HHG: In 2007, Chuck D said on Harder Than You Think - "Screamin' gangsta 20 years later, of course endorsed while consciousness faded, new generations believing them fables, gangster boogie on two turntables"...do you feel like there are forces at work to keep the musical spotlight on the negative and push the positive to the back?  Things are really not balanced.

Speech: Yes, without question there are forces at work, and they're deeper than most even think. In Ephesians 6:12 (Bible) it explains that behind the scenes of our visual existence there is a SPIRITUAL battle for our souls! Darkness against the Light.

HHG: On a personal level, I liked the first Arrested Development album a lot but I loved Zingalamaduni.  Was it frustrating for you to see that album not do as well as the debut?

Speech: On many levels it was frustrating. The label did a HORRIBLE job promoting it and the group was in such inner turmoil that I couldn't really focus on helping to turn the labels mistakes around.

HHG: Has there ever been talk of releasing an Arrested Development remix album?  I know DJ Premier did one, Organized Noize did a remix of "Like Marvin Gaye Said (What's Going On)...

Speech: There is some cool remixes available on our website -  www.arresteddevelopmentmusic.com.  I love the fact that legends have done remixes for us.

HHG: After the Unplugged album and Zingalamaduni, you broke off and did your solo record in 1996.  Here we are, almost 15 years later, and I understand you have another solo album in the works.  Tell us about it.

Speech: In 96 I went solo, the first album did INCREDIBLY well in Japan, so from that point on I started licensing music straight to them! That brought me a multi-million dollar career with each of 5 solo albums reaching the Top 10 on the singles pop charts!  I'd back those up with major tours, endorsements etc. I JUST released, my 6th solo effort, called "The Grown Folks Table", which is also online here in the states on my website - www.speechmusic.com.

HHG: The mainstream may not realize it, but Arrested Development is still very much in full effect, releasing a couple more albums over the last ten years.  I understand you release a lot of your material overseas, test it out there, and then release it here.  Is that accurate?  Do you find people in different countries have a deeper appreciation?

Speech: The rest of the world is more open-minded than we are, despite the U.S. being called the land of the "free". The U.S. has found out how to enslave the mind without force - through TV, radio and media. Overseas hasn't gotten as far as the U.S. YET! But remember "Money is the root of ALL kinds of evil", (1 Timothy 6:10) so many men abroad are bound to follow suit in due time.

HHG: While things have changed a lot on the musical landscape, do you find there are newer artists that still speak to you, that you draw inspiration from?

Speech: Yep, K'naan, Eminem, Common, Mos Def, Talib, and others.

HHG: Where can people go to keep up with and discover your music and the music of Arrested Development?

Speech:  The website - www.arresteddevelopmentmusic.com.  There you will find all of our albums that have been released since 2000.  You will also find our social networks, twitter and facebook to keep up with us.

HHG: Keep pushing the positive Speech and thank you for so many wonderful years of great music.  All the very best to you.

Speech: Same to you. PEACE!


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