock and spoken word, is a commentary on the negative impact of television on society. It critiques the commercialization of media, the propagation of consumer culture and the role of mass media in shaping public opinion. The song is driven by a strong beat and a powerful spoken word performance, featuring lyrics that are both provocative and insightful. “Television, The Drug of the Nation” is a powerful and influential piece of political art that remains relevant to this day.
2. Language of Violence
“Language of Violence” is a powerful and politically charged track by the American experimental hip-hop group Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy. Released in 1992, the song is a scathing critique of police brutality and racism in America. The lyrics highlight the systemic oppression and violence faced by people of color, with lines like “Color-coded terror at the tint of your skin, I’m feeling threatened by the color of my skin.” The song’s aggressive, industrial sound, driven by distorted guitars and pounding drums, adds to its sense of urgency and intensity. “Language of Violence” is a searing indictment of social injustice and remains a powerful protest anthem to this day.
3. California Uber Alles
“California Uber Alles” is a cover of the original song by Dead Kennedys, but the Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy added their own unique twist to it. The song is a scathing critique of California Governor Jerry Brown and his perceived authoritarian tendencies. The music is built around a driving bassline and percussion, while the lyrics are delivered in a spoken-word style that is both confrontational and provocative. The song is a potent example of the band’s politically charged brand of hip hop, which sought to challenge societal norms and shine a light on issues of social justice and inequality.
4. Exercise Our Right
“Exercise Our Right” is an energetic and politically charged song by Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy, released in 1992. The song’s lyrics address issues of censorship, political oppression, and the importance of exercising our right to free speech. The track features a driving beat, distorted guitar riffs, and rapid-fire rapping by Michael Franti. The chorus encourages listeners to “exercise our right to speak, exercise our right to vote, exercise our right to be free,” conveying the urgency of standing up for our rights and freedoms. “Exercise Our Right” is a powerful call to action and remains a relevant and resonant protest anthem today.
5. Financial Leprosy
“Financial Leprosy” is a politically charged song by the Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy, released in 1992. The song is a critique of the capitalist system and its impact on the working class, with lyrics that focus on the growing income inequality and the exploitation of the poor by the rich. The song’s driving beat, heavy use of sampling, and Michael Franti’s impassioned delivery create a sense of urgency and anger, reflecting the band’s political message. With lines like “poor people are getting poorer, while rich people buy bigger things,” “Financial Leprosy” remains a powerful commentary on the ongoing struggle for economic justice.
6. It’s a Crime to Be Broke in America/England
“It’s a Crime to Be Broke in America/England” is a thought-provoking and socially conscious track by Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy, released in 1992. The song’s lyrics address the growing wealth gap and economic inequality in America and England, highlighting the harsh realities faced by those living in poverty. The track features a jazzy, downtempo beat, with spoken-word verses that describe the experience of struggling to make ends meet. The chorus repeats the title phrase, emphasizing the irony and injustice of criminalizing poverty. “It’s a Crime to Be Broke in America/England” is a powerful commentary on economic inequality and remains a relevant and poignant protest anthem today.
7. Famous and Dandy (Like Amos ‘N’ Andy)
“Famous and Dandy (Like Amos ‘N’ Andy)” is a track by the Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy, released in 1992 on their album “Hypocrisy Is the Greatest Luxury”. The song is a critique of the pervasive racism that permeates American culture, specifically referencing the controversial TV show “Amos ‘n’ Andy” which featured white actors in blackface portraying African-American characters. The lyrics are scathing, with lead singer Michael Franti delivering lines like “Papa was a rolling stone, but now he’s just a rolling stone’s throw away from the welfare line” over a pulsating hip-hop beat and screeching guitar riffs. The track is a prime example of the group’s confrontational, politically charged style, and is a reminder of the importance of using music as a tool for social commentary and change.
8. Positive
“Positive” is an uplifting and optimistic track by Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy, released in 1992. The song’s lyrics encourage listeners to stay positive and hopeful, even in the face of adversity and social injustice. The track features a funky bassline, catchy horn samples, and Michael Franti’s distinctive rap style. The chorus repeats the phrase “Positive, positive, positive,” emphasizing the importance of maintaining a positive outlook on life. “Positive” stands out from the rest of Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy’s discography for its upbeat and hopeful tone, and remains a beloved and inspiring track for fans of socially conscious hip-hop.
9. The Winter of the Long Hot Summer
“The Winter of the Long Hot Summer” is a poignant and socially conscious track by Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy, released in 1992. The song’s lyrics address issues of police brutality, racial tension, and social unrest in America, particularly in the aftermath of the Rodney King riots. The track features a slow, mournful beat and Michael Franti’s spoken-word verses, which describe the bleakness and violence of inner-city life. The song’s title is a reference to the 1964 film “The Pawnbroker,” and speaks to the ongoing struggles for social justice and racial equality. “The Winter of the Long Hot Summer” is a haunting and powerful protest anthem that still resonates today.
10. Water Pistol Man
“Water Pistol Man” by Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy is a politically charged rap song with lyrics that speak out against the U.S. government’s foreign policy and military actions. The song takes a critical look at American imperialism and the impact it has on people around the world, including those who suffer from poverty, violence, and oppression. With its driving beat and confrontational lyrics, “Water Pistol Man” is a powerful call to action that challenges listeners to stand up for what they believe in and work towards a more just and equitable world.
Edward Tomlin is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
