Speech on Forming Arrested Development as a Response to Gangsta Rap (Part 1)

Part 2: • Speech on Prince Suing...
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Speech, the lead rapper from Arrested Development, sat down for his first interview with VladTV. In the opening clip, Speech spoke on the diversity and balance of Hip Hop acts in the 1990s before describing his upbringing. Born and raised in Milwaukee, Speech revealed that his mother owns the "Milwaukee Community Journal," which is the largest Black newspaper in Wisconsin. In addition, his father owned a nightclub called "The Fox Trap."
Coming from an entrepreneurial household, Speech added that his parents were civil rights leaders, regularly rallying Black businesses together and staying engaged in the Black empowerment movement. Due to his father being a nightclub owner, Speech grew up in a musical atmosphere and started DJing at his father's club when he was only 13. Speech also formed his first rap group, Attack, which was the first rap group from Milwaukee to release a major record.
In 1987, Speech moved to Georgia to attend The Art Institute in Atlanta. While his rap group was popular in Milwaukee, no Hip Hop act made it out of the city at that time. Speech met Arrested Development member Headliner the same week he moved to Atlanta after he responded to Speech's search for a DJ. Before settling on Arrested Development, Speech revealed that the group was originally named DLR (Disciples of Lyrical Rebellion) and then Secret Society.
Speech also explained that although the group were fans of Gangsta Rap, they wanted to offer an expanded view of the African American culture and image. He also added that authenticity helped propel careers during the time. Speech said that although there were as many as 20 people in the group at one point, only six members were signed.

[@char_d.0908]

This is so weird! I was just on KZbin last week, reminiscing over Arrested Development songs. So underrated 💯

[@YOUNGLEGIONNAIRE]

Same here but it was earlier this morning before this video uploaded!!

[@rcfresh4345]

"But I had to take the brutha out for being rude!! (Heyyy)"

[@airdonte23]

“take me to another place, take me to another land” ... indeed underrated

[@colinwilkins3338]

I was listening to Tennessee this morning b4 I even knew he interviewed em

[@Rambo0784]

True great music

[@btmusicman5589]

Back when hip hop was diverse, this brings back good memories

[@echad6259]

Yes! There was a place for everyone...now many are just copied and pasted.

[@jaibanks7151]

@@echad6259 Boom! Boom! & Boooooommmmm!!!!

[@tagz3924]

Dude hip hop is still diverse try downloading Spotify or SoundCloud two hip hop biggest stars aren’t even gangsta rappers

[@btmusicman5589]

@@tagz3924 *Mainstream hip hop is NOT diverse and I never said anything about gangster rap

[@tagz3924]

@@btmusicman5589 it really is diverse Gucci mane,Rick Ross,big Sean,j.cole. Kendrick. Yo Gotti and da baby

[@kaysha]

I remember seeing them perform in Paris in 1993. Amazing times and concious times

[@SumayyaIahKonjo]

WoW I'm sure that was epic moment

[@ethiopianeyes]

Yep saw them same year in Memphis. They came into the mall that day I was working shopping and gave me 4 tickets. De la soul opened up for them.

[@kaysha]

@@SumayyaIahKonjo Epic beyond all sentiments

[@kaysha]

@@ethiopianeyes Epic times

[@iamhim5635]

🎶 “Take me to a better place.” 🎶

[@rcfresh4345]

This group came and went quick but made a big impact.. I still hear them on the radio. Everyday People is timeless.

[@snelson3302sn]

Tennessee is one the best rap songs of all time. A great group.

[@DOTHERIGHTTHING1989]

They actually didn't went, but were big in Japan and kept releasing albums throughout the years.

[@ChillydontCap]

@@snelson3302sn that shit is so fucking lame and wack. Go head Mr. Wendell

[@snelson3302sn]

@@ChillydontCap I bet most followers of Hip Hop from 1985 - 2000 would strongly disagree my brother.

[@pretoriaafro5074]

Their concert in 2022 will be packeddddd 4 sure!!!

[@fromthattothis]

I still bump Tennessee on the regular,truly one of my favorite songs ever." Lord it's obvious we got a relationship Talkin' to each other every night and day Although you're superior over me We talk to each other in a friendship way" Powerful Lyrics

[@SCJune803]

Yeah, the whole song was deep and still relevant today.

