Flobots

Featuring dual MCs as well as a full band, Flobots are a progressive rap group from Denver, CO, with a political conscience, musical chops, and a powerful live show. Influenced by progressive rappers such as the Roots and Common as well as alternative hard rock bands such as Rage Against the Machine and Tool, Flobots were founded in 2005, comprised of MCs Jonny 5 (born Jamie Laurie) and Brer Rabbit (born Stephen Brackett) -- who originally met in elementary school -- along with musicians Andy Guerrero (guitar), Mackenzie Roberts (viola), Joe Ferrone (trumpet), Jesse Walker (bass), and Kenny Ortiz (drums). The group released its debut recording, the seven-track Platypus EP, in October 2005. Their debut full-length, Fight with Tools (2007), followed a couple years later. Flobots inspired a strong following in the Denver region and found themselves opening shows there for national acts such as Public Enemy and the Fray.