Give a Man a Fish - Arrested Development, Headliner
U
Eve of Reality - Arrested Development,
Natural
Dawn of the Dreads
Tennessee
Washed Away
People Everyday [Metamorphosis Mix]
With their feel-good humanism, uniquely rural perspective, and melodic blend of funk and rap, Arrested Development seemed like the next big thing in 1992. The group hailed from Atlanta, which was not then a capital of hip-... more »hop and R&B, and this, their debut recording, won the Village Voice's Pazz & Jop critics poll. Speech, the primary lyricist, wrote and delivered eloquent attacks on gangsta rap's mindless nihilism: the band's first hit, "Tennessee," spoke of reclaiming Southern black traditions from the racism that sullied their memory, while their second, "People Everyday," deftly updated the Sly Stone classic. Although Speech's rapping style was not distinctive, Dionne Farris's keening vocals highlighted the band's front line. Unfortunately, Speech began to run short of ideas and the band failed to maintain the high standards that this debut set. They disbanded a few years later. --Martin Johnson« less
With their feel-good humanism, uniquely rural perspective, and melodic blend of funk and rap, Arrested Development seemed like the next big thing in 1992. The group hailed from Atlanta, which was not then a capital of hip-hop and R&B, and this, their debut recording, won the Village Voice's Pazz & Jop critics poll. Speech, the primary lyricist, wrote and delivered eloquent attacks on gangsta rap's mindless nihilism: the band's first hit, "Tennessee," spoke of reclaiming Southern black traditions from the racism that sullied their memory, while their second, "People Everyday," deftly updated the Sly Stone classic. Although Speech's rapping style was not distinctive, Dionne Farris's keening vocals highlighted the band's front line. Unfortunately, Speech began to run short of ideas and the band failed to maintain the high standards that this debut set. They disbanded a few years later. --Martin Johnson
Jose Alexsy R. from GURABO, PR Reviewed on 5/18/2007...
The song everyday's people is different from the video, other than that is cool album.
Dwight M. (Dewey) from RUTLAND, MA Reviewed on 8/24/2006...
Good music for the soul.
CD Reviews
Inspirational! a hard act to follow......
D. Pawl | Seattle | 03/11/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This album is definitely unlike the majority of r&b/hip hop albums from 1992 (when it was first released) or the music of today. For starters, the lyrics are not misogynistic, violent or about drug use. They go deeper, and penetrate your thoughts.
The title refers to the duration of time it took to find a distributor and finally record this album. Though, it is unbelieveable, to me, that while a duo like Milli Vanelli can lyp synch their way to a GRAMMY, Marky Mark can drop his pants and become a model for Calvin Klein, posing in his tighty whities, and yet and yet an intelligent, thoughtful and beautiful group with affirmative content in their songs has to wait THREE years to even get a record deal! What a world!
Arrested Development mixes rap (by leader of the band, and lyricist, Speech), the stirring African drum rhythms and arrangements and the powerful vocals of the great Dionne Farris. It's like taking a musical journey, filling your ears with truthful and poetic messages about poverty and humanity ("Mr. Wendel"), anti-"gangsta" inspired messages about treating young Black women with respect ("Everyday People"), and taking an introspective look at the racism of the South and the ghosts that continue to haunt the descendants of slaves ("Tennessee").
This band was made up of a great group of storytellers, and it is truly a shame that they weren't able to continue together for more than a couple of years. We need you, Speech! We need to hear from the poets who take their gifts and use them to educate, not escalate."
Compelling and inspirational
Pieter | Johannesburg | 06/14/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This innovative album opens with Man's Final Frontier, a funky number with lots of scratching and samples. It is followed by the amazingly positive and life-affirming Mama's Always On Stage and People Everyday, black pride anthem and intelligent protest against violence. Mr Wendall is another gem of a song, about homelessness and recognising the dignity in others. It also has a most compelling arrangement and gripping vocals. Arrested Development highlights personal and social problems without sounding preachy. The jazzy Raining Revolution is a moving spiritual rap, and Fishin' 4 Religion is a critical look at organized religion. The energetic Give A Man A Fish deals with the music business whilst the bubbly uptempo U and the gentle, melodious Natural are about love and relationships. Dawn Of The Dreads has lots of pop appeal with its catchy sung parts alternating with the rap; Tennessee has soulful female vocals, and the album concludes on a high note with the spiritual poem Washed Away. What a great album, so original in sound and uplifting in spirit! It encompasses a stunning variety of styles in a set of highly accomplished songs."
Thank You Baba Oje!
Afrikwame | Bedford Stuy- Do or Die | 08/19/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"It is a true pity that our people are so eager to line the pockets of filthmongering materialistic hip-crap, and leaving eloquent and sincere artists like A.D. out to dry.
This album was positivity pure and simple. The message was strength but also intelligence. We can be poets too. The pen is mightier than the sword.
How many other groups out there subscribe to the African concept of respecting the elders? But Speech and Co. brought Baba Oje with them for spiritual guidance, and he gave them plenty!
The music is soft and deep and beautiful. An anthem for our people, and a prayer of hope."