[@draines9237]

That song definitely touch me and educate me on my soulness as a black kid at 11 years old💯

[@pretoriaafro5074]

Yessss

[@mrkneel5760]

Got to open for him once, he took the time to check us out, and even come backstage to our room, to give us love! Hardly no rappers do that!

[@PhonePhone-mq8nh]

"Go 'head, Mr. Wendel...", "...We going to play a game of horseshoes-A GAME OF HORSESHOES!"- Arrested Develepment

[@Manny-nm8dh]

"Mr Wendell yeeeah,laawd Mr.Wendell".

[@jaywayne1000]

This is back when music had a meaning and a message

[@jedisquidward]

It still does. You need to listen

[@AnahataMaryjane]

this is back when you went looking for music you liked instead of complaining about what was on the radio.

[@thebomb5629]

“Give a man a fish” was a very powerful song in that debut album

[@personaldanceparty5518]

When I was on leave from the military I seen him in chicago .. I was in the front by the stage..& he touched my hand... I sound silly .. but I was like give me that good energy.... this is still my favorite group... I can listen to them forever

[@mylkeyz]

I produced Back Down, Moses, Journey On & We'll See for AD's latest Album. Thank you Speech for this opportunity, Honestly one of the coolest cats in the game. I hope we take that grammy this year

[@elliottjackson452]

I was in Ethiopia last November, and was pleasantly surprised to see how excited people got when the “People Everyday” video came on and they would dance and sing along with it

[@bobbebouche7372]

My Lowrider Bike Club was featured in his Mom's newspaper in 2002. Milwaukee Raised ✊🏾

[@soulsinkpen3964]

Nice, I'm apprehensive about putting my Lowrider in anything because I'm not a fan of judgement

[@javon900ify]

414

[@Gunta45]

Vlad trying to keep his black audience after jamar and them blasted his ass lol

[@stixstrumentals8623]

I'm still waiting to hear something negative but nope. Let's hope he keeps this up

[@lowkeyasscharacter]

Lmfao no one care about Lord Jamar, his whole channel was fathered by Vlad. He’ll go broke and beg Vlad for an interview. And didn’t lord Jamar tell you not to click on these videos ? Then kick rocks, I see all you people in these comments as soon as the video gets uploaded you actually exposed yourself as a supper fan

[@RobertHorry1956]

@electronic alligator Subscribers isn’t the main focus in a KZbin channel it’s the streaming views of each videos. If he used to do 250k per each video now down averagely 10x50k it’s gonna hurt your viewing & eventually won’t be the top streamer. Now he’s putting out flashbacks more now than ever.

[@RobertHorry1956]

@@lowkeyasscharacter Stop it Vlad I know it’s you 🤣🤣🤣. Plus I clicked on the video but the ad still running. I just wanted to make an comment.

[@yeahisaidit5633]

@electronic alligator got my views than the local news

[@Congobruh4]

I met this brother back in 2013 when he came to have lunch with my church. He's a member of our sister church in Atlanta, while we're in Columbia, SC. Very down to Earth

[@joshfoster3110]

This is sooooo dope!!! Speech is amazing. He deserves so much recognition and love. Vlad once again killing it with great guests.

[@vladtv]

thanks Josh

[@lonlonjptheking5845]

Vlad the type n to twirl the cord around his thumb while talking on the phone with TK Kirkland.

[@cee8774]

@@vladtv make him & Kid regular guests

[@OmarScruggs]

Summer of 92 was one of my fav summers

[@Zenny916]

amen, brother!

[@viralbuthow000]

Vlad: "Big long time fan. Loved your song Mississippi"

[@vladtv]

LOLLL

[@ednoroirika]

Lol

[@kswan6366]

Aye! My fellow Milwaukee native. I still listen to Arrested Development to this day!

[@suites83]

414 stand up !!!

[@raysalazar1687]

Just got finished listening to Mr. Wendal too. Loved this mans lyrics and delivery

[@gordythecreator]

If Speech is talkin' he's aware he's educating

[@choice12ozborne]

I've been loving this group since I heard of them. Homeboy chose the right name when he use speech and stayed in that light Lane. So poetic.

[@davidstevens6527]

They don’t make music like his anymore

[@ChillydontCap]

Good thing. I hated that shit.

