Arrested Development: Everything You’ve Ever Wanted To Know 

Last week we asked you to get ready for a chance to party with one of the greatest '90s hip-hop artists still in the game. This week we’re letting you in on more sweet treats about the group and their music. 

Here’s your essential guideline into everything you’ve ever wanted to know about Arrested Development: 

First thing’s first, how did it all begin? 

Milwaukee born rapper Todd Thomas (known as Speech) grew up in one of the roughest neighbourhoods for African-Americans; a lifetime of experiences he would later channel into his music. In 1987 while studying at the Art Institute of Atlanta in Georgia he met Tim Barnwell (known as DJ Headliner) and the two soon started collaborating together under the name Disciples of a Lyrical Rebellion. Their musical direction and approach however took a turn the following year after listening to the politically charged sounds of Public Enemy. It was during this tense socio-political atmosphere that they took a decisive step and renamed the group Arrested Development. 

What’s distinctive about their sound? 

Unlike most 90s hip-hop artists, AD rejected and refused the negative stereotypes of gang violence and drug culture affiliated with gangsta rap. Their music drastically differed particularly owing to the strong social consciousness reflected in lyrics like that of ‘Mr. Wendall’, a song about a homeless individual. One could say they underwent a spiritual rebirth and infused the sounds of their African-American heritage along with Christian sentiments to highlight the social injustice faced by the African-American community and promote egalitarian ideals. 

Furthermore, if you browse through their photos you’d notice they have a distinctive image due to their inclusiveness of both male and female genders and the presence of an older personality, Baba Oje, known as the band’s ‘spiritual leader’. As such, they brought a whole new flavour to the hip-hop music scene, something Speech continues to value: "[With regards to contemporary hop-hop] there is little to no balance; the flood of rappers turned moguls reflects how the genre is losing its creative spirit. We said in our first album, we won’t sell out just to be sold out and we haven’t. I’m very proud of that." 

Who were they most influenced by? 

This is a hunch based on their repetitive praise of the Purple One, but yes, you guessed it—it’s none other than the legendary Prince. Why, you ask? Frontman Speech believes their pioneering single ‘Tennessee’ reached international success mainly because they looped in a sample of Prince’s ‘Alphabet St’. Although they had to settle the affair with Prince later on by paying $100, 000, Speech remains grateful that Prince never used the opportunity to halt AD’s career. Commenting on the shocking news of Prince’s death Speech went on to state, “Prince is literally my favourite artist of all time. Hands down. I’m just thoroughly moved by the millions of statements he’s made, not just lyrically, but visually, in the subject matter he’s tackled, the world he created and continued to recreate. It moved me time and time again. It’s been intense. I haven’t listened to any of his music other than what I happened to catch on the radio or TV. I’ve been glued to the news. I’m still in disbelief.” 

So… how famous were they really? 

‘Tennesse’, their 1992 debut single, went platinum selling over four million copies and landed at the top spot of the R&B charts. Meanwhile their album 3 Years, 5 Months & 2 Days in the Life of… which included songs like ‘People Everyday’ was critically acclaimed by The Wire and Rolling Stone magazine who entitled them “Band of the Year”. In 1993 they went on to win not one, but two Grammy’s in the categories of “Best New Artist” (believed to be the first hip-hop artists to achieve this title) and “Best Rap Performance”. They were also approached by director Spike Lee to write the theme song ‘Revolution’ for the movie Malcolm X. Synoptically stated then, they were extremely successful in a short span of time. 

What caused the split? 

This one is saved for conspiracy theorists who can either believe that individual creative differences took a toll on the band or that larger industrial forces were responsible. Either way, by 1996 AD were no more. 

What’s changed? 

The band has matured into newer, fresher sounds which capture their collective perspectives. For example, the song ‘Greener’ addresses the issue of global warming from an African-American viewpoint. There is also no industrial pressure to project a forcibly created image since they have the capacity to produce music on their own terms which is a privilege often denied for artists (something Kesha is sadly all too familiar with). As a result they were able to release their 10th album Standing at the Crossroads completely free via their website adtheband2.com. Today, AD has six members: JJ Boogie (guitar), Za’ (bass), Fareedah (dance), 1 Love, Tasha LaRae and Speech (vocals) and their versatility and appeal speaks volumes. 

Now that you’re updated on all things AD it’s time to go ahead and grab your tickets!

Gold tickets are priced at Rs. 3,000 and Platinum are Rs. 5,000. Be there on the 22nd of October 2016, 7PM at the CR & FC Grounds for an incredible experience. Don’t miss out!