Speech (rapper)

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Speech (born Todd Thomas on 25 October 1968) is a musician and member of the progressive hip hop group Arrested Development. In addition to his work with Arrested Development, Speech has released a number of solo albums.

He was born in Milwaukee, United States and spent his childhood and teen-age years there and in Ripley, Tennessee, before relocating to Georgia in 1987 to attend the Art Institute of Atlanta.

In about 1993, Speech joined with fellow DJ Headliner to form the group Arrested Development. After three years together, the group released their inaugural album, 3 Years, 5 Months & 2 Days in the Life Of..., which produced several hits and sold very well. Speech performed lead vocals on most of the album's tracks. The group's follow-up album, Zingalamaduni, fared poorly by comparison.

His debut solo album, "Speech," on Chrysalis/EMI, was released January 23, 1996. "Like Marvin Said (What's Going On)", released by EMI Records in November 1995, was the first single from his eponymous solo debut. From March to May of 1996 Speech toured Japan, Guadeloupe, Amsterdam and several U.S. cities. “Like Marvin Said” was a #1 hit in Japan for seven weeks.

Speech toured with Vice President Al Gore and first lady Hillary Clinton in the South during the 1996 U.S. Presidential election. Speech was also invited to and attended the inaugural celebrations. In November 1996, Speech was also invited to tour with Hootie and the Blowfish. Speech released his second solo album, 1998 Hoopla in February 1998 on Toshiba EMI-Japan. The record included the top five hit, "Movin' On" and twice took Speech on a tour of Japan. In addition to touring and releasing his own albums, Speech has performed on several soundtracks including 1 Giant Leap, Malcolm X, Boomerang, Bebe Kids, Warriors of Virtue, and Michael Jordan to the Max.

In 2000, Speech reunited with Arrested Development (without the participation of Headliner). The group continues to tour, with most of their following in Japan.

Speech is married to Yolanda Thomas and has a son Jahi, and daughter, Zoe.