[@nekronbeast3981]

@@ChillydontCap lmao come on bruh

[@papi_chulo-]

@@ChillydontCap lmaooo y u here? 💀 Bet u like lil pump

[@ReyHugoTelevision614]

@@ChillydontCap lol bang bang

[@vg4life]

Mr. Wendell! “Take me to another place, take me to another land, make me forget all that hurts, make understand your plan!” Everyday people, fishing 4 religion. Underrated group. Coincidentally one of their album titles is the longest I went without a job

[@martinezjw1]

Man I just rewatched the Tennessee music video last week for the first time in about 15 years (and understood the lyrics on a whole nother level now). And here is Speech!!! 😜

[@MusicJunkiePlus]

This is already looking to be a dope full interview when it’s all said and done. Thank you for continuing to support the classic artists from the 80’s and 90’s. We need Hammer, Everlast from House Of Pain and the surviving member of Kris Kross on here

[@dishomar]

Speech was fully the architect of AD. I happened to have lived with, and was a member of the group briefly during the DLR/Secret Society/AD era. Fireside Chat, B.S. Dis Saltine And Princess, and the original "Fountain Of Youth" are some of the first songs AD produced that sadly some folks won't ever hear. There was an Avant Garde, socio-political, pro-African/Black vibe in the music that 30+ years later they've taken galaxies further that folks STILL sleep on. There is a sense of arrogance/cockiness that you got to have to survive in the industry...period! But sometimes there's collateral damage that occurs that you just have to charge to the game! Big Up to Speech and Tim! AD's essence has blessed, and continues to bless! Peace!

[@carolincas]

who decided on this style of photography?? this is the most beautiful interview ive ever seen from vlad.

[@MrSilus2000]

The whole world has conspired to arrest the development of children. Everybody’s enthusiasm for life takes a nose dive on the way to adulthood, but nobody asks questions. We just blame the children for “being bad” when they don’t follow the mechanical program.

[@MissJaynet]

well said!

[@markiscouch6729]

Give it two years you will really see how screwed up the world formed

[@markiscouch6729]

Give it two years you will really see how screwed up the world formed

[@shattaclevewright4379]

Respect, we do need to return to our African Spirituality

[@christopherowens6391]

I just checked out Speech on the Vlad interview today and its his birthday, Happy Birthday to you my brother Speech!

[@JustAThought155]

Hold up. Did that interviewer just say AD was NOT militant??? AD’s lyrics were the most socially conscious with socially gripping lyrics that crossed many music genres during that era. Their music addressed issues that are relevant even today, twenty to thirty plus years latter. But the most impressive aspect of the band is revealed in the fact that they represented “People Everyday.”

[@ShantiForever]

Ooh this is going to be a good one!

[@jus3278]

Always loved Arrested Development, especially their first two albums. Mama's Always on Stage, Mr. Wendal, Tennessee, Fishin 4 Religion, Africa's Inside Me, Pride, Warm Sentiments, Shell, People Everyday,etc.

[@m-a.robinson]

This brother went over everyone's head with his direction. I didn't understand this visionary the time so digging in the crate for this award winning artist. Well deserved.

[@mr.a2399]

I'm really looking forward to this interview!

[@terryt6024]

Looking back , conscious rap was the impact that we needed , look where rap is now 🤷

[@tcgrant3267]

Facts but it was all a plan KZbin secret meeting that changed rap

[@derekgoodejr8788]

@@tcgrant3267Facts. It was secret meeting in 1992 I believe.

[@derekgoodejr8788]

@@tcgrant3267You know wassup!

[@lorrainesmith873]

A CD I could listen too all the way thru, non-stop. "The ocean is own by the serpent" Preach Speech.

[@2Faded247]

“I need some time, to Ease my Mind”🎶🎶

[@adamblackstock9742]

Arrested Development remains one of my top favorite groups to this day. I've been fortunate to cross paths with them a few times and nobody is more down to earth. If you dig the old stuff, check out all of their independent releases, because their music has mostly stayed in the same lane. They just put out a new album called Don't Fight Your Demons. Speech is dropping a solo project called Expansion October 23rd. Nice work, Vlad.

[@gabrielar9611]

I was about 8-9 when they came out.... I loved them and the vibe they gave. Good times. One of the groups to the sound track of my childhood.

[@nlee4566]

I been waiting this Speech interview. Good look Vlad!!

