Bridging The Gap

Performer: Black Eyed Peas
Artist: Macy Gray; Les Nubians; Mos Def; Esthero; De La Soul; Wyclef Jean; Chali 2NA
Distributor: Universal Distribution

Notes: Black Eyed Peas: Will.i.am (vocals, Fender Rhodes piano, Clavinet, Hammond B-3 organ, Moog synthezizer, programming); Apl.de.ap (programming); Taboo. Additional personnel includes: Wyclef Jean (vocals, guitar); De La Soul, Mos Def, Macy Gray, Les Nubians, Chali 2Na, Esthero, Kim Hill (vocals); Michaelangelo Fratantuno (guitar); Kevin Torfeh, Susanna Giordano, Roberto Cani, Susan Chatman (strings); Pritz Board (trumpet, Hammond B-3 organ, Moog synthesizer); Jose Espinoza, Eulises Bella, Asoru Sierra (horns); Jerry Duplessis, Miles Taket (bass); DJ Motive (cuts). Producers includes: Will Adams, DJ Premier, Wyclef Jean, Rhett Lawrence, Apl.de.ap. Engineers include: Eddie Sancho, Dexter Thibeau, Dejuana Richardson. Black Eyed Peas represent the kind of progressive hip-hop approach associated with bands such as A Tribe Called Quest or the Roots. While their straight-up rapping skills are indisputable, it's the group's quirky arrangements, production style, and preference for live tracks instead of pre-programmed ones that sets them apart from the pack. Throughout BRIDGING THE GAP, the trio makes it clear that they're on a mission to take hip-hop to a smarter, more sophisticated place. This is accomplished almost as much by what they don't do as by what they do. They spend a lot of time talking about unification and other high-minded ideals, and distancing themselves from any notions of violence. They also take care to collaborate with artists they consider like-minded, including De La Soul, Wyclef, and Macy Gray. BRIDGING THE GAP's mix of funk, rap, pop, and soul is a strong brew when combined with the Black Eyed Peas' often-heady lyrical sentiments.

Rolling Stone (10/12/00, p.90) - 3 stars out of 5 - "...A more organic-feeling representation of their considerable skills and vision. Uncluttered but muscular production, deft samples and smart rhymes ensure repeated listenings..." Q (11/00, p.101) - 3 stars out of 5 - "...Right-on rapping....their Hispanic-flavored style constantly edges between sounding cool and simply withdrawn..." Mixmag (9/00, p.169) - 3 out of 5 - "...Original, funked-up music....BRIDGING THE GAPS is another little gem..." The Source (12/00, pp.240-2) - 3 stars out of 5 - "...BEP fine-tune their aesthetic. They integrate coffee-shop soul with disco-ball grooves, using spacey electronics and soft analog samples to interlace their aural space. the sound is familair and still refreshingly original..."

The Los Angeles-based hip-hop group Black Eyed Peas has made a name for itself by taking an eclectic and organic approach to rap, R&B, and funk. Led by vocalist/multi-instrumentalist Will.I.Am., the band also includes two other MCs, Apl.de.Ap. and Taboo, along with vocalist Fergie, and a live backing band. Building a steady buzz with its first two releases, Black Eyed Peas garnered mainstream attention with the 2003 album, ELEPHUNK, which launched Fergie's solo career and helped make Will.I.Am one of the most in-demand producers in hip-hop, pop, and R&B for several years to come.

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