
Arrested Development
Alternative Hip-Hop Group
Arrested Development (AD) are true trailblazers within hip-hop music. Since 1991 they’ve championed colorful sounds, while spreading a unique mixture of consciousness and musicality around the globe. AD’s hit song “Mr. Wendal“ brought much needed attention to the plight of the homeless and the group gave half of that singles royalties to the National coalition…
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Full Bio
Arrested Development (AD) are true trailblazers within hip-hop music. Since 1991 they’ve championed colorful sounds, while spreading a unique mixture of consciousness and musicality around the globe. AD’s hit song “Mr. Wendal“ brought much needed attention to the plight of the homeless and the group gave half of that singles royalties to the National coalition of the homeless. Their dance smash, “People Everyday” (Metamorphosis mix) addresses the tension between ignorance & consciousness, while paying homage to Sly & the Family Stone.
MTV’s Buzz Clip was the first major video outlet to play their music video, “Tennessee” which exposed them to the broader world. Spin Magazine, New York Times, LA Times among many others juggernauts featured AD on their covers. Later, the group would also become recipients of the NAACP image award (1993) plus a Soul Train music award.
Despite their topics being an analyzation and celebration of black reality in America, people of all backgrounds relate to Arrested Development’s music. The Grammy’s we’re among the first to “get it!” AD won two Grammy awards (1993 – Best New Artist & Best Rap Single – Tennessee), Rollingstone Magazine named them band of the year in 1992 and they were the first, and last rap group (thus far), to win the Grammy’s coveted Best New Artist award.
Arrested Development was reportedly the first African – American artists to donate to the African National Congress (ANC) to end the pains of apartheid. Sharing the stage with Nelson Mandela in South Africa (1994) was a highlight for the group! Their representation of eclectic African clothing, diverse beats & pan-African lyrics, flew in the face of the mostly celebrated thug, pimp, sex-craved jezebel and drug-dealer stereotypes.
Arrested Development was the first ever in rap music to have an elder (Baba Oje) who brought wisdom to the youthful energy of the group. AD was the 2nd ever in hip-hop to tour with a live band, to have female and male members, plus boast a message of hope, change and celebrating life. They were poised to change the direction of rap forever, but that would not end up happening. Some theorize that major labels and other powers sabotaged the groups success to keep the masses from activism and consciousness. Others note the groups inner turmoil as the culprit.
Either way, the collective took a hiatus between 1995 and 2000. Since 2000, they’ve released numerous albums primarily overseas, each garnered the group top ten hits in Asia and major tours throughout the world. (See 20th Anniversary Tour)
When asked recently about the state of hip-hop during the last two decades, AD front man Speech, commented “there is little to no balance; the flood of rappers turned moguls reflects how the genre is losing it’s creative spirit. We said in our first album, we won’t sell out just to be sold out and we haven’t, I’m very proud of that”.
The group has always been a big family of members. Present members are: Speech, 1 Love, Tasha LaRae, Fareedah Aleem, Za’, and JJ Boogie. Previous members include: DJ Kemit, Nadirah Shakoor, Montsho Eshe, Aerle Taree, Rasa Don, Headliner, Nicha Hilliard, Kennedy, TallBoy & Ajile. Since their beginnings Arrested Development has always been a collective, thus guest artist frequently graced stages and recordings. Some notable guest include: Dionne Farris, Laurnea, Paulette, Toni & Foley (Miles Davis).
In 2012, the group released a powerful mix-tape called, “Standing At The Crossroads” (signifying the choice of ignorance or freedom). Their lead single, “LIVING“ and it’s music video (directed by: The Feel, The Ingredient & Speech) won the coveted L.A. MOVIE AWARD, among many other film festal awards. “Living” went to the top of the college radio charts in the U.S. and #3 on the pop radio charts in Malaysia.
Testimonials
Ernie was perfect for our Elders Conference at Little River Casino Resort in Manistee, Michigan. We will definitely be using PDA again!

LITTLE RIVER BAND OF OTTAWA INDIANS
Our speaker was great and the crowd enjoyed her! She was very engaging. Thank you again PDA for the great list of suggestions!

MEDTRONIC
Everything went great! and our speaker was wonderful! Thank you so much for all your help PDA! Looking forward to the next one.

UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI – KANSAS CITY
I hope that this message finds you well. We had a phenomenal time with Atsuko this past Thursday. We wanted to just let you know how amazing she was. All those that were in attendance thoroughly enjoyed her and had nothing but amazing things to say about her. Thank you for working with us to make sure this happened!

BAYLOR UNIVERSITY CAMPUS
We had a fantastic day with Inge! She was very engaging with all those that attended. Her personal stories about the holocaust were very special and we were moved that she was willing to share them with everyone. Thank you again, PDA for all your hard work and dedication to make this program such a success!

SALT LAKE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Dear PDA Group, Thank you so much for your hard work in scheduling our speaker! From the moment we reached out to you the first time, you worked with us on all details and logistics and kept us up-to-date on the progress. Thank you for all your hard work on making our event such a success! We couldn't have done it without you and your team!

SAP COMPANY
Thank you again, Dr. Kimbrough, for a great presentation, our attendees are still talking about it!

CAMPUS LABS
Dr. Henry Lee's presentation was entertaining, insightful and wise. I, and everyone at Pfizer, especially appreciate the remarks you directed about following your passion and preparing yourself to excel. Thank you, everyone, at PDA for helping to make this happen!

PFIZER
The event was successful! I received many messages expressing how awesome, outstanding and inspiring Ms. Webb-Christburg's speech was."

DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. MEMORIAL BREAKFAST, BOSTON, MLK SPEAKER
Everything went well. Atsuko was very easy to work with and the students enjoyed her performance! Thank you again for your recommendation and I hope to work with you again in the future!

CENTRAL MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
Dr. Novello left this morning after a very successful event on our campus! Thank you PDA Group for your help from the first phone to the last you were with us every step of the way.

GRAND VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY
Jordan Carlos was very very entertaining! A majority of students who answered the event survey indicated they really enjoyed Jordan and definitely will bring him back!

WESTERN CAROLINA UNIVERSITY
On behalf of myself and my organization Entertainment Unlimited the Campus Programming Board of Ferris State University, we thank you PDA and Dan for a successful event!! Dan was magnificent! Students really enjoyed the presentation. I know I did. Can't wait to bring in more programs with PDA Group.

FERRIS STATE UNIVERSITY
It was a great pleasure to work with PDA Group! The communication was always prompt, friendly and helpful. We loved the speakers and events we booked through Mr. Peter Walker (PDA Group).

WESTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
Thank you, Peter, for all your help, you'll be happy to know that the event went incredibly well! Aneesa Ferreira was by far one of the best speakers we've ever had!

FURMAN UNIVERSITY
Topics
An Evening With Arrested Development
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See Band "Arrested Development" Perform at Pabst Grand Opening Street Festival
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