[@LaCheleWallace]

Oh my God! TODD (SPEECH)!!! No cap, I was just going through my lil' memory box and I was looking at yo' debut cassette. What are the odds? I used to love Arrested Development when I was little. So many things are flooding my memory bank right now. Arrested Development reminds me of: Dunkaroos, Gushers, Spelling Bees, lemon scented stickers, lunchboxes, Super Nintendo, bean bags, Pogo sticks, board games, Pop Qwiz, cassette players and sooo much more. I agree, the early 90's was the best part of the 90's, period. After Biggie passed, that's when the fun sorta stopped. Well, no, 1998 was amazing. After 1998, that's when the music stopped (figuratively). Anyhow, I used to bop around to yo' first album all the time, Todd. So many good memories behind it. That album was huge in the Bay Area. You couldn't go anywhere w/o hearing them hits on the radio. See, during that time, the variety of music was at its peak. You had all different types of hip-hop. I'm thinking party, political, wordsmith, kiddie, gangsta, etcetera. I was 6 years old when y'all came out and the balance and variety I had was everything to me. I had: Daddy (Ice Cube), LL Cool J, Guru, Kris Kross, Special Ed, DJ Quik, Intelligent Hoodlum, Heavy D, Onyx, Apache, BO$$, etcetera. If that ain't variety then I don't know what is. Whew, what a time! I'm interested in the rest of this interview. I hope y'all talk about what happened after MTV's Unplugged. I have to be honest, Todd, I remember seeing yo' second album in stores, picking it up and leaving it right where it was. There's a reason to that, Todd. There's a reason why yo' first album is a classic and nobody knows the second one. Hope y'all touch on that. So nice seeing you again. What a pleasant surprise.

[@303Bdog]

VERY cool to have Speech on. I have respect for this man and his music.

[@Grndl42]

Speech changed my life with his lyrics. In a time of East v West, 2pac v Biggie, Eminem v everyone, Hoopla and AD changed my mindset. I'm so thankful for Speech!

[@nwananka]

Please give me all 32 parts of this interview now. I am ready

[@mr.universistylegrownmanmu2578]

Can’t wait to see the full interview

[@marlonglanton4372]

I met Speech. Very cool guy. Respect

[@theyliveinthematrixofthefa4437]

At 15 I was young and dumb and talked so bad about them and how they aren't hip hop. Being now in my later 40s. I realized they have beautiful RAP/HIP-HOP MUSIC. They were the epitome of "Ahead of their time" .

[@CallinOutCap]

I'm born and raised in Milwaukee and you ain't black if you never heard of the Community Journal Newspaper

[@finalsecretofchrono1339]

I was only 13 when that record dropped, but it resonated even with us young ones. We knew it was different. We knew it was legitimately important music. I bought that CD and their follow up. Big ups to BMG and Columbia House! 😂

[@MisterLowrider]

I love this interview!! I've always been a fan of AD!

[@rodneychassagne7243]

Dope group and great times. Hip hop was exciting and diverse

[@xavierwilliams2228]

Finally speech!!! I been on a A.D. binge for awhile.

[@coolpeepsking6703]

The last rapper from Milwaukee was Coo Coo Cal my projects

[@suites83]

Facts, but it’s some new girl popping in my city that just signed to QC making waves here, I don’t remember her name because I’m not really feeling her music/ different era

[@michquaeldavis3956]

We got a lot of young talent rappers loonie baby Mike Mike lil chicken

[@curtiswilson6289]

DOPE! You hit a home run with this one VLAD

[@judastheman]

as a lil kid in the 90s, Tennessee was like my first favorite song. Mad respect to A.D. I challenge you to a game of Horseshoes, a game of HORSESHOES!!!

[@JPaul318]

AYO VLAD!!!! Da new lenses give this visual a fire azz look👍🏾✌🏾

[@choice12ozborne]

Keep On Keepin On and definitely this man should Crank It Up again! I lost count of how many of the youngsters besides myself I turn this on.

[@kenyar6943]

Music with soul and culture is a myth now .... arrested development indeed!!!

[@dronepilot260rc]

I remember recording this song from the radio on my boombox (cassette) just so I could listen to it over and over

[@HectorQuien]

Zingalamaduni was their best overall album... Even over their debut which got the most sales and buzz. Go check it out and truly listen to it. Much stronger message, better production and lyrics. Speech is no joke. Very underrated lyricist and producer. Respect and salute.

[@Mike4metal]

I love arrested development because they were so different from what was out there and I loved their whole Vibe!

