Review
The Black Eyed Peas' 2005 album 'Monkey Business' stands as a cultural landmark of the mid-2000s, blending hip-hop foundations with pop, funk, reggae, and rock elements. This genre-bending approach is evident in infectious party anthems like 'Don't Phunk with My Heart,' 'Don't Lie,' 'My Humps,' and 'Pump It' – tracks that dominated radio waves and dance floors alike. The album's global influence shines through in tracks like 'Bebot,' which incorporates Filipino rap, showcasing the group's commitment to bringing diverse cultural elements into mainstream music.
'Monkey Business' thrives on its collaborative energy, featuring an impressive roster of guest artists that elevates the album's versatility. Justin Timberlake lends his smooth vocals to 'My Style,' while 'Like That' brings together hip-hop heavyweights Q-Tip, Talib Kweli, Cee Lo Green, and John Legend for an unforgettable posse cut. The unexpected collaboration with Jack Johnson on 'Gone Going' demonstrates the Peas' willingness to cross traditional genre boundaries. Fergie's contributions throughout the album, particularly on 'My Humps,' marked her emergence as a standout performer within the group.
The album represents a pivotal moment in the Black Eyed Peas' artistic journey, cementing their transition from underground hip-hop favorites to global pop phenomena. Their energetic performances and production style created a distinctive sound that defined an era in pop music. 'Monkey Business' captures the group at their most creatively ambitious, balancing commercial appeal with artistic innovation. Through this work, will.i.am, Fergie, apl.de.ap, and Taboo established themselves as forward-thinking artists who could successfully bring hip-hop sensibilities to mainstream audiences while maintaining their unique creative vision. - Monique
