Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on March 2014
It has been almost 26 years since Arrested Development shook hip-hop with a new approach. At the time, the genre was dominated by gangsta rap, which was controversial for lyrics demeaning women and society. But Arrested Development brought defiant lyrics of hope and social concerns. They became the first hip-hop group to win a Grammy for Best New Artist, and continued their reign of positivity as they donated 50% of their earnings from many recordings to Nelson Mandela, homeless shelters and causes dedicated to education and social improvement. As popular groups come and go, and others coast on past material, Arrested Development continues to release fresh music combining current concerns with their core style. Traveling the world, asking people everywhere to “think,” they return to Japan later this March. Frontman Speech shared some thoughts with Metropolis.
Where do you find your inspiration for writing music and lyrics?
Speech: From everywhere. I’m a living breathing conduit now a days. Things I hear, see and experience all go into the art. I also go to actual websites to get inspiration from other artists. Whether it be pictures, music or videos.
As you are a “grown-up” now, do you ever feel like there is less that motivates you to write? (A singer recently told me that when she was in her 20s and single, she felt she had plenty to say, so much that she was passionate or angry about. Now years later, she has a loving husband, beautiful son, and finds it hard to make songs that grab people.)
Speech: I totally agree with her. However, I think artists have to be allowed to grow up, and write about the various stages of life and still get support. The youth culture experience is so popular, because we all want to stay young or live forever. But older stages in life are easily JUST as interesting and amazing! The textures, the complexity, the nuances are great material to write about. I tell young people all the time, getting older is very easy all you gotta do is keep living and they will get there too.
At what point did you realize that you’d “made it”?
Speech: Arrested Development was touring the U.S. in a 12 passenger van. We came upon a venue with a line of fans wrapped around the block, and I asked our tour manager/driver who else performing with us tonight? And she said, Just you guys. That’s when I knew we made it!
Many of the groups that came up around the same time you got your start are no longer in the game. If you could name one or two reasons you have made it this long, what would they be?
Speech: Passion and more passion. We’ve been without money before, without labels and without many fans but we maintained our passion all the way through. It’s one thing to wanna be famous or rich, it’s another thing to really love the music deeply. We love it for real.
It seems that through the years, you have had a steady following in Japan with the band and solo. What do you attribute this longtime and loyal support to?
Speech: I’d like to think it’s my amazingly awesome looks, but seriously, I think it’s our vibe. Without even trying we just “feel” positive and uplifting and at the end of the day, people need that feeling from time to time.
What would you say has changed the most between back when you guys pioneered a whole lyricism movement and now?
Speech: The expectation of artists to really be themselves is lower today. Today the expectation is for some big producer to create your sound, or for you to “fit in” with what’s already mainstream.
What type of music grabs you enough to share it to others? What inspired you to do a broadcast?
Speech: I used to DJ at 13, DJing is truly my first love. So, I’m frequently in a mode where I have to make money, but I don’t want to sell out and simply become a pawn in the game, so I look at what I’m good at, and Djing is one of my talents. I pick songs really based on how it makes ME feel, and then I assume there’s gotta be a few more people like me out there, and I want us to share the same feeling together.
Have you ever doubted yourself or career decisions?
Speech: A lot. I’m really glad I have God to pray to and my wife and friends to talk to. Most of the time when I’m feeling insecure or doubtful, it’s just because of my own “inner demons” that I’m struggling with.
What will we learn about you that we don’t know from your music?
Speech: Honestly, if you listen closely to my lyrics, you will know the inner and most vulnerable parts of who I am, even more than talking to me or knowing me personally. I share the most with the fans. It’s a sort of exhibitionism.
If music hadn’t been successful, what would you be doing right now?
Speech: I’m not sure, but I’m just glad it worked out! I do know that I’m as happy as I think I could be. I have ups and downs like anyone else, but I know that my life is driven by passion and love and most people don’t have that luxury. I have it and I’m grateful for that.
Billboard Live, Mar 20.
