Speech Jailed

I can't think of a better story to kick off this blog again--Speech has been jailed, peeps. Behind cold, hard steel.

To work on a new album. No, really.

Speech, the stage name of Todd Thomas, is in Richmond recording Arrested Development’s next album at the jail. He’s using the studio, which has been there since the jail opened in 2014, but mostly he’s there for the talent and inspiration.

“When we got here, I didn’t know how talented or untalented any of the residents were going to be,” he says. “It’s been part of the journey to really interact with them and learn how talented they are. I’ve just been floored by it.”

Sounds very intriguing for a multitude of reasons. Check out the rest of the story here!

Must Read AD Update

Arrested Development recently posted an update on their future plans, and they are all very exciting.  I'd recommend clicking the link, but in summary the following projects are in the works:

"Bring That Beat Back" a free album consisting of many of the songs that were recorded around the time of the "Living" single.  Interestingly, Public Enemy had a remix album with that title.  This will be more of a classic hip hop sounding record, which is intriguing. 

"Premium Blend" a Speech collaboration with Japanese group the Yoshida Brothers.  This will be an EP and had been mentioned by Speech in my interview with him.

"1 Love" a collaboration album between AD members Speech and One Love.  Very interesting.

"20" the long awaited next full AD album.

And if that's not enough they casually mention Speech has another solo album in the works.  So plenty to look forward to this year from the group.

New AD Material Being Recorded Now!

JJBoogie:  Recording new Arrested Development material today! #HipHop #Grammy #LifeMusic 

Thanks to some interesting updates from JJ Boogie's twitter page- including a video of Tasha laying down some vocals with Speech recording- we know that Arrested Development is in the studio and recording new material- presumably for a new album.  Awesome!  And sounds good so far.  I will definitely be keeping my eyes on this one!

JJBoogie:  Recording new Arrested Development material today! #HipHop #Grammy #LifeMusic