Written By Kaia Karamoko
The people are talking: “They’ve sold out.” “Where did Fergie come from?” “Here comes another white chick pimping black culture.” “What happen to my “Joint & Jams”?” “This [expletive] ain’t Hip Hop.”
“Ironically, it’s that less inspired material that may finally earn the group its breakthrough hit,” wrote Earnest Hardy on June 18, 2003 in the Rolling Stone’s review of Elephunk.
Sadly, Hardy has foresight. The incense is no longer burner. Kim Hill has left the building. Alterna-rap has gone bonkers for dexterity and wealthy revelations. Considering, Bridging the Gap sold 1.2 million records worldwide many are confused about the 360° conversion. It is clear that “technicalities [do] die hard like batteries,” accurately versed on “Be Free,” track 7 on Behind the Front.
The Black Eyed Peas are now lima beans mixed with navy beans and a splash of red beans, yet strangely they still come across as black eyed peas. Sounds like a good soup, doesn’t?
Will.i.am has this invisible cord connected to our hips that has a magical way of creeping, pumping boogie juice to our hearts. Distinguished production is construction that the brain can not compute. “Boom Boom Pow” is why energy never dies. Whatever picture will.i.am sees mentally as he’s constructing these unacquainted with bones beats has to be crazier than any known frequencies.
“It’s a diary … of music that at any given time, depending on the inspiration, you can add to it,” will.i.am elucidated to Billboard when discussing the acronym E.N.D.
“I’m trying to break away from the concept of an album. What is an album when you put 12 songs on iTunes and people can pick at it like scabs? That’s not an album. There is no album anymore,” will.i.am articulates.
He says call it ELECTRIC STATIC FUNK.
“I Gotta Feeling,” was featured in the 2009 NBA Playoffs. “Alive” which is notable, reminds me of Journey’s “Open Arms.” Also, take a listen to “Meet Me Halfway.”
Will.i.am production is the canvas, the entire crew of B.E.P. provide the color to a vibrant masterpiece. Fergie without a doubt has a gifted pair of pipes. apl.de.ap has everyone thinking that their a beast. Taboo got everybody rushing to advance to the spaceship level and yes all the ladies go ape crazy in his presence.
Resistance is futile.
