Arrested Development Frontman Speech Talks Nas Album Title, New Album Getting Rave Re

November 13, 2007, 11:41 AM

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"All you hip hop heads out there better be ready to get uplifted... now it may be possible for children to learn that they can do more with their lives..." - Tiny Mix Tapes

"Known for their political and socially conscious lyrics, the Grammy-winning group is poised to re-join the ranks of those they helped inspire" - CMJ

"Speech and his crew are back with a vengeance on Since the Last Time. Known for the socially conscious vibe and infectiously swinging grooves that Speech calls “life music,” Arrested Development don’t seem to have lost a beat." - Bullz Eye (4/5 stars)

“Arrested Development’s homecoming is cause for celebration. Support Arrested Development because they’ve crafted quality music and because you’ll enjoy the album. Do it for the same reason Dr. Dre’s The Chronic is a classic or Scarface’s The Fix is so well regarded: they’ve got skills, okay?” – PopMatters

“During the dozen years since Atlanta’s socially-conscious, positivist hip-hop crew Arrested Development won Grammys (laying the way for the likes of the Black Eyed Peas), their moniker has since more readily recalled Fox’s cancelled cult-classic comedy about corrupt white America than it does empowering black America. Those who follow underground hip-hop know primary MC Speech hasn’t gone anywhere… killer cuts like “Inner City” prove Arrested Development hasn’t stopped growing even while hiding away all these years.” – Recoil Mag

It seems pretty clear that Arrested Development is back. The band’s latest album, and first new material in 12 years, is currently ranked #9 on the iTunes Hip Hop Charts, and the video for “Miracles” is in full-rotation at all major outlets. Critics are heralding the band’s triumphant return and, most importantly, frontman Speech is…well…speaking. Long known for being vocal about various social issues, Speech had some thoughts on rapper Nas’ new album title, Nigger.

"As a fellow artist, I'm a fan of Nas's artistry. As of yet, I'm not upset about him choosing to use the word for the title of his album, because so far, I don't know WHY he chose to use it. If I decide to buy this album, and the title is NOT justified, then it will show the true and warped motivation of not only Nas, but America's culture of glorifying the shocking and insensitive behavior of people, for sales, headlines, and ratings. It's also the reason I'm saddened when I hear comments about it being ‘a great business move’, or a comment like ‘at least people are talking about it’ because that is just another example of people wanting to gain the whole world—fame, fortune, power—while losing their soul. Mark 8:36. (Holy Bible) Nas, our present administration, and the entire entertainment industry needs to take heed to that scriptures meaning." – Speech
Background:
Known best for 1992’s Grammy-winning, quadruple platinum album 3 Years, 5 Months and 2 Days in the Life Of … and the international hits “Tennessee”, “Mr. Wendal”, and “People Everyday”, Arrested Development has built a long and meaningful career preaching the importance of social responsibility and action. The band’s message on Since The Last Time is delivered more powerfully than ever, charging communities to take meaningful action.

The album marks a modern triumph of family spirit and cross-generational collaboration: Arrested Development is the only group we know with a 30 year old member AND a 75 year old member! The band’s connections with the political world are also more active than ever. Frontman Speech has long been vocal about the issues of environmental awareness and social equality, and with the 2008 campaign trail heating up; the impassioned bandleader’s message has gotten increasingly louder. “We are firm backers of Al Gore’s model for raising awareness. It’s not just global warming, it’s people’s attitudes… it’s a way of life,” says Speech.

Speech also has firm thoughts on the recent Congressional Rap Hearings: “Instead of choosing to blame people, we should look at what we personally can do. I think it's time to stop giving the artists that glorify the negative so much attention and expose and encourage the positive artists that are amazing in hip hop right now.”

Through its catchy music and socially conscious lyrics, Arrested Development has changed the face of hip-hop and influenced countless artists. Now, the band is ready to re-emerge and join the consummate bands and musicians they helped to encourage, such as The Roots and Common, as well as the Black Eyed Peas, who recently joined the band at an unprecedented gig in Jerusalem. Even brand new acts like Gym Class Heroes have cited the band’s influence. Group frontman Speech even collaborated on “Biter’s Block” off Gym Class Heroes’ highly successful new album.

Since The Last Time was produced by Sam Hollander and Speech and recorded in New York and Atlanta. The album features 12 brand new tracks, including “Miracles”, which will be the first single. Other key tracks include “Sao Paulo” and title track “Since The Last Time.” “This album is a mixture of an easy going but lively songs meant to stir up belief and thirst,” says Speech of the release. In addition, a special FREE mix tape will be available October 30th at Arrested Development - AD that features 18 classic and unreleased AD gems, plus hot collaborations, including Gym Class Heroes, TY, DJ Hasabe & Braille.


Tour dates:

Non-US:
Nov 22, 2007 Emirates Golf Club - Irish Village, Dubai
Nov 23, 2007 Bahrain Rugby Football Club, Bahrain
Dec 26, 2007 Billboard Live, Tokyo
Dec 27, 2007 Billboard Live, Tokyo
Dec 28, 2007 Billboard Live, Osaka
Dec 29, 2007 Billboard Live, Osaka
Dec 30, 2007 Billboard Live, Fukuoka
Dec 31, 2007 Billboard Live, Fukuoka

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