While the younger crowd might think of a certain cult comedy when they hear the name Arrested Development, those dialed into the hip hop scene of the ’90s will surely remember the legendary group who first staked claim to the moniker. Following the release of their platinum selling debut, at odds with the gangsta rap landscape of the time, the group earned Grammys, MTV Awards and more, and have since cemented their legacy as hip hop royalty. Still going strong nearly three decades in, they’re making a rare appearance in Nashville tonight, June 20 at intimate show space City Winery, along with acclaimed beatbox artist HeaveN Beatbox. Tickets are still available to purchase right here, so grab yours now and read on for more about the show!
ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT
Formed in Atlanta in the late ’80s, popular hip hop group Arrested Development served as something of a positive, profound, and Afrocentric foil to the more divisive gangsta rap scene, which ruled hip hop at a commercial level in the early ’90s. Exploding onto the mainstream with their multi-platinum, Grammy-winning, smash 1992 debut, 3 Years, 5 Months & 2 Days in the Life Of…, the group become a popular, positive force in hip hop, and etched their way into permeant cultural relevance thanks to singles like “People Everyday,” “Mr. Wendal,” and especially “Tennessee.” As attention waned a bit after their sophomore effort, Zingalamaduni, and amidst some creative differences, Arrested Development called it quits in ’96, only to reform four years later with a new spark, and minus, DJ and founding member, Headliner. Still led by prolific wordsmith Speech, the group have remained something of an indie mainstay of the hip hop scene in the last 15 years, releasing consistently great albums through their own label, and touring on the legacy of their debut. Still a force for positivity and profound impact, the band are known for their charitable contributions, social awareness, and continually refined, intelligent, and engaging live shows. We can’t think of a cooler spot to experience their showmanship, classic hip hop sensibilities, and worthy message than an intimate spot like City Winery!
HEAVEN BEATBOX
Born Steven Strickland Cantor, beatbox artist HeaveN Beatbox shares Arrested Development’s love and appreciation for the art form, message, and positive platform of old school hip hop. Initially drawn to imitating the rhythms of alt rock groups, before drifting more into traditional beatboxing, he got his start as a street performer, earning acclaim and winning competitions, which has led to appearances on news programs, performance showcases, TEDx, and opening for a variety of performers in different mediums. His immense skill is perfectly matched to bring something different to the show, so if beatboxing in a wine restaurant sounds as weirdly awesome to you as it does to us, make a point to show up early!
Arrested Development and Heaven Beatbox will perform tonight, June 20 at City Winery. The show is all ages, begins at 8 p.m. (doors at 6 p.m.), and tickets are available for $30-40.
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