People Everyday


"People Everyday" is a song by American rap/hip hop group Arrested Development. It was released in May 1992 as the second single from their debut album 3 Years, 5 Months & 2 Days in the Life Of....
"People Everyday" rose to number eight on the US Billboard Hot 100. It became their biggest hit in the United Kingdom, where it peaked at number two on the UK Singles Chart in November 1992. The song also reached the top ten on the charts of Australia, France and New Zealand, peaking at number six in all three countries.

Content

It uses the chorus and basic structure of Sly & the Family Stone's 1969 hit "Everyday People," with new verses written by lead singer Speech. He also sings the lead, with additional lyrics sung by Dionne Farris, who is not an official member of the group. It also uses a sample from "Tappan Zee" by Bob James.

Critical reception

Daryl Easlea of BBC noted that the song, "which updated Sly and The Family Stone's Everyday People, showed how they could embrace the past while modernising the message." Larry Flick from Billboard wrote that it is a "languid, dancehall-spiced hip-hopper". He added that "uplifting, unity driven rhymes are delivered with laidback finesse. Tradeoff of rapping and singing works extremely well. Destined for hefty success." Justin Wilson from The Cavalier Daily remarked that "the group's message of harmony and brotherhood also resonated on songs like "People Everyday"". Adam Higginbotham from Select said that the song "scrambles Sly Stone's anthem into reggae format." Another editor, Rupert Howe commented that "a track like 'People Everyday' contrasts the AD pro-African stance with that of a drug- and violence-addicted 'nigga'. "An African is proud of their culture and lives that pride out," Speech says. "While a nigga is just a social product, and that's nothing to be proud of." Matthew Sag from Woroni stated that the song covered the issue "Street gangs".

Track listings

CD maxi single
  1. "People Everyday" — 4:09
  2. "People Everyday" — 4:05
  3. "People Everyday" — 4:56
  4. "People Everyday" — 3:28
7" single
  1. "People Everyday" — 4:09
  2. "People Everyday" — 4:05
12" maxi single
  1. "People Everyday" — 4:52
  2. "People Everyday" — 3:26
  3. "People Everyday" — 3:39
  4. "People Everyday" — 3:52
  5. "Children Play with Earth" — 2:38
Cassette single
  1. "People Everyday" — 3:26
  2. "People Everyday" — 4:52
  3. "Children Play with Earth" — 2:38

    Charts and certifications

Weekly charts

Year-end charts

Chart Position
Australia 48
Netherlands 215
New Zealand 30

Certifications