Customer Reviews

Bridging the Gap

5 star:		(22)
4 star:		(20)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Wow - this album rocks. I am not normally a hip hop fan, but purchased