Revolution (Arrested Development song)
"Revolution" is a song by American hip hop group Arrested Development, from the soundtrack to the 1992 film Malcolm X.
"Revolution" | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Single by Arrested Development | ||||
from the album Malcolm X | ||||
Released | 1992 | |||
Genre | Hip hop | |||
Length | 4:48 | |||
Songwriter(s) | Speech, Aerle Taree | |||
Producer(s) | Speech | |||
Arrested Development singles chronology | ||||
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Music video | ||||
"Revolution" on YouTube |
Background
Speech has expressed gratitude for the film's depiction of a "side" of Malcolm X which shares the perspective of Arrested Development. Spike Lee, the director of the film, had asked Speech to write a song for it. Speech considered it a personal responsibility to "acknowledge that there is a need for struggle, because of all the bad things going on in the nation", which is reflected in the line "Am I doing as much as I can for the struggle?"[1] He composed the song with a purpose to urge people into action in bringing about change.[2]
Music video
The music video was directed by Spike Lee.[1] It was shot in a high school, a city block, and a street in Brooklyn with "about 500 extras". Each location had at least 100 people in the filming. According to Speech, the video was shot in seven hours.[2]
Charts
Chart (1992–1993) | Peak position |
---|---|
Australia (ARIA)[3] | 7 |
France (SNEP)[4] | 30 |
Germany (Official German Charts)[5] | 31 |
Ireland (IRMA)[6] | 9 |
Netherlands (Single Top 100)[7] | 42 |
New Zealand (Recorded Music NZ)[8] | 2 |
UK Singles (OCC)[9] | 4 |
US Billboard Hot 100[10] | 90 |
US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard)[11] | 49 |
References
- White, Timothy (October 22, 1992). "Inspired by Malcolm X". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved 1 January 2023.
- Williams, Stereo. "Arrested Development on "Revolution" at 30". Rock the Bells. Retrieved 1 January 2023.
- "Arrested Development – Mr. Wendal / Revolution". ARIA Top 50 Singles.
- "Arrested Development – Mr. Wendal / Revolution" (in French). Les classement single.
- "Arrested Development – Mr. Wendal / Revolution" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts. Retrieved 1 January 2023.
- "The Irish Charts – Search Results – Mr Wendal / Revolution". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved 1 January 2023.
- "Arrested Development – Mr. Wendal / Revolution" (in Dutch). Single Top 100.
- "Arrested Development – Mr. Wendal / Revolution". Top 40 Singles.
- "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 1 January 2023.
- "Arrested Development Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved 1 January 2023.
- "Arrested Development Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved 1 January 2023.