A Game of Horseshoes

Formed in 1988 in Atlanta, Georgia by rapper and producer Todd Thomas ("Speech") and turntablist Timothy Barnwell (known as Headliner) as a positive, Afrocentric alternative to the gangsta rap popular in the late 1980s - the group was Arrested Development and they soon found themselves in the spotlight thanks to a few catchy, thoughtful tracks.

The group’s debut album, 3 Years, 5 months and 2 Days in the Life Of…” was the number-one album in the Village Voice’s 1992 Pazz and Jop Critics Poll. The group won two Grammy Awards in 1993 for Best New Artists (always a curse), making them the first hip hop artist to win this award, and Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group. They were later named Band of the Year by Rolling Stone Magazine. It was released on this day 30 years ago, making it today’s Throwback Thursday.

Their sound is a laid-back, southern-fried groove informed by rural blues, African percussion, funk and melodic R&B. It all comes together in some of their more popular songs including “Tennessee” which takes lead rapper Speech on a spiritual journey to reclaim his heritage in a South still haunted by its history.

The sampling that’s done is seamless and incorporates their influences like Sly and the Family Stone, Steely Dan, Earth Wind and Fire and many more. Thankfully the samples don’t overwhelm the songs.

Lead rapper Speech is smooth in his delivery and the band and back-up singers are tight in their performance and rhythm. It’s a major influence on a newer breed of alternative Southern hip-hop, including Goodie Mob, Outkast, and Nappy Roots.

Having just watched Summer of Soul, the outstanding documentary by Questlove, I could easily envision Arrested Development on stage bringing their message and music to the Harlem Culture Festival.

The band only released one more album together before splitting up and going their own way - a reunion of sorts followed, but we’ll always have their amazing debut. It cemented a certain style of rap that was fresh and influential and different in the early 90s.