Black Eyed Peas Album: “Bridging the Gap”

This LP overshadows their debut in my opinion. Not that their first album was wack, I just think they raised the bar a bit,nah mean. Of course, some heads complain about the simplicity of their rhymes, but yo, not everyone can be Pharoahe Monch,nah mean. The beats are still authentic. Although a few lean towards too poppy, you won't hear Timbaland speakin in the back ground(that's a plus!!!). All featured artists fit the same mold as the Black Eye Peas(Wyclef, Mos Def, De La, Charlie 2na of J-5), and also bring thier own creative juices to the table makin' it one of the better LP's of the year. I recommend this joint right here to any true HIP-HOP fan.

After their somewhat underground debut “Behind the Front,” the Black Eyed Peas return for their sophomore set. Upon the first time listening to this album, I was completely shocked. Gone was the B-Boy, old-school sound and in was a newer, leaner, more modern soul sound. Have the Peas soled out after only one album? Not on your life! Although one might think so after the first two cuts the Primo produced BEP Empire, and Weekends, (which samples “Lookout Weekend” and “Family Affair”). But this is where their talent is most evident. While many rappers may just be happy to get a Primo track and a sample, the Peas use this opportunity to expand their palette. They actually steal the show from DJ Premier with their energetic and enthusiastic style. The next four song would are not only danceable, but will satisfy any true fans of the Peas. The production of Will.I.Am. is masterful, and unique, as he blends hip-hop, soul, jazz and old-school funk into an eclectic mix that will sooth the ears of even the most reluctant fans of rap. While they may not hook you in on first listen (except for Hot) They grow on you almost to the point of ridiculousness. Truly not your flavor of the month music. Other highlights include Release (perfect if your stressed), and Go-Go. But the defining track of the album and the group is On My Own. BEP takes a break from the fun to talk about hip-hop and life now can the Peas rap? No. Are their lyrics creative no? Not always. But u have to give them props because they instead of indulging in topics which have no relevance to most (murder, drugs, and guns) they address real-life problems: stress, being in the world, and having fun. And they do it without sounding preachy or self-righteous. Most rappers now won’t do that, as they choose to convince us how real their lifestyles are, even though they’re usually fake. I’m sorry to say as good as they are, I feel that BEP will probably only get their respect long after they retire. “Legends in hindsight” so to speak. With all the gloss in rap now, it’s easy to overlook them. But as long as BEP keeps making music like this, they will get a place next to the Roots, Tribe and Outkast as one of the great groups in Hip-Hop history.

Gotta highy endorse this one. This is one of those albums that will grow on you...all the songs have a different feel, and I can't think of a song on the album that I don't like.

So...short and sweet: If you like hip hop, or are open to different genres of music...give this album a look.

Before I bought this CD I've only known about Black Eyed Peas from one of their previous tracks "Joints and Jams" I believe it was called... and it was a rather fun and goofy video just like an A Tribe Called Quest / De La Soul style and I enjoyed the track... and the next time I've heard of BEP was "Request Line" w/ Macy Gray but the rhymes turned me on to that track not the marge simpson style singing from Macy, but Macy has originality and works with good artists so I respect her. I'm just poking fun at her...

Anyway, I enjoyed this CD from start to end... "BEP Empire" had a nice beat and good lyrics were ripped on the mic, "Weekends" was a nice fast jumpy fun track, "Hot" was well hot, "Bridgin The Gaps" a groovey laid back track, "Rap Song" was a good track about a comparison between a girl to how she's a rap song, "Request Line" is a fast paced song, and the bonus track "BEP Empire remix" was the absolute bomb without a doubt best track of the cd...

!Another thing I appreciated on this cd is that instead of having a bunch of songs slopped together on an album BEP decides to have little guitar skits between songs which helped everything blend together on this cd...

even though Black Eyed Peas are a good group that reps hiphop to the fullest there still were a couple tracks I wasn't crazy for: "Release" just didn't seem to mix that well with the rest of the cd, "Go Go" I hated the hook and it ruined the song, and "Tell Your Mama Come" i wasn't crazy for...

Overall this LP isn't absolutely essencial to have, but give BEP a listen... they're another voice in hiphop trying to save rap (along with De La Soul, Phife Dawg, Common, Talib and Mos Def, etc...)

I'm Out...Mind Power

Black Eyed Peas did not disapoint with Bridging the Gaps. This is a great albun with compexities, which are subtle and easily missed. At first listen you may simply enjoy their energy and funk. But the Black Eyed Peas are much more. Their lyrics are about the soul and self understanding, not to mention growth and atonement. The BEP are simply themselves, they love gettin' down and they don't wish pain on anyone. They see past the all to easy condemnation of pop music. They do not mearly attack the mainstream for it's materialism and image obsessions. But they show anyone willing to listen, that there is a better way. That obsessing over the fleating and unreal is a waste. If you are looking for shameless self promotion and more of the same "bling-bling" don't buy this album. If you are looking for concious, interesting, honest, and poignant hip-hop from three guys that love what they do, get this CD.