Hip-hop found itself at a crossroads in the early '90s. Its pop dominance was now unquestioned, but in order to progress, the genre needed a stylistic and cultural alternative to the shoot-em-up nihilism and vacuous balladry which threatened to stunt its growth. Enter Arrested Development. With 3 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AND 2 DAYS IN THE LIFE OF..., the group gave hip-hop the intellectual and spiritual shot in the arm which it needed, and in the process, brought the genre to a whole new audience. Turning rap's anger into pride, Arrested Development stressed the beauty and richness of the African and, more specifically, the African-American tradition. Never blindly optimistic, but ever hopeful, 3 YEARS preached self-empowerment and awareness, holding an unflattering mirror up to certain destructive aspects of society.
The album spawned several pop hits, including "Mr. Wendel," a smart, touching portrayal of homelessness. Group leader Speech forgoes the threats and crotch-grabbing so prevalent in rap at the time to espouse positivity and growth in such lessons in humanity as "Tennessee." In the busy, insightful "People Everyday," Speech takes on the narrow-mindedness and violence inherent in his own culture.
Live Recording
Personnel: Dionne Farris, Sister Paulette, Terrance Cinque Mason (vocals); Brother Larry (guitar); Larry Jackson (saxophone).
Unknown Contributor Roles: Montsho Eshe; Rasha Don; Aerle Taree; Don Rasa; Headliner; Speech; Baba Oje.
Arranger: Arrested Development.
Arrested Development: Speech, Headliner, Aerle Taree, Montsho Eshe, Rasa Don, Baba Oje.
Additional personnel: Dionne Farris, Sister Paulette, Cinque (vocals); Brother Larry (guitar); Larry Jackson (saxophone); Ramsey Lewis (keyboards).
Spin (12/92, p.67) - Ranked #2 in Spin's list of the 20 Best Albums Of The Year - "...true '90s pop anthems--socially progressive and roots-conscious..." Spin (6/92, p.69) - Highly Recommended - "...a heartland hip hop sound that successfully incorporates both grass-roots folk and hard, urban funk...reveals a hip hop agenda never heretofore so coherently arranged..." Entertainment Weekly (1/7/93, p.123) - Ranked #2 in Entertainment Weekly's list of the Top 10 Albums Of 1992 - "...anyone who made even the mighty Public Enemy seem old hat--which Arrested Development did, easily--was clearly onto something..." Entertainment Weekly (5/22/92, p.74) - "...a fresh-sounding debut album... The band's beats actually sound joyful...Arrested Development is perhaps rap's most self-reflective act..." - Rating: A+ Q (1/93, p.70) - Included in Q's list of the 50 Best Albums Of 1992. Q (7/92, p.89) - 3 Stars - Good - "...Led by a newspaper columnist, they offer a critical overview of both black and white...When it all comes together, as on the joyfully funky self-help chant of "Give A Man A Fish," they're definitely on the right road..." Village Voice (3/2/93, p.5) - Ranked #1 in the Village Voice's list of the 40 Best Albums Of 1992. Stereo Review (1/93, p.81) - "...the most inventive rap album of 1992...leaves you feeling that the problems facing America can be solved with conviction and a right-minded spirit..."
(*) MP3 for this song is from a different CD. Listen to the sound sample to be sure this is the version you're looking for.
3 Years, 5 Months & 2 Days In The Life Of... Music Review
Customer 3 Years, 5 Months & 2 Days In The Life Of... Reviews
Average Rating: (4.3 out of 5 stars)
POLITICS MOST BANDS THAT MAKE POLITICAL STATEMENTS DRAW MIXED REVIEWS...
BUT THE FIRST AMENDMENT ALLOWS FOR THIS UNLESS OF COURSE YOUR REPUBLICAN THEN YOU WANT EVERYTHING SENSORED..
I FEEL EVERYONE NEEDS TO BE HEARD...
SOME SONGS ARE VERY GOOD SOME ARE NOT...TAKE THE GOOD DISCARD THE REST...BUT DON'T EVER CONDEMN THE WHOLE THING FOR ONE WRONG LINE Submitted by FOURITISWRITTEN (AMERICA'S TOWN) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
Too ignorant FORITISWRITTEN... How can you say this album is one way or another about politics when you can make such an ignorant comment about Repulicans wanting to censor everything. (Please note, I spelled censor correctly) That is the kind of bigotry that Arrested Developement tried to point out to people. No wonder you only rated it 3 stars. You don't get it. Submitted by concerned (Bay Area, CA) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
sheer genius true that they have political issues discussed in the album. and i believe music is a perfect medium for making people aware. more importantly the genre they chose to use. it targets the youth, the future leaders. they bring positive and true issues not like the rnb and rap music like today. they are able to open the people's eyes without sacrificing great music. definitely one of the best albums ever! Submitted by incognito (Los Angeles, California) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
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POLITICS
Too ignorant
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