Arrested Development Members, Gear & Sound

Genre

Hip Hop Southern hip hop Political hip hop Boom bap Conscious hip hop Pop rap

Members

Select a Arrested Development band member to check out the music gear they use live and in the studio.

Rasa Don

Roles:

Singer Drummer

No gear added

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Joe McCreary

Roles:

Bassist Drummer

Groups:

Fishbone George Clinton and the P-Funk All Stars Chris Dave and The Drumhedz Mifflin Ensemble

No gear added

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Headliner

Roles:

Drummer DJ

No gear added

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Baba Oje

Roles:

Singer Drummer

No gear added

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DJ Kemit

Roles:

Singer DJ

Groups:

Kemetic Just

No gear added

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Tasha LaRae
No gear added

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Speech

Roles:

Rapper Music Producer

No gear added

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Aerle Taree

Roles:

Singer

No gear added

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Ajile

Roles:

Singer

No gear added

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Montsho Eshe

Roles:

Singer

No gear added

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About

Arrested Development is an influential American hip hop group known for their socially conscious and empowering lyrics. Formed in Atlanta, Georgia in 1988, the group originally consisted of Speech (Todd Thomas), the charismatic frontman and primary vocalist, and Headliner (Timothy Barnwell), the DJ and co-producer. Over the years, Arrested Development has seen various lineup changes, but Speech has remained the constant driving force behind the band. Their music blends elements of hip hop, Southern hip hop, and conscious hip hop, creating a unique sound that incorporates soulful melodies, African rhythms, and insightful commentary on social issues. They gained critical acclaim with their debut album, 3 Years, 5 Months and 2 Days in the Life of..., which features hit singles like "Tennessee" and "People Everyday."

How to Sound Like Arrested Development

Arrested Development's sound is characterized by its melodic and rhythmic complexity, achieved through a blend of live instrumentation and sampled beats. Their music often features rich, organic textures with the use of live percussion, acoustic guitars, and traditional African instruments that add depth and a worldly feel to their tracks. The vocals are clear and articulate, delivering powerful messages over groovy, boom-bap beats that maintain a laid-back yet engaging vibe. To capture their eclectic sound, a musician might focus on using analog instruments and sampling techniques that emphasize warmth and authenticity. Layered harmonies and call-and-response arrangements contribute to the dynamic and community-oriented feel of their performances, making use of vocal harmonizers and loop stations to recreate their signature style.