Book Speech

Speech, born Todd Thomas, is the American rapper, singer and producer who founded and leads the progressive hip-hop group Arrested Development. In 1987 he teamed with DJ Headliner to start the group, and after three years of work they released the debut album 3 Years, 5 Months & 2 Days in the Life Of... (1992), with Speech singing lead and producing the tracks. The record became a landmark of conscious hip-hop, powered by the hits "Tennessee" (1992), "People Everyday" (1992) and "Mr. Wendal" (1992). Arrested Development won two Grammy Awards in 1993, Best New Artist and Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group for "Tennessee." The follow-up Zingalamaduni (1994) earned strong reviews from critics. Speech then launched a solo career and his own Vagabond Productions, releasing albums such as Speech (1996), Hoopla (1998), Spiritual People (2000), The Vagabond (2001), K.O.S.H Mentality (2019) and Expansion (2021), and he has continued to lead Arrested Development on stage. His music blends Southern soul, funk and positive, socially aware lyrics, and his shows invite audiences to dance, think and celebrate community together.