Description

Hip-hop, soul, and world music. Music of conscience.

Biography

Todd "Speech" Thomas burst on the scene in 1992 like a cultural stormtrooper. As the musical, political and conceptual force behind the hip-hop group, Arrested Development, Speech set the tone for their brand of conscious reality. Winning two Grammy awards, two MTV awards, and NAACP award, the multi-platinum group shook up play lists everywhere, jumping genres and becoming as popular on top twenty "pop" stations as on "urban-underground" radio. In addition to airplay, Arrested Development became just as well known for their live shows, which they appropriately termed as "celebrations". These celebrations became an integral part of such major events as WOMAD, Lollapalooza, and Woodstock ’94.

Throughout his career, Speech has been an innovator. He continues in this spirit now to create a musical harvest in the world of entertainment that will have a lasting impact. He continues to be internationally known, as he lends his talents to collaborate with other artists from around the world. Recently, Speech has appeared on Japanese artist’ Gaku MC’s album "Word Music". Another Japanese artist, DJ Hasabe, invited Speech to collaborate on the single " Universal Music", which will appear on the album "Hey World", released in the Summer of 2001 by WEA Japan. Currently, Speech is performing throughout the United States and he has just released his most prized album to date, “Peechy” (2003) which is an ode to his d.j. years before Arrested Development and is an excellent Hip hop album, bringing back the glorious days of hip hop.

Speech's most recent solo project entitled "Love, LIfe, Music" (Toshiba/EMI) is a celebration of 10 years as a solo artist. THe album consists of hits from his 5 previous solo albums, as well as a cover of the Beatles, "Across the Universe."

Throughout his career, Speech has had an ongoing interest in helping to shape the views and character of the youth. He has toured colleges throughout the United States, delivering lectures on topics such as Black History, to contemporary issues in music and culture.

All of the Speech classics can be purchased at www.speechmusic.com Speech is happily married to Yolanda Thomas and has a son Jahi, and daughter, Zoe. Speech is dedicated to charitable contributions, continued musical exploration, and a political influence on the popular culture of today. He also enjoys photography, creative writing and has exhibited some of his photos at the Nexxus Gallery in Atlanta."

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