It’s a rarity that the press covers hip-hop artists receiving proclamations from their respective cities; instead we hear of arrest, search warrants and restraining orders. Well, April 16, 2007, the great city of Atlanta gave Speech the high honor of a proclamation. All of this in the midst of the Don Imus controversy, where he called some Black women "nappy" and "Ho’s." That controversy led to Hip-Hop being under fire because of the blatant disrespect of Black women from other Black men as well!

Many artist like Snoop Dogg, Ice Cube, 50 Cent, Dr. Dre, Redman, Wu-tang, Ice-T, Biggie, Tupac, Busta Rhymes, Paul Wall, Jay-Z, Eminem, and Nelly have been identified with songs that typically use descriptives such as the "B" word and the "H" words. It is assumed that they would not call their wives or significant others those names, but the industry has encouraged these words as a way to sell albums. All of that is in stark contrast to Arrested Developments lyricist, Speech. The group’s new album "Since The last Time" is filled with relevant anthems of self-determination and hope.

Hip-Hop by nature has always been anti-establishment, so why the celebration of a proclamation anyway? Hip-Hop has brought anthems like "F--- the police" or "Fight the power"! To some, Speech’s lyrics seem to lessen the potency and edge of hip-hop music.

Yet, a listen to his lyrics shows a complex and passionate MC. Speech is no stranger to anti-oppression sentiments. With lyrics about "the government being over thrown"--from the song, "Give a man a Fish" (3 Years, 5 Months… EMI) Or "Let’s talk about a Revolution"--from the song, Revolution (X Soundtrack Warner Brothers).

Speech has been a lyricist, political activist and recently even a minister of the gospel. His track record of consistent racial dignity and purpose shines as a direct contrast to the present day opportunist who switch sides depending on the popular musical climate.
Speech hails from Milwaukee, Wisconsin son of Robert Thomas and Patricia Pattillo. Patricia is owner of Wisconsin’s largest Black newspaper, the "Milwaukee Community Journal." Speech has two children and a wife of 17 years. His group Arrested Development, have re-united and are on tour promoting, "Since The Last Time." For more information on Speech visit: www.arresteddevelopmentmusic.com.