Israeli funk rap artists Hadag Nachash have long been the sensation in Israel and abroad because of their insightful and often politically charged lyrics. Daniel Ortner conducted a phone interview with lead singer Sha'anan Streett before their performance at Brandeis last night. They spoke about far-ranging topics from the humanitarian crisis in Gaza to Jimmy Carter's Brandeis visit.justArts: How's the tour been going so far?

Sha'anan Streett: So far so good.

JA: Had you heard anything about Brandeis before performing here?

SS: I heard it was a very Jewish school.

JA: Did you hear anything about the controversy over Jimmy Carter's speech at Brandeis last year?

SS: No, I have no idea what he wrote about Israel. I was very young when he was president, but recently I heard him speak about peace. I'm also pro-peace.

JA: Do you think the way the American media covers Israel is shallow?

SS: I'm often astonished at the coverage Israel gets outside of Israel. The content is not as deep as you are used to. It's still OK. It puts it all in perspective.

JA: Do you think American attitudes towards Israel have been too simplistic and straightforward?

SS: I don't know really. Historically, America and American media have been very pro-Israel.

JA: How do you feel about the current political climate in Israel?

SS: Israel is in a very deep leadership problem. Not only is the prime minister not doing his job well, but the top three candidates are those that have already failed.

JA: What's your take on the human rights situation in the Gaza Strip?

SS: I have a problem with what's happening in the Gaza Strip. I really don't believe killing innocent people on the other side can help. Everyone on both sides wants peace, we just fail to achieve it.

JA: How do you feel about rocket attacks on Sderot?

SS: The kassams in Sderot, they suck, man. It's part of the leadership gap really. It's been going on for six or seven years already and nothing is done to stop it. Every Jerusalemite feels for Sderot. It is what we were feeling during the height of the suicide bombings.

JA: Any ideas about what could/should be done?

SS: I'm not a politician, and I have a hard time offering constructive ideas.

JA: Can you tell me a bit more about how you write lyrics? How does the political climate influence your writing?

SS: A lot of our stuff is more personal. In the past few years I've written more personal lyrics. There are six of us. I'm not the only one, so the other members bring in their own experiences.

JA: Is there a reason why you've been writing more personal content lately?

SS: My sister died of cancer two years ago and that affected me. It's easy to see it in the lyrics.

JA: Can you say a little bit more about the inspiration for your hit song "Hine Ani Ba"?

SS: A lot of young people leave Jerusalem for Tel Aviv. It's the cultural capital. On the other hand, there is a lot to be said for its spiritual heritage and diversity. Everyone in the band is from Jerusalem except for one, from Tiberius. They all left Jerusalem for Tel Aviv except for me. We're not coming down on one side or the other; there is much to be said for both.

JA: Why didn't you move from Jerusalem as the others did?

SS: There were times when I considered it, but I have two kids and they go to school in Jerusalem. A culturally diverse city is very good inspiration for a musician.

JA: How tense do you find the social climate in Jerusalem?

SS: Right now it's less tense. The height of tensions was when there were suicide bombings all the time.

JA: How involved are you in political or social events in Israel?

SS: Very involved. We do benefit shows every year. The biggest one is the 1 Shekel Festival, which is held in underprivileged towns. Entrance is one shekel. The message is: Everyone deserves to have culture.

JA: What are your views on Palestinian-Israeli rap groups such as Dam?

SS: They played with us when we opened for the Black Eyed Peas. I personally recorded with Dam, [I] may again in [the] future. They are great guys and brilliant musicians.

JA: How do you feel about the constant anger exhibited in their music and lyrics?

SS: If I were born in Lod surrounded by drug dealers I'd be pissed off as well. Israeli-Palestinians have a lot to be angry about.

JA: How is it different performing outside of Israel, such as in the U.S.?

SS: Most of the crowd does not speak Hebrew so the focus shifts to music. Everyone sings along to "The Sticker Song," but aside from that it's all about the music.

JA: Can you tell me more about the infamous feud between you and Israeli rapper Subliminal?

SS: We don't really have a lot to do with Subliminal. He said some stupid stuff in the paper and the media made a big story out of it. We don't spend a lot of time thinking about the guy. Some, such as Rapper Roy[al) have been a guest in both Subliminal and Hadag Nachash shows. The rivalry is not really that big.

JA: What role do you think that artists hold as role models for those listening to their music?

SS: Artists don't need to be role models. They just need to be who they really are.

JA: What's next for Hadag Nachash?

SS: Our fifth album is already finished and going to be released on Passover. There will be a live album and a DVD with bonus tracks and a documentary made about our first U.S. tour. We'll be starting to work on a new studio album in the spring.

JA: Could you describe your music to those who have not yet had a chance to listen to it?

SS: I can best describe it as modern funk. It has influences from hip hop, reggae, rock, ska, Middle East, etc.

JA: What are your biggest musical influences?

SS: Each of us has a different musical background. We all like all the funky stuff.

JA: Do you have anything else to say to Brandeis students or the Brandeis community?

SS: If you didn't come to the show last night, check us out next time we're around. We play in Boston pretty much every year.