Is real, ernest thoughtful dare i say conscience ( although I think everbody is at this point should be conscieous about why they are in hip hop) coming back finally. Granted it has always existed in places like stones throw and okay player and yes Common has maintained as #1 Soul Brother (Congrats on you Black Girls Rocks Award BTW) in the mainstream for a good minute now, But i think to really impact and shift the priorities of an entire industry, you need help from generations of forfathers and formommas down the line. I know that myself as a kid first being introduced to the many flavors of hip hop, a favorite of the time was Arrested Developement. And not just me but it seemed universal. White people, brown people, something in between people all felt the love that they were spreading. They have definately been active and making music since then but I know me personally and others i know some how lost track. Maybe I was just blinded by the bling, but I am happy to say they are back.... the new Arrested Development "Since The Last Time" is out in full force. A lyrical highlight in my listen thus far

FROM "MIRACLES"
We’re made of more than this, don’t let em define us, don’t let em confine us we’re warriors
From the underground railroads we sneaked through swamps to sit VIP in a restaurant
Hill Side projects get down
North Shore projects get down
They give us platinum medallions to cover our hearts
Keep us far away from the most powerful parts of us
Cuz if they keep us looking outside then we won’t bother looking inside
I’m too old a dude to be scared of flopping we’re from the old school this is real hip hopping
And we talk about what we see, won’t dumb it down
Cuz I ain’t around dumb company
We smarter than this
And we can come harder than this and do a brag rap on the next song on the disc
Cuz right now you know you’re all in the midst of miracles!

I believe in Miracles yeah yeah
I believe in you

Although it was a bit before my time hear at bluhammock, we put out a Speech solo record called the Vagabond. It was an indicator for me that I was going into the right place as Speech and Arrested Developement only bring inspiring, positive thoughtful, soulful, fun, honest offerings to the world that often sells it self a little short....


Check out the music

Peace and Strength

Ralph