Behind The Front (Explicit)

This clever crew of MCs--main mic man Will.I.Am, acrobatic Apl.de.AP and the hypnotising Taboo--brings different cultural backgrounds and styles into a mix of hip-hop, soul, and funk. With Native American, African-American, Mexican and Filipino influences, it's no wonder their album is filled with 16 songs that are all widely varied in style. "Joints and Jams" has funky jeep-thumping beats that move at a commercial radio pace. It is also featured on the BULWORTH soundtrack. more...

The diversity of Black Eyed Peas' songs, from the melodic soul sound of "The Way You Make Me Feel" to the Latin Soul vibes of "Karma", bring a fresh sound to the sometimes monotonous world of Hip- Hop. Along the lines of De La Soul, A Tribe Called Quest and the Roots, BEP show a unique vision, sound and artistry on BEHIND THE FRONT. Other notables are the opening cut, "Fallin' Up", which has a hip-hop steady, head-nodding drum track, the smooth R&B-flavoured "Duet" and the Spanish/urban/reggae amalgam "Que Dices?".

The Source (8/98, p.172)
- 3 Mics (out of 5)
- "...Having adopted a musical aesthetic that will undoubtedly draw comparisons to the mostly sample-free sound of the roots and the viby mellow bounce of Tribe..."

Rolling Stone (8/20/98, p.108)
- 3 Stars (out of 5)
- "...an organic mixture of sampled melodies and live instruments....FRONT really takes off when the Peas challenge the status quo or indulge their braggadocious taste buds..."