Arrested Development have been hip hop trailblazers and cultural champions of consciousness and empowerment across the planet since 1991. Their representation of eclectic and vibrant African sounds and clothing has produced a unique clash of rhythms and style that continue to contrast the expected look and sound of hip hop culture.

Their just released (July 4) album Adult Contemporary Hip Hop, co-executive produced by band leader/founder Speech & boom-bap specialist Configa, is a celebration and a challenge — reflecting on freedom, self-determination and the contradictions still woven into Black American life.

Dedicated to the late Twan Mack, the album takes its title from a mantra he lived by — and transforms it into a bold, grown, and deeply soulful statement. This marks the fourth consecutive Arrested Development project co-executive produced by the two, creating continuing a creative partnership that has helped shape the group’s modern resurgence.

This time, the album features very few outside features — the focus being on the AD family: Frontman Speech, 1Love, Tasha LaRae, and Fareedah, with extended kin Ke’Andra and Bee Taylor. Music production is led by Speech and Configa, with additional contributions from MRK SX and Ben Marc. Lyrically rich and sonically grounded, the project capturing a cohesive, soulful sound rooted in classic hip-hop aesthetics. It explores melanin pride, the world: mortality, relationships, love, legacy, and bar-for-bar energy — all underpinned by the timeless rhythms of boom-bap.

Adult Contemporary hip hop isn’t just a tribute — it’s a continuation. Of family. Of message. Of real hip-hop.