[@flyingknivesteppanyakicook6310]

Dope interview 🙌

[@clairrollings3988]

I cry for those days listening to Arrested Development very spiritually wholesome and it struck a chord in me and I'm a white girl from UK now everything is divisive.I know humanity will wake up eventually and come together as one, I have faith.🙏❤️ LOVE IS THE ANTIDOTE!❤️

[@gwopin1]

Tennessee this guy is under rated atl ledgend

[@timothykangethe7700]

Revolution, Mr Wendell and smash hit Everyday people... Ease my Mind...Dope track, first heard them 1992-3 in High School. Good to see you aging gracefully. God bless

[@EastPointMadeMe]

This gonna be another classic.

[@lawrencealexander9288]

Nashville, TENNESSEE Checking in

[@fredo3106]

He's from Milwaukee? I always thought he was from Tennessee

[@MrMrgetbad]

my mum played the arrested development album constantly I would of been 7 or 8 years old I'm 42 now I loved Mr wendol so much and have great memories of listening to the album with my mum driving around Manchester England

[@troytolbert2005]

Conscious cat. No bragging. Just honest stories. Would like to see him and Victor Wooten work together again.

[@xavierwilliams4119]

His last name is Thomas? Let me find out he's related to my BM & her people's 100 miles in Chicago. Either way it's good to see this brother still here

[@crystalbqueen4341]

Union City!!!! Great people, backstage friendly . So much fun at outside concert last year! Still got my pics! They still hot people !!!

[@dwillwilliams1240]

Milwaukee’s own

[@NickValenzuela1989]

This is a very very very interesting interview Vlod. Especially because it's not a C-Bo interview after I've been informing you to get C-Bo for over a year now.

[@NickValenzuela1989]

Nick Valenzuela

[@juniorrhinox]

Because of my parents too I was very conscious and was pumping my black power hip hop but I wasn't into Arrested Development but respected their vibe and lyrics. I was and still am a headbanger who was and still is conscious but their beats just wasn't me. Mad respect though. 👊🏾💪🏾✊🏾🤴🏾

[@bigcheese5902]

Finally something good out of 2020...

[@fayerson]

His verses in Foley’s “if it’s positive” is amazing . Look it up here on the tube

[@pozitivitymusic]

I absolutely love this guy!

[@bcdakid414]

I from Milwaukee born and raised and I’m almost 30 and i nvr knew he was from Milwaukee until i saw unsung lol

[@smokenmirrors1714]

Rap for the soul...miss them for real!

[@Boneytrickner]

Much respects 🤜

[@davonbrooks228]

Yoo vlad is on it with the legends this year I love it speech is a legend southern rap legend

[@juelz713]

🙋‍♀️ Dj Vlad can you interview Milwaukee rapper Coo Coo Cal

[@davidjohnson36st]

He got a doc on KZbin look it up shit randomly came across my feed

[@juelz713]

@Johnny Mad Dog He is a truck drive, but he still can rap

[@dj1835]

Dude has alot on his mind!!😂👀😂...But on some real shit ...I respect this group so much!!

[@suites83]

I remember he was catching a lot of flack because he wasn’t really reppin the town like that. But everyone who blew up left Milwaukee to get on with a few exceptions

[@personaldanceparty5518]

Where’s the rest of the interview???? I’m waiting

[@ngomaibinda]

Great group and excellent music. That's the real hip-hop and not the trash gangsta rap that has been promoted by record companies to the great detriment of the black community and beyond.

[@TeddyStrongBear]

🎶 Mr. Wendell 🎶 👌🏾👌🏾👌🏾

[@lowkeyasscharacter]

When I hear Arrested development I think of the show lmao

[@iamlorenhoward]

Saw them in 94 for free at a neighborhood rec center

[@Erniepotts]

This was one of the first albums I brought on tape.

[@Babanla420]

Wow Speech!!

[@RobertHorry1956]

Damn used to do 250k plus a video now you down 10-30k videos 🤣🤣🤣. Keep it up guys!!!

[@xoxxobob61]

I was surprised when SPEECH said one of the names being considered for the band was "Secret Society" because there is an actual band from Miami with some hit songs in the late 80's by the same name.

[@richardfromkennington]

Arrested Development 💥 Speech🔥

[@micahhayes8770]

Mr Wendell was lit bk n the day.

[@ims.to.sim7]

Came here cause i was looking for the speech scene in the tv show arrested development

[@dabody123456]

hey "Speech " all love broo first record i heart its "Tennessee " form the redo then i become fans > the " people ever day " lol when him hear something good ill come love it > " all love "