Speech is the stage name of Todd Thomas, an influential American musician primarily recognized as the leader of the critically acclaimed hip hop group Arrested Development. Known for his distinctive blend of rap with elements of soul, gospel, and funk, Speech has been noted for his thought-provoking lyrics addressing racial and cultural issues. He emerged in the early 1990s, contributing significantly to the development of alternative hip hop with the chart-topping singles "Tennessee," "People Everyday," and the Grammy-winning album "3 Years, 5 Months & 2 Days in the Life Of...". Throughout his career, Speech has continued to produce socially conscious music, marking him as a significant figure in the evolution of hip hop.