Two Decades of Genuine Hip Hop Music from the Rural South

It’s been nearly 15 years since a new group called Arrested Development slammed the gangsta dominated world of hip hop with defiant lyrics of hope.

Apparently the world was ready for the change as AD ripped two Grammy awards, one for best new artist and one for best rap single, which was a first. Money came in but not for precious stones and big cars. Instead, these pioneers of the conscious rap game took one big step for mankind by giving back and becoming the first African American artists to donate money to Nelson Mandela and the ANC. As backup for the voice of the people, AD was then hired to compose music for Spike Lee’s major motion picture, X.

Their first album, 3 years, 5 months and two days In The Life of, sold over 4 million units, with singles from that maiden voyage playing like a soundtrack in life for many of us. MTV awarded the effort with Best Rap Single of 1992 and best musical video. Reflecting that song’s lyrics, half of the royalties from AD’s biggest single, Mr. Wendal were donated to the National Coalition for the Homeless.

That’s all good, but it’s just a warm up to what’s coming. After a few well deserved years off, Arrested Development began touring again in the year 2000. All that experience has built to a new musical peak, as this 19- piece group sets out to change the world of music, again.

Life Music

A new revolution has been born from compelling stories told to a joyful beat and a style, a groove, and a consciousness that continues expanding from a ground zero explosion to include all children, their parents, their grandparents and everyone of all races, cultures and beliefs into one pulsing celebration of life, something the AD family (you’re included in that just by wanting to be) call Life Music. It’s as if sound had received a transfusion of new blood and came pounding forth with a heart of flesh.

Seeing Arrested Development live is not only a trip, but a journey to other lands and places not found on any map—emotional destinations tattooed deeply on the human heart. As crowds sway, dance, laugh, cry and, in some cases, even get in touch with who they were created to be, the group transports true believers beyond themselves, creating a current connecting body, mind and soul. The light comes on and darkness flees by the back door.

Eshe, the group’s main dancer, choreographer and vocalist, says, "We get on stage every night as warriors of rhythm and storytellers of dignity." Speech, AD’s founder and lead vocalist puts it this way, "We have a passion to broaden the game and inspire the people to rise above today’s one-sided view of hip hop."

In the past, the closest comparison to AD was the legendary Sly and the Family Stone, when they were in their peak, spreading good feelings through their music around the world. Today, there is no comparison to a vibe that the eternally young can move to.

Since the Last Time

After 20 years warming up, Arrested Development gives up their latest offering, Since the Last Time, a polished gem which is "a mixture of an easy going, but lively group of songs meant to stir up belief and thirst. Life Music takes people to a higher level through music." Speaking about the new release, 76 year old elder and AD member, Baba Oje said, "We wanted to add old fashioned party songs to our catalog. It shows our fun side."

Stand, a track from the new release, sums up the vibe:

Rise above a mass of violent noise and embrace Life Music.

See AD live if you can. If not, get the new CD. We can’t promise it will add years to your life, but it will definitely add life to your years. See it. Hear it. Feel it. Believe it.

Arrested Development’s newest CD, Since The Last Time can be purchased on line or in record stores.

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