Black Eyed Peas
Behind the Front (1998)
With their first studio release, the California trio blasted onto the scene with strong hip-hop rhythms backed by funky drumbeats borrowed from acid-jazz and underground sounds. In the midst of the seemingly unlimited success of hip-hop’s hard-hitting gansta rap, Black Eyed Peas broke out of the stereotypical West Coast rap style to bring back acoustic instruments, smooth vibes, and contemplative lyrics not seen since De La Soul or Digable Planets. Behind the Front incorporates acoustic jam sessions with hard-hitting drumbeats and smart lyrics, and on the strength of hits like “Falling Up” and “Joints and Jams,” was the album that first brought BEP to prominence.
Black Eyed Peas
Bridging the Gap (2000)
Returning to the hip-hop scene as seasoned veterans rather than cocky freshman, BEP more than lived up to the hype with their second album. Expanding their use of instrumental jam session, new acoustic sounds, funk grooves and jazz rips with hard rap beats and expert spinning, the Cali trio refined their sophisticated underground sound. Now as major stars in the hip-hop community, and assisted by the pull from their backer, Wyclef Jean, BEP was joined by a stellar line-up of artists. Macy Gray, De La Soul, Les Nubian, Mos Def, and Esthero combine on several tracks to take the already amazing rhymes to a whole new level. Wyclef even puts in his two cents, strumming acoustically on “Rap Song”. With Bridging the Gap, BEP proved that they are will continue to be one of the pillars of true hip-hop in the 21st century.
Jurassic 5
Jurassic 5 EP (1997, 1999)
Jurassic 5 EP’s double release, first independently in 1997 and then under Interscope Records in 1999, shows the dual modes of Jurassic 5. Originally underground hip-hop artists, J5 is heavy in turntable work and funky grooves that are reminiscent of old-school East Coast hip-hop, and yet their strong lyrics and heavy beats prove that they are one of the premier groups in the West Coast scene. Rooted in the underground, EP brings the slow, methodic spinning of early 90’s urban beats while still ensuring J5 as one of the up-and-coming groups of the late 90’s.
Jurassic 5
Quality Control (2000)
Only months after the studio re-release of EP, drooling J5 fans were licking their lips at the release of J5’s second album, Quality Control. Almost twice as long as the eight-tracked EP, Quality Control took the hard beats and underground sounds that J5 was famous for and only improved upon them. With lengthier and meatier tracks, such as How We Get Along and World of Entertainment, all five members jam in a battle of lyric prowess which leave the listener’s head spinning as quickly as the turntable. Quality Control solidified J5’s hold as the underground kings who made it above.