Hip-Hop/Rap
United States
Arrested Development
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About Arrested Development
At the height of gangsta rap's early-'90s reign, Arrested Development set themselves apart with a positive, pan-Africanist approach to hip-hop. The group, which has a revolving membership, was formed by MC Todd “Speech” Thomas and DJ Headliner (Timothy Barnwell) in 1988 while they were university students. On their breakthrough single, "Tennessee," Speech details the societal ills he's experienced and expresses empathy for others, a viewpoint that defines the 1992 debut, 3 Years, 5 Months and 2 Days In the Life Of…. Thanks to joyful yet socially conscious hits like “Mr Wendal” and “People Everyday," Arrested Development struck a chord with rap and alternative-rock audiences alike, earning an invitation to the 1993 Lollapalooza tour. While some of the group’s members branched out to solo careers after their sophomore album, Zingalamaduni, the group regularly reconvenes for projects that are still deeply rooted in optimistic messaging and their signature mix of funk, blues, jazz, and other Afrocentric genres.
Musical InfluencesArrested Development's musical influences include Bob Marley, A Tribe Called Quest, Jungle Brothers and more.
Influenced by Arrested DevelopmentArrested Development has influenced the music of jmt-prod, 5OW, Music For My Dog and more.
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