Tennessee

"Tennessee" a song by American hip hop group Arrested Development, released in March 1992 as the first single from their debut album, 3 Years, 5 Months & 2 Days in the Life Of... (1992). The song contains a sample of Prince's 1988 hit "Alphabet St.". "Tennessee" peaked at number six in the United States and won the Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group in 1993. The song's music video was directed by Milcho Manchevski. A 2007 poll of VH1 viewers placed the song at number 71 on the list of the "Greatest Songs of the 90s" and is listed as one of the "500 Songs That Shaped Rock and Roll" by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. It was also ranked number 78 on VH1's "100 Greatest Songs of Hip Hop". Background Group member Speech was inspired to write the song after meeting up with his brother at his grandmother's funeral in Tennessee. Shortly afterward, his brother died suddenly from a bad asthma attack, and Speech wrote the song about the experience of losing two loved ones so close together. "Tennessee" uses a sample from Prince's "Alphabet St." that was not cleared ahead of time. Prince's lawyers waited until after the song sold well and then charged the group $100,000 for the use of said sample. Speech later said he felt Prince gave him "a break" by demanding a single payment instead of co-writing credit on the song, which would have entitled Prince to a share of all royalties in the future. Critical reception Larry Flick from Billboard wrote, "Melodic, sing-song rap possesses a modern spiritual quality. Female vocalist Dionne adds heavy, soulful element to the proceedings. Socially relevant, thought-provoking lyrics lead listener into a hook-driven, memorable chorus. Track has a unique appeal and would add a new dimension to the average urban playlist." Clark and DeVancey from Cash Box said that Arrested Development "straight blew up on the scene" with "Tennessee", noting its "rapping-while-singing approach". James Bernard from Entertainment Weekly felt the lyrics of the song "resonate like Speech's most private thoughts, betraying his desperate moments." Robert Hilburn from Los Angeles Times wrote, "Some of pop’s best moments come from groups that seem to arrive from nowhere with a confidence and mature vision--and that’s the case here.