COLONY & UP-STATE REGGAE PRESENT:
ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT
SUNDAY 04.15.18
GENERAL ADMISSION: $45 ADV / $55 DOS
RESERVED BALCONY SEATING: $60
VIP MEET & GREET / EARLY ENTRY: $75
DOORS: 7PM / SHOW: 8PM
BUY ADV TIX HERE: http://colonywoodstock.ticketfly.com/
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ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT
It’s been twenty years since a new group called Arrested Development slammed the gangsta dominated world of hip hop with defiant lyrics of hope. Apparently the world was ready for the change as AD became the first ever hip-hop artist to receive the “best new artist” Grammy, (a distinction it still maintains today in that category). In addition, the group also received a Grammy award for “best rap single” for their anthemic prayer-like hit song, Tennessee.
Money came in but not for precious stones and big cars. Instead, these pioneers of the conscious rap game took one big step for mankind by giving back and becoming the first African American artists to donate money to Nelson Mandela and the ANC. They used their voices and their status to the benefit of many underprivileged brothers and sisters around the world.
With the success of the single Mr Wendal, Arrested Development brought the issue of homelessness to the forefront. The group donated half of the royalty earnings from Mr Wendal to the National Coalition of the Homeless. Awards, chart success and accolades continued to follow. One of the highlights was being asked to write a song for Spike Lee’s movie about minister and human rights activist, Malcom X. The movie, X, went on to become one of Spike Lee’s most highly acclaimed works. The Arrested Development song, Revolution, would forever be associated with one of the most important movies in black culture. (Eighteen years later, the response that comes whenever the group performs this song is inspiring.
Their album, 3 years, 5 months and two days In The Life of, sold over 4 million units, with singles from that maiden voyage playing like a soundtrack in the lives’ of so many people world wide Their sophomore release Zigalmaduni was a critics’ favorite. Although the album was well received and garnered another Grammy nomination, it failed to reach the same heights as the previous album. Nonetheless, it reached sales in excess of 500,000 copies.
Just as it seemed that positive hip hop had found a way of being embraced by the mainstream, a new wave of negative hip hop artists, demeaning women, glorifying drugs and promoting criminality, came along and energized the base at the corporate record companies, prompting record executives to inject more and more money to get these negative stereotypes into the minds and hearts of young people, of whom many, were desperately searching for their path and identity in life. The move proved to be an enormous success for these artists, while making corporations billions of dollars.
With the pressures of the music industry weighing heavily, and inner turmoil striking within the group, it was time for Arrested Development to take a break and redefine their individual and collective purpose. For some members, it was time to take a hiatus from the industry, for a few, it was time to start a family, while other members delved into new musical projects and collaborations.
In the year 2000, Arrested Development re emerged with a new lineup and a new album called “Heroes of the harvest” This time the inner turmoil was replaced by inner peace, the pressures of the industry were lifted, and one of hip hop’s best, was back rocking stages.
For the last thirteen years, Arrested Development has performed concerts in literally every part of the world. They continue to release new music and find new success in different corners of the globe. Their shows are a celebration of life. Experiencing an Arrested Development concert is an uplifting and spiritual event wrapped into one big party.
In 2013, founding member and front man Speech, teamed up with multi platinum award winning producer and hit maker Kevin “Khao” Cates, (best known for his work with TI, Jay-Z, R.Kelly, Ludacris, Snoop Dog, Lil Kim ) together, they have been working on riveting new music, loaded with powerful lyrics and pulsating grooves, that are sure to stir it up, in the hearts and souls of hip hop fans everywhere.
Stay tuned for new releases from Arrested Development and a new solo project from Speech in the upcoming months. .
In 2010, the spiritual guru of the band, Baba OJ, suffered a major stroke. Since that time he has been undergoing rehabilitation and continues to make steady progress. The group’s prayers and thoughts are constantly with him. His awesome presence can still be felt on the stage. Fans from all over the world send their love to Baba OJ and pray for that magical day when he will once again be able to grace us with his awesome presence.
