
Arrested Development at the 35th GRAMMY Awards in 1993
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GRAMMY Rewind: Watch Arrested Development Stress The Value Of Family As They Win The GRAMMY For Best New Artist In 1993
There's never been a Best New Artist winner that resembles Arrested Development. That's not just a reference to their incredible, eccentric fashion. And neither is it simply a nod to the 63-year-old Baba Oje — certainly one of the oldest persons to net the award — standing proudly behind founding member Speech. But instead, it ties to Oje's credited place as spiritual elder and guru and rings out in every facet of the hip-hop group's family- and heritage-first spiritual energy.
Arrested Development's critically acclaimed debut album, 3 Years, 5 Months and 2 Days in the Life Of…, spawned three certified gold singles, including "People Everyday" — the ebullient performance of which was an absolute highlight at the 35th GRAMMY Awards in 1993. And when the group hit the stage to accept the GRAMMY for Best New Artist — one of two awards they earned that night, along with Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group for "Tennessee" — that vibe continued through Speech's acceptance.
Watch Arrested Development Win Best New Artist
"To our ancestors, without them we would not have our characteristics and the power to fight as we do," Speech says, Oje's hand rested on the young MC's shoulder. "Power to the people, and thank you all," he adds, many of the group's seven members throwing a fist into the air.
Watch Arrested Development's gracious, affecting acceptance speech above in the latest episode of GRAMMY Rewind. If you're looking for more inspiring moments, enjoy more episodes of the throwback video series below.
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