the real Arrested Development

(Originally posted March 16th, 2009)

It’s quite unfortunate that many in our society now attribute the name “Arrested Development” to a canceled Fox sitcom with some pretty annoying “hand-held camera” work. For those of you who don’t know, there once climbed to greatness in the early 90s a hip-hop group that would define an era. Their name: Arrested Development.

The assemblage then consisted of Speech, Montsho Eshe, One Love, Nicha, Rasadon (aka Don Norris), Baba Oje, JJ Boogie and Za. There are a great number of reasons why I am obsessive over Arrested Development, but I’ll only name for you a few for the sake of time. ONE they are from Atlanta, Georgia which I hear is pretty much the place to be…especially if you’re African American in the U.S….. I’ll have to go someday. Every black person I’ve ever met from Atlanta (and believe me, there are few I have actually met) has been an exceptionally awesome and interesting person with great style sense (not that it matters…but hey, extra points I say). TWO they were dedicated to producing music that would help foster respect for one’s self…especially in the African American community. (I guess that’s labeled “Afro-centric” nowadays) They did all this in the midst of the overwhelming rise of gansta rap in the 90s.

THIS IS SERIOUS. Early 90s, we’re talking some of the greatest rap music of all time. NO. THE greatest rap music of all time. We’re talking Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Ice Cube, Public Enemy, Grandmaster Flash, AND Tupac. But Arrested Development held their own while holding on to their original convictions to produce amazing music with honesty and zeal.

Today I was in my car delivering to some place at the far corners of Lake City where people never really venture all too often, when something came about. The radio let out a familiar yell/screech that I knew could mean only one thing: Mr. Wendal. As I listened to the song I couldn’t help but rap along. Sure I had a stupid, overly happy look on my face that was probably distracting to other drivers especially when I rolled down the window, pumped up the volume, turned to the driver next to me and pointed to the radio in a “hey man, you should really get into this!” type of way. Sure I could have gotten pulled over for swerving in and out of my lane of traffic to the beat of the music. But it would’ve been oh so worth it and would not compare to the joy I felt in that moment.

Enough of my talk. Enjoy ———> Mr. Wendal by Arrested Development