Thursday, August 25, 2016
Almost as an antithesis of the early 90s gangsta rap movement, Arrested Development, along with acts like De La Soul and A Tribe Called Quest, spearheaded a new style of upbeat, positive, conscious hip hop. The band’s creative force, revolutionary ringleader and philosophical rapper Speech, was an outspoken critic of acts like NWA for their destructive stereotypes.
After the massive success of their 1992 debut, with its big singles, the band never maintained that commercial success, withdrawing from the music industry machine, they donated a lot of money to charity, and followed their own creative path and remaining highly prolific, and a popular live drawcard. They’ve released 10 albums, with Speech himself having put out another seven solo records. He’s a man with something to say, and still has plenty of energy and enthusiasm to deliver his message.
There was solid local DJ support on the night to get everyone in the mood, with short sets from heavy hitters General Justice, Charlie Bucket and Karl Blue; the big man working the crowd well, getting on the mic to get them primed for the main event.
A veteran outfit, Arrested Development, know how to make an entrance. After an announcement, they burst onstage in a colourful blast of positive energy, strobing lights and tribal drums. Bringing out a full six-piece band, with drums, guitars and keys, we were set for the full live experience. Their dancer, Fareedah, emerged, spinning and twirling a flag, getting the crowd pumped, before the main man himself, Speech, bounded on stage and threw himself headlong into the performance.
Despite having released two new albums this year, this was billed as their Greatest Hits tour, with the band celebrating their 25th anniversary next year, and it was a set jam-packed with big tunes. From the moment they dropped the funky beat of Mamma’s Always On Stage, the crowd were swept up in their infectious energy.
The consummate frontman, Speech is still a solid rapper, his lyrical flow seems effortless, his laidback drawl distinctive, and his delivery always on point, so you can understand his message; which is set out clearly in Revolution, one of their most overtly political tracks, that was written for Spike Lee’s Malcolm X.
Speech paid his respects too. “Put your ones in the air for Phife Dawg!” he instructed, everyone complied. Then announced, “I wanna show respect to my home town!” before dropping his fellow Atlanta natives Kris Kross’ Jump, which was then mixed into House of Pain’s Jump Around, which unsurprisingly, had the place jumping.
Kicking back into their set with Mr Wendell, the philosophical tale of a homeless man, and one of their most timeless hits. It sounded even better live with the bearded, baseball capped JJ Boogie rocking out on guitar.
The smitten crowd cheered and hollered, some professing their love vocally. “We love you too,” replied Speech right back. “And thank you for supporting us, for 24 years!”
They chilled things out a bit with the more laidback groove of Ease My Mind, teasing the crowd with the vocal refrain from Everyday People before dropping back the beat. It was a well polished show, with some really smooth segues. All the band members were given a chance to step in the spotlight. Each one bringing something to the table.
The big woman with the big voice Tasha LaRae provided an amazing, soulful intro to Tennessee. Backing vocalist, sampler and rapper 1 Love had a couple of his own moments to shine, busting out some rhymes with a smooth flow. Even their stunning backing vocalist and dancer, the flame-haired Fareedah had a song to strut her stuff – a whirling, bootylicious dynamo – she had the girls and guys both whooping.
But they knew what we were waiting for. “You waiting for something?!” Speech mocked, before launching into a big finale of People Everyday which had everyone singing along.
They left the crowd wanting more, smiles plastered on their faces, and an amazing vibe of positivity in the room, something we really need more of these days. Arrested Development are definitely a group with plenty of love left to give, and no one in the room would have left doubting they made the right choice by coming out to see them tonight.
ALFRED GORMAN
