The Black Eyed Peas
The E.N.D (Geffen)
For years The Black Eyed Peas was not the group hip hop wanted to hug. Sure, Fergie’s infectious spunk garnered will.i.am, apl.de.ap, and Taboo commercial zing (as well as three Grammy Awards), but despite how bright their quirky brand of glossy pop shined, it faded in the genre they claimed. However, the intergalactic punch of “Boom Boom Pow”–BEP’s first ever Billboard chart-topper–has stimulated a slew of cosigns from the likes of 50 Cent, Gucci Mane, and Kid Cudi. Ironic timing for the quartet whose fifth album, The E.N.D (an acronym for The Energy Never Dies), is far from a rap-centric project—it’s mostly a ménage of soulful electro-funk and addictive rave-ready anthems. Still, in these commercially dormant times, it’d be hard to deny the foursome a dap or two.
Throughout The E.N.D, BEP play the role of skilled matchmakers, pitting manic techno against a variety of obvious melodies. Whether sounding like reggae robots gone wild (“Ring-A-Ling”) or a Basement Jaxx and Rob Base lovechild (“Rock My Body”), BEP manages to create rhyme-friendly electronica that’s more vibrant than a Lisa Frank sticker. The majority of lyrics are drunk with enthusiasm, silly and straight-forward. Though will.i.am’s attempt at global-conscious quipping on “One Tribe” (“Connected like the Internet / United that’s how we do”) aren’t as thoughtful as he hopes. But with any misstep Will and the boys make, Fergie is never far behind with a saucy melody to conceal the blemish. And when their cohesion’s not in question, the group delivers electro-euphoria. “Imma Be” serve is the 3008 version of “My Humps” and “I Gotta Feeling” could make a glum layoff feel like a promotion. While The E.N.D may be the farthest The Black Eyed Peas have ventured outside traditional hip hop, the final product proves the group is best at creating their own conventions.
The Black Eyed Peas' "The E.N.D." is in stores 06/09/09
The E.N.D’s Track listing1. “Boom Boom Pow”
2. “Rock That Body”
3. “Meet Me Halfway”
4. “Imma Be”
5. “I Gotta Feeling”
6. “Alive”
7. “Missing You”
8. “Ring-A-Ling”
9. “Party All The Time”
10. “Out Of My Head”
11. “Electric City”
12. “Showdown”
13. “Now Generation”
14. “One Tribe”
15. “Rockin' To The Beat”
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