The Black Eyed Peas
Album: Behind the Front
Release Date: June 30, 1998
Label: Interscope Records

Review:
The Black Eyed Peas’ debut, Behind the Front, may sound thoroughly familiar: like A Tribe Called Quest, they sprout positive, deftly delivered lyrics out of their light jazz, R&B, and funk tracks; like the Roots, this multi-ethnic outfit’s three MCs drop science in front of a live band that builds its grooves organically; and at their best, such as on the pop and reggae-flavored "Karma," the group can out-Fugee the Fugees. For some reason, though, the mostly mild, largely scratchless and sample-free record can—at times—be downright tepid. But for the most part, it works—sometimes brilliantly—and as a break from the mostly belligerent voices in hip-hop’s mainstream, we can definitely use more of what the Peas have to offer. —Roni Sarig

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