Hip hop quite often conjures up an image of bling-bling, gansters, pimps, and hoes. It isn’t too often these days that a hip hop collective can bring positivity to the airwaves and make people feel good about themselves and at the same time think about things on this earth that need changing. Arrested Development and their front man Speech are testament to the differences the human race can make and they are bringing their party vibes and positive attitude to Oz for the Good Vibrations Festival.
Arrested Development received high acclaims and plenty of airtime for their debut album, ‘3 Years, 5 Months & 2 Days In The Life Of…’, the title reflecting the time it took for the band to get signed. It was obvious that the group was looking to shatter some stereotypes from the beginning with their political yet spiritual lyrics. Now, 13 years later, Arrested Development have dropped their latest album, ’Among The Trees’, and Speech spoke to ITM about it.
The title for their latest album was inspired by the place that it was written. “My pad is in Fayetteville, about 25 miles from Atlanta. It’s like a farm. Surrounded by trees, we got chickens, dogs, and all sorts wandering around. Most afternoons are spent playing basketball and having a big cook-up”. Most of my influences are taken from acts like Public Enemy, De La Soul, Tribe (Called Quest), Lauryn Hill, Jill Scott. Public Enemy definitely changed my thoughts on rap. So politically driven and inspired.”
The band itself split in around 1996, but came together to produce ‘Among The Trees’ at Speech’s house studio. All of the original members bar Timothy Barnwell are present and accounted for. Somewhat a timely reformation consider the current domination of radio rap by NWA old-schooler and now super-producer, Dr Dre. “It’s kinda important, the difference between a nigger and an African. An African will recognise the oppression and rise against it. Take the steps necessary to move on in their life, whereas a nigger will trap themselves in their negativity and keep themselves, and anyone else they can, down.”
The spirituality so often reflected in Arrested Development’s lyrics are still very prominent with their latest offering. The track ‘Honeymoon Day’ encourages listeners to understand that hot sex isn’t something that is just experienced on a one night-stand, but is something that is shared with loved ones and doesn’t have to die after marriage. They could most certainly be onto something there… Make sure you catch Arrested Development on their whirlwind Australian tour at the Good Vibrations gigs around the nation.
Thu 10 Feb, Adelaide – Traffic Nightclub
Fri 11 Feb, Sydney – Metro (BUY TICKETS)
Sat 12 Feb, Brisbane – Good Vibrations Festival (BUY TICKETS)
Sun 13 Feb, Melbourne – Good Vibrations Festival (BUY TICKETS)
Wed 16 Feb, Canberra – Academy
Sat 19 Feb, Sydney – Good Vibrations Festival (BUY TICKETS)
Sun 20 Feb, Perth – Good Vibrations Festival (BUY TICKETS)
