Arrested Development

Reflecting on the specimens of humanity currently occupying Planet Earth, Speech observes that, "too many of us, and certainly too many of our leaders, seem to be struggling along the level of weasels or donkeys. I take it be a massive, worldwide case of arrested development." With regards to the black community - Speech's chosen parish – in particular, the young cultural and musical activist has written: "Too many black youth have taken on a destructive mentality. Sheer materialism, low self-esteem, individualism, a lack of respect for elders and life in general, have plagued the 20th century African in his/her community." Unsurprisingly, then, the Grammy award winning group Arrested Development has been devoted to nudging folks in the direction of freedom and spiritual evolution. The group describes their sound as "cultural-southern-hiphop-folk-ethnic-funk," aka "Life Music." A.D. respects women, and promotes family values and "male responsibility." They are pro-country life and pro-African self – determination. They are opposed to the pimp/ho approach to male/female relations. They define themselves as "20th Century Africans" They yearn for spiritual revolution...although, as they note on "Mama's Always On Stage" – "Can't be a revolution without women/Can't be a revolution without children."