Speech Thomas is a two-time Grammy Award-winning artist, producer, and social entrepreneur best known as the founder and lead vocalist of Arrested Development. His groundbreaking work in hip-hop challenged mainstream narratives, bringing messages of empowerment, resilience, and social consciousness to the forefront of the genre. Through his music and thought leadership, he continues to inspire audiences around the world.
Growing up in Milwaukee, Speech experienced both the struggles of inner-city life and the privileges of suburban living, shaping his perspective and artistic voice. Tragedy struck when he lost both his grandmother and older brother in the same week, an experience that deeply influenced his creative journey. Rather than succumbing to anger, he channelled his grief into music, coining the term "life music" to describe his uplifting and introspective approach to hip-hop.
In the early 1990s, Speech formed Arrested Development, a group that stood in stark contrast to the dominant themes of aggression and materialism in rap at the time. Their debut album, "3 Years, 5 Months and 2 Days in the Life Of..." achieved critical and commercial success, earning two Grammy Awards, including Best New Artist. The album’s standout single, "Tennessee," became an anthem of reflection and perseverance, later recognised as one of the "500 Songs That Shaped Rock and Roll" by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Following Arrested Development’s success, Speech embarked on a solo career, finding a dedicated following in Japan, where several of his albums achieved gold status. He has toured alongside influential figures such as Herbie Hancock, James Brown, and Chaka Khan, expanding his impact beyond hip-hop into broader musical and cultural spheres.
Beyond music, Speech is a committed philanthropist. He co-founded the Terrence Thomas Scholarship Fund, which has raised over a million dollars to support young Black students in their educational pursuits. His documentary "16 Bars" provides a compelling look at the power of music as rehabilitation within the prison system, earning widespread recognition at film festivals.
Speech Thomas continues to break boundaries, using his platform to challenge social norms and encourage audiences to embrace leadership, resilience, and creative expression.
Contact the PepTalk team today for fee information and a speaker availability check.
Want to book Speech Thomas for your next event?
Email speech.thomas@getapeptalk.com, and one of our speaker agents will contact you within hours to confirm availability and fees. If you can, please include your budget upfront – it helps us fast-track your request. It’s also helpful to know the date, format (virtual or in-person), location, and a bit about your audience.
Please note: we can only assist with speaking requests. For anything else, we recommend reaching out to Speech Thomas directly.
What topics does Speech Thomas specialise in?
Speech Thomas specialises in talking about music, philanthropy, entrepreneurship and more.
What is Speech Thomas's speaking style like?
Speech delivers authentic and inspiring sessions that resonate deeply, encouraging audiences to embrace their unique paths. His passion and wisdom leave a lasting impact, fostering resilience and empowerment. __
Does Speech Thomas offer virtual speaking engagements?
Yes, Speech Thomas offers virtual speaker bookings for webinars, online conferences, and remote or distributed team engagements.
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