Making Music that Matters 

Eminent 90s hip-hop group Arrested Development took to the stage on the 22nd of October at the CR&FC for a night that Colombo will not forget. Fan favourites Speech, 1 Love, Fareedah, Tasha LaRae, JJ Boogie and Za were all present and prepping for their set. 

Life Online got an exclusive pre-show interview with lead vocalist, social activist and pioneering member of the band, 'Speech' (Todd Thomas), on why AD are still in the game and reinventing the face of hip-hop.

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Q:  Since it’s your first time visiting Sri Lanka, what impression do you have of the country so far?
We just got here early this morning as soon as we finished our show last night in Abu Dhabi and the weather here is, it’s obviously pretty hot, but I love it. I love the atmosphere and I love the people. I feel really blessed to be here.

Q: You’ve been in the music industry for close upon three decades and won two Grammys. What makes your band so successful in this rapidly shifting industry? 
Honestly, it’s the mission. When we first started off, we knew that we wanted to try and bring solutions to some of the problems that plague people of colour throughout the world and especially in our community. So we knew that the music had to have a purpose. And ever since then every song, every concert, every opportunity for us is fun—but it’s also a moment of activism. That’s our love, that’s our reason and yeah, it keeps us fired up!

Q: Many people respond to your music because it has an interesting combination of upbeat rhythms and social consciousness. How important is that combination for you?
It’s really important for us. We want to try and mix fun, hip-hop, party music with messages that uplift people and bring awareness to certain causes that a lot of people may not talk about. When we have the opportunity we try to give back. For example, when we’re touring we might go into the projects and speak about issues that can help encourage people. Also, about 2 weeks ago we went to an orphanage in South Africa—it was just inspiring. 

Q: Have your goals changed since you first started out?
I don’t think so. I think we’ve actually gotten better.

Q: How do you respond to Prince’s generosity in not taking away your first big break?
It was amazing. Prince is an amazing artiste, may he rest in peace. That brother is my favourite artiste ever and he did us a really great favour. So I’m grateful. 

Q: What artistes are you listening to right now?
On the way here I was listening to Drake’s Views album. But you gotta get hip to K’naan, Akala, Laura Mvula and of course Jay Z. 

Q: Do you think hip-hop artistes today are doing enough for social change? 
Not enough. Absolutely not enough. It’s very sad that a lot of the music doesn’t address issues. Instead they wanna talk about being in the club or buying clothes and stuff. We have a song called “Bloody” and it’s based on a biblical idea which talks about how we, as hip-hop artistes are responsible — we’re supposed to be the voice for the voiceless and our hands will be bloody if we don’t address these issues. 

Q: What can we expect from AD in the future?
Well, I’ve been working with a screenwriter and we’re trying to write a story about the progression of how we came about. Because we came out during an interesting time for hip-hop so I think it’s gonna be a cool, educational movie.  

Q: What advice would you like to impart to Sri Lankan artistes? 
Speak your truth. In hip-hop we need people to reach out to the world and what’s beautiful about that is that it’s given people a voice that a lot of other genres don’t give you. I wanna hear stories from here — I wanna hear what ya’ll are struggling with, what you’re going through and who you are as a people — your happiness, your joy, your pain. 

Pics by Waruna Wanniarachchi