THE double Grammy-winning hip-hop legends who gave us the hits Mr. Wendal and People Everyday are back in the UK in support of their new album Strong and will play at the Barbican on Wednesday.

With roots going all the way back to Africa and branches heading straight into the urban centres of American streets, Arrested Development is a band with a message.

Here to celebrate the release of their new album, Strong, Arrested Development brew a potent concoction of funk, soul, jazz, folk and of course, hip hop.

“We wanted to do a very concise record,” says rapper Speech. “A record we felt that was filling a void in the industry right now.

“There aren’t many people really talking about the things that are happening or have happened as far as worldly issues. We wanted to write about those issues.

“The reason we entitled the album Strong is because we feel it’s one of the strongest records we’ve ever done.”

Founded in the late ‘80s by Speech, whose mother owns a black newspaper in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the two-time Grammy Award Winning group has been devoted to nudging folks in the direction of freedom and evolution for more than 19 years.

Many members have remained based in the countrysides of the south using dirty and gritty sounds while mixing samples and B-3 organs, with wailing vocals and soulful southern choirs.

“There is so much that has changed from how people receive the music to the actual respect they have for it,” says Speech. “I believe it’s a lot less than what it used to be.

“There is less balance as far as the subject matter that’s being promoted in the industry today. It leads to the fact that many companies have consolidated into one so you have these huge conglomerates where there are few diverse opinions and attitudes.”

Arrested Development play at the Barbican on Wednesday (13) from 7.30pm. Tickets cost �13.50-�22.50 from www.barbican.org.uk or 020 7638 8891.