GOOD VIBES: Alternative hip-hop band Arrested Development comprises (clockwise, from bottom left): Baba Oje, JJ Boogie, Montsho Eshe, Omar Speech, Za, Nicha and One Love. -- PHOTO: UPSTREAM ASIA

Nicha Thompson-Hilliard, 35, the female vocalist of the American hip-hop group, says that while she respects the artistry of today's big names in rap and hip-hop, she cannot identify with their lyrics.

Referring to Eminem's infamously misogynistic lyrics, she says over the phone from Los Angeles: 'He is a good lyricist but it just doesn't do anything for me because, to me, they don't have any depth.'

She quickly adds: 'But for the incredible way he rhymes, I've got to give him props on that.'

Her boyfriend, guitarist J.J. Boogie, 34, who was also present at the interview, agrees.

'The state of hip-hop right now is just gangsta. A lot of people don't hear positive hip-hop any more,' he says.

The eight-member band will be in town on Saturday to perform at Traffic Jam, a street party organised by Sony Ericsson and SingTel, in Connaught Drive.

The other members are founder and lyricist Speech, 39, choreographer Montsho Eshe, 33, vocalist Baba Oje, 74, drummer Omar, 38, bassist Za, 52, and One Love.

Formed in 1992, they soon became famous for their song Tennessee, which won them the Best Rap Single award from MTV in 1992. The band went into hiatus in 1996, citing 'creative differences', but got back together in 2000.

Nicha says the members have since put aside their differences and are now like family. 'We just crack jokes and have a good time,' she declares.

The band pride themselves on fusing their African roots with their music. Their lyrics, J.J. Boogie says, speak about everyday life and the economic, spiritual and racial struggles that people go through.

And the band walk the talk as well.

Arrested Development members were the first African-American artistes to donate to Nelson Mandela and the African National Congress (ANC) in the early 1990s.

Half the royalties from their hit single Mr Wendal also went to The National Coalition For the Homeless.

Mr Wendal is found on the band's 1992 debut album 3 Years, 5 Months & 2 Days In The Life Of... which clinched two Grammys for Best Rap Album and Best New Artist.

As to why they are involved in such causes, Nicha says: 'I believe as artistes, we do have an obligation. It's more than just putting out music. We try to use our influence to create a better space for others.'