Customer Reviews

Zingalamaduni

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I'll be the first to admit that Speech and Co. were well on their way to becoming ubiquitous around late '92-'93, but who could have guessed they would return in 1994 in such fine form? 'A Beehive Of Culture' is an apt description of this mature, finely crafted, and utterly joyful sophomore release. Before all the hoopla over using live instruments, these young people were spearheading the movement. You can actually hear Rasa Don's drumsticks clicking in the distance as he prepares to play on the albums intro "WMFW". "United Minds" moves with an almost balletic grace and sets the pace for the remainder of the album. The jazzy, breezy "Achin' For Acres" (great turntable scratching) bleeds right into the heavy footed funk of "United Front" which manages to be both uplifting and relaxing. The true jewel in the crown though is "Pride" a glowing sung/spoken word piece that features an African chant throughout that will dig it's way into your subconcious and remain there. Listen to the lyrics, and you will feel a sense of pride and confidence that will truly warm your heart. "Shell" is brilliant in it's simplicity, the mantra 'just a shell until you decide to rebel' is repeated over and over, on top of the same live drum pattern until you finally GET IT! The remainder of "Zingalamaduni" never falters, covering every facet of Black Life in this world, from racism in housing ("Mr. Landlord"), physical beauty ("Africa's Inside Me") pro-life activism ("Warm Sentiments") unity (the joyous "In The Sunshine") religion and servitude (the trumpet driven "Kneelin' At My Altar"), energetic partying and enjoying life while you can ("The Fountain Of Youth") and understanding your past to embrace the future ("Ease My Mind" and the closing spiritual "Praisin' U"). Sadly, this was AD's final studio album before infighting, jealousy and power struggles tore the group apart (ironic isn't it?), but it stands as a testament to one of the most influential and important hip-hop/soul bands of the 90's. It was a wonderful party, however short-lived. AD, you are missed and sorely needed.

... that mine is the first review of this album. I bought it second hand some years ago was was, much to my surprise, immediately blown away by the sounds. I believe the critics were not crazy 'bout it first off becasue of the excellence of their debut. However, I think it stands out as a better record. The cd is worth it alone for 'Africa's inside me'. Currently out of print - amazingly - grab it if you see it in a bargain bin - you will not be disappointed!!

this - arrested development's second album - was largely overlooked, their debut '3 years...' kinda got played into the ground. nonetheless, if you like arrested development at all, this is by far the superior of their two studio efforts. you can usually order it used for like $1, at that price, its worth checking out.

A lot of people didn't respond to this follow-up album, but in my opinion, it is every bit as good as A.D's debut.

"Africa's Inside Me" is my personal anthem, and a truly profound song.

The band is tight and Speech has crafted some awesome songs here.

Again, how many bands include a spiritual consultant like Baba Oje? They respect where they came from, which is why they know where they're going, and when you listen with your heart, you will too.

Some of the best and the brightest! Right on politics with a real and funky beat. Positive messages and beautiful harmonies - this is rare! Grab it!

Arrested Development wraps up some of my favorite elements of hip-hop - political/social awareness, intelligent content, positive messages, organic live music, and an impeccable mission of revolution. Their sophomore album "Zingalamaduni" was met in 1994 with mixed reviews. At the time, the demand for positive-inflicted conscious rap was in a lull, and subsequently this one may have slipped through the cracks for many. It's a shame really, because this was a nice evolution & stylistic change from their monster hit/debut "3 Years, 5 Months & 2 Days in the Life Of...".

Although this is sort of a mixed bag, most of the material here is very solid, and performed well. Speech was at the top of his game lyrically, as seen on such tracks as "Mr. Landlord", "Ache'n for Acres", "Praisin' U" & the excellent title cut. They enjoyed brief chart success with heavy hitters like "Ease My Mind" & "United Front". In my opinion, "United Minds" was the closest they came to matching the highly memorable success of "Tennessee". "In the Sunshine" has also remains a favorite. As the cover would suggest, this has an even more Afrocentric vibe which is sprinkled through the production.

Overall, this may not be quite as memorable or powerful as their debut album, but it still has redeeming qualities that are sure to be rewarding to fans of Arrested Development.

...but you probably can find it used for a few dollars. The lyrics on this album are strikingly clever throughout each song. After the success of their first release "3 years...", AD may have felt less pressure to be commercially pleasing and more freedom to just let their creativity flow. Making such powerful messages sound so musically pleasing is no simple feat, but Arrested Development makes it seem like just another day in a neighborhood where I wish I could live.

I found this disc for $1 in a used CD store, and each time I listen to it I cannot believe my good fortune! If you find yourself in a similar position I highly recommend making whatever investment is necessary. Now that I know, I'd gladly spend 10 times that amount.

I simply have fallen in love with this release! The music is personal & heartfelt. It's filled with direction for a people that are desperatly in need of it! Its thus profound.

This was one of those albums where the group read too much of their own press and believed too much of their own press. I suppose you could blame the media. Too many articles came out calling this band the antidote to the evil gangsta rap, and the serious political rap group to replace an increasingly xenophobic Public Enemy. This was all a shame since the band seems to have decided that they were popular because they were political.

Absent is Dione Farris who made the first CD so good and absent are the hooks and the great tunes. Sadly present is the same preachiness from the first CD. Like Highlander II, it went back in time and made the first effort wretched.

More deadly was the fact that instead of rapping about befriending homeless people or going home to your roots, this CD is full of complaints about the landlord and a particularly whiny tune (I don't think it was meant to be ironic, since irony is not part of this band's SOP) about a girlfriend that aborted Speech's baby. And the tunes are boring.

Slicker studio productions, more earnest lyrics, and press buzz combined to make this album. And this album killed socially conscious rap.

In other words, this is one boring CD.