On this day in Hip Hop history, American rap group Arrested Development released their debut album 3 Years, 5 Months and 2 Days in The Life Of…. Released during a time in Hip Hop where West Coast gangster rap reigned supreme, Arrested Development was able to grab hearts and minds around the globe with their smooth Hip Hop sounds and Afrocentric themes. Much like the Afrocentric movement of New York Hip Hop, Arrested Development strayed away from negativity to give their listeners a message they could walk away with after listening.
Along with having a largely positive critical reception, 3 Years, 5 Months and 2 Days in the Life Of… was commercially successful. The album peaked at #3 on the Top R&B/Hip Hop chart, #3 on the UK Albums chart and #7 on the Billboard 200 chart. The project’s singles ” Everyday People,” “Tennessee” and “Mr. Wendal” were all top 10 hits in the United States.
“Everyday People” was a #1 Hot Rap Single and peaked at #8 on the Billboard Hot 100. “Mr. Wendal” claimed the #6 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 and #4 on the Hot Rap Singles chart. “Tennessee” peaked at #1 on the Hot R&B/Hip Hop chart, but never made an appearance on the Billboard Hot 100. Although it wasn’t a mainstream chart-topper, The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame included it on their list of 500 songs that shaped Rock-n-Roll.
