It's all about unity for rap-reggae band 311 (MLive)

By dubbing its summer jaunt "The Unity Tour," Nebraska-bred 311 is symbolizing its message of positivity and love, said singer/DJ SA Martinez.

"It's something that encompasses what we're all about," Martinez said, calling from Alabama, where the band was set to perform. "We try to bring acts that obviously fit that bill. We've had The Wailers. We've had Matisyahu out with us. This year we're bringing Ziggy Marley. It's kind of a concept for us: music is one of positivity and forward-thinking love. 'Unity' seems to fit that bill."

This year's Unity Tour is slated to hit Freedom Hill in Sterling Heights on June 19. It'll be the first metro Detroit gig by 311 in two years, Martinez said.

"Shows in Detroit are always great," he said. "We do really well in Michigan. It's one of our better markets for sure. We're looking forward to going back this year. Last year we did Rothbury, so we didn't hit Detroit."

With its rap-reggae hybrid, the band 311 - which also includes drummer Chad Sexton, vocalist/guitarist Nick Hexum, bassist P-Nut and guitarist Tim Mahoney - is touring in support of its ninth studio album, "Uplifter," which hit stores June 2. 311's first new album in four years, "Uplifter" marks the act's debut collaboration with producer Bob Rock. With Rock's heavy pedigree (Metallica, Motley Crue), one might think the musical focus was pushed in a louder direction.

"He brought out something in us that maybe wasn't highlighted before," Martinez said. "But it fits with our previous work. It definitely has the signature 311 style to it. But I'd say there's maybe a little bit more meat on the bones this time around. I'm really interested to hear what the fans have to say about it, once they get it and digest it and have time to reflect on it and let it sink in. I think they're really going to be pleased with it."

Carrying a funky reggae vibe, the first single, "Hey You," is receiving its fair share of airplay.

"The single 'Hey You' is pretty indicative of the album as a whole," Martinez said. "There's a lot of songs on there that fit right alongside that song. It's going to be an album our fans are going to dig."