SPEECH receives a proclamation from the city of ATLANTA
(April 16th 2007)

It’s a rarity that the press covers hip-hop artists receiving proclamations from their respective cities; instead we hear of arrest, search warrants and restraining orders. Well, April 16th 2007, the great city of Atlanta gave Speech the high honor of a proclamation. All of this in the midst of the Don Imus controversy, where he called some black women “nappy” and “Ho’s”. That controversy led to Hip Hop being under fire because of the blatant disrespect of black women from other black men as well!

Snoop Dogg, Ice Cube, 50 Cent, Dr. Dre, Redman, Wu-tang, Ice-T, Biggie, Tupac, Busta Rhymes, Paul Wall, Jay-Z, Eminem, and Nelly whose lyrics and video’s have consistently degraded women and promoted self-hatred. All of that is in stark contrast to Arrested Developments lyricist, Speech. Whose new album, with his group, “Since The last Time” is filled with relevant anthems of self-determination and hope.

Speech has been a lyricist, political activist & recently even a minister of the gospel. His track record of consistent racial dignity and purpose shines as a direct contrast to the present day opportunist who switch sides depending on the popular musical climate.

Speech hails from Milwaukee, Wisconsin son of Robert Thomas & Patricia Pattillo. Patricia is owner of Wisconsin’s largest black newspaper, the Milwaukee Community Journal. Speech has two children and a wife of 17 years. His group Arrested Development have re-united and are on tour promoting, “Since The Last Time”. For more information on Speech visit: www.arresteddevelopmentmusic.com