Initially formed back in ‘88 by emcee-producer Todd “Speech“ Thomas and former member, then deejay, Timothy “Headliner” Barnwell, alternative Hip-Hop collective, Arrested Development, literally hit the ground running and now three plus decades later, the multi-platinum, Grammy Award winning ATL based ensemble return with their latest tour-de-force, the aptly titled “Adult Contemporary Hip-Hop”.

Please introduce the current members of Arrested Development.

The present members: Speech, Fareedah, 1 Love and Tasha LaRae. We also tour with a band, but they’re not official members. Jonny, Rick, Will and Soulo. Our sound man is also a former stage member, so he’s still family and that’s JJ Boogie.

Let’s hop into this lead single, “Pack It Out,” featuring BeeTaylor, 1 Love & Tasha LaRae. Tell me about this particular track; how did it come to fruition?

Sometimes there’s shows that we do and the front rows are reserved for VIPs; more wealthier people that may not even be big fans of the group. But from our perspective, it’s hard to connect musically when the first rows are people that aren’t necessarily fans and the people in the back are. So the song is saying, “pack it out, move up, get close to us, this is a movement!”

Of course, “Pack It Out” comes courtesy of your latest studio collection, “Adult Contemporary Hip-Hop.” Conceptually, what does this title represent both to and for you all?

The album title comes from one of our most supportive allies, “Twan Mack.” I’ve known him since I was in high school, and he toured the world with us as our opener. He passed late last year, and it was extremely hard for us. One of his dreams was to start a new category called, “Adult Contemporary Hip-Hop,” and so we named our album that, in honor of him.

How then does Adult Contemporary Hip-Hop either differ and/or compare to previous Arrested Development efforts?

I think it’s comparable to our last 3 albums, which were all co-executively produced by boom-bap extraordinaire, Configa; from the UK. It’s definitely a return to boom-bap sonic sensibilities, but it’s also extremely musical. There are numerous songs on this album that have string arrangements and piano solos that expand past your ordinary 4 bar loop. Lyrically, the album is filled with real life adult issues. A lot of soul talk and heart talk. It’s meant to be listened to as an album, not just for singles.

As songwriters when you all sit down to pen your lyrics, where do you all draw that inspiration from?

I come from the tradition of Blues in my writing. I really talk about my thoughts, feelings and troubles of the day, as a cathartic tool. I go deep, because I believe our real lives are deep and thick. I want people to listen to our music in layers; at first it may be the groove that hits you, but if you listen again it’s hopefully the message and listening after that, it’s even layers beyond that.

Reflecting, tell me your whole inception into music. When did you all first become interested in it? And, how did it all begin for Arrested Development?

I loved The Jackson 5 when I was 5. I used to perform for neighbors at that age. Later, I fell in love with disco and soul music at my father’s nightclub; The FoxTrap, then I got into Hip-Hop, and it was finished! I basically have been wanting that since.

Now you all (as a collective) hail from Atlanta, GA, by way of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, correct? So growing up in ‘Cream City,’ who all did/do you all consider to be your strongest musical influences?

The group officially hails from Atlanta, but myself, Baba Oje [R.I.P.], and Aerle Taree are originally from Milwaukee. But, the group started in Atlanta. My influences are wider than those from the East or West Coast. Because we listened to everything. House music, Go Go, Hip-Hop from both coasts, etc.

That said, how do you all describe and/or define the style of music that you all create and perform?

We call it life music. There’s so much music fed to Black culture that celebrates death; whether physical, emotional or spiritual. Ours is the total opposite.

Switching gears here, what exactly do you all want people to get from your music?

A fun listen first of all. Secondarily, a safe place to think, be expansive and be progressive in your dreams.

If you all could collaborate with any one artist, living or dead, who would it be and why?

We do a lot of collaborations as of late. But Prince, MJ, Beyoncé, Chris Brown, Drake, Pharrell, Quincy Jones, Stevie Wonder, Sam Cooke, Jimi Hendrix are some examples.

If you all could play any venue in the world, which one would you choose and why?

Coachella, Bonnaroo, etc., because – at 33 years in – we want to play all the iconic venues before we hang up the mic.

On a more serious note, are you all happy with the current state of Hip-Hop?

No. Neither am I happy with the music industry. But I’ve learned long ago that you have to adapt and meet these things where they presently are. So, that’s how we approach it.

What do you all feel has and will continue to be the key to your longevity?

We’ve always believed in being authentic. We’re not trying to lean towards anyone else’s brand. We are who we are, and we want to give you that. It’s worked for 33 years.

Do you all have any other outside/additional (future) aspirations, maybe even completely away from music?

Enjoying my wife, life, family and kids…and also, doing acts of service for those in need.

To date, what has been your biggest career moment(s), at least thus far anyway?

There’s too many to mention, but flying on a private jet from one show with 20,000 screaming fans to a show in my hometown – Milwaukee – at the biggest arena there, sold out, and all of my childhood friends were also in the audience. That remains my #1 experience.

What’s an average day like for you all?

I can’t speak for the whole group, but for me…it’s doing some kind of creative work in my home studio, walking in nature, eating healthy and tasty foods; either out at a cute cafe or at home with my wife of 30 years. We like the simple life.

Please discuss how you all interact with and respond to fans.

We love our fans. We are extremely accessible, whether in person or online.

What is your favorite part about this line of work? Your least favorite? And, why?

Being creative, musically and visually, etc., is my fave; my least fave is dealing with politics, fake friends and shady business people.

What advice would you all have for someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?

Follow at your own risk, and be original.

Looking ahead, say five or maybe even ten years from now, where do you all see yourselves?

Enjoying the fruit of our labor. Helping people, and enjoying life itself.

“Tennessee,” “People Everyday,” “Mr. Wendal,” and “Ease My Mind” are all bonafide classics. How did these particular compositions come about? Who came up with their concepts? And, please describe for me the overall studio vibes on those fateful days?

I wrote all of those concepts, and then got members to help in various ways. Usually for us, I start a song and then others get involved. I’m a very conceptual kinda person, so I have a lot of ideas.

As for the immediate, what’s next for Arrested Development?

We are giving birth to our latest. That’s our big priority. Adult Contemporary Hip-Hop is a piece of art, to be digested in earnest.

Lastly, any parting words for our readers?

Thank you for all of the support, and please keep us in your hearts, minds and ears. Peace and love!