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Speech

 
Artist: Speech
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Speech

Similar Artists:

Wyclef Jean, Erykah Badu, The Fugees, Digable Planets, Bahamadia, Lazy K, Raphael Saadiq

Influenced By:

Stevie Wonder, Sly & the Family Stone

Formal Connection With:

Arrested Development, Funktelligence
See Speech Lyrics
  • Born: October 25, 1968, Milwaukee, WI
  • Active: '90s, 2000s
  • Genres: Rap
  • Instrument: Vocals, Producer
  • Representative Albums: "Spiritual People," "The Vagabond," "Hoopla"

Biography

Speech rose to success in the early '90s as the leader of the groundbreaking alternative rap group Arrested Development. Born Todd Thomas in Milwaukee, WI, on October 25, 1968, he was raised primarily in Ripley, TN, before relocating to Georgia in 1987 to attend the Art Institute of Atlanta. There he met fellow student Tim Barnwell, and together they laid the foundations for Arrested Development's 1988 formation; adopting the stage name Speech, Thomas' lyrics reflected a positive, socially conscious, and deeply spiritual world-view far removed from the negative stereotypes of the burgeoning gangsta rap movement, while the group's music served up a rootsy, organic fusion of hip-hop, soul, funk, and blues. Arrested Development's 1992 debut, 3 Years, 5 Months & 2 Days in the Life of..., was among the year's most critically and commercially well-received efforts, launching the hits "Tennessee" and "Everyday People," earning several Grammys and topping a number of year-end music-writers' polls. After 1994's Zingalamaduni fell victim to the sophomore slump, however, Speech disbanded Arrested Development and mounted a solo career, debuting in 1996 with a self-titled LP on Capitol; Hoopla, his first release for new label TVT, followed three years later. A period of rest gave Speech the opportunity to become a father and get back in touch with his family, allowing him to take time to reflect on his life and prepare for his next album. The result of this downtime was Spiritual People, a record filled with positive messages and a sense of unity that brought to mind his days with Arrested Development. Three years later he returned with Vagabond. ~ Jason Ankeny, All Music Guide
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Wikipedia: Speech (rapper)
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Home > Library > Miscellaneous > Wikipedia
This article is about the American rapper. For the British rapper and Mercury Prize winner, see Speech Debelle.
Speech
Birth name Todd Thomas
Born October 25, 1968 (1968-10-25) (age 40)
Origin Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S.
Genre(s) Hip hop
Occupation(s) Rapper, musician, singer
Years active 1993–present
Label(s) Chrysalis/EMI

Speech is the stage name of Todd Thomas (born October 25, 1968), an American rapper and musician. He is a member of the progressive hip hop group Arrested Development. He has also released a number of solo albums.

Contents

Background

He was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States and spent his childhood and teen-age years there and in Ripley, Tennessee, before relocating to Georgia in 1987 to attend the Art Institute of Atlanta. He attended Rufus King High School.

Music career

With Arrested Development

In 1988, Speech joined with fellow DJ Headliner to form the group Arrested Development. After three years together, the group released their inaugural album, 3 Years, 5 Months & 2 Days in the Life Of..., which produced several hits and sold very well.[citation needed] Speech performed lead vocals on most of the album's tracks. The group's follow-up album, Zingalamaduni, fared poorly by comparison. Speech would go on to pursue his solo career.

In 2000, Speech reunited with Arrested Development (without the participation of Headliner). The group continues to tour, with most of their following in Japan.[citation needed]

Solo

His debut solo album, Speech, on Chrysalis/EMI, was released January 23, 1996. "Like Marvin Said (What's Going On)", released by EMI Records in November 1995, was the first single from the album. From March to May 1996, Speech toured Japan, Guadeloupe, Amsterdam and several areas of the U.S. “Like Marvin Said” was a #1 hit in Japan for seven weeks.

Speech toured with US Vice President Al Gore and First Lady Hillary Clinton in the South during the 1996 United States Presidential election. Speech was also invited to and attended the inaugural celebrations. In November 1996, he toured with Hootie and the Blowfish.

Speech released his second solo album Hoopla in February 1998 on Toshiba EMI-Japan. The record included the top five hit, "Movin' On" and twice took Speech on a tour of Japan.

In addition to touring and releasing his own albums, Speech has performed on several soundtracks including 1 Giant Leap, Malcolm X, Boomerang, Bebe's Kids, Warriors of Virtue, and Michael Jordan to the Max.

In early 2007, Speech's The Vagabond won in The 6th Annual Independent Music Awards for Best Rap/Hip-Hop Album. [1]

Personal life

Speech is married to Yolanda Thomas and has a son, Jahi, and daughter, Zoe.

References

  1. ^ Independent Music Awards - 6th Annual Winners

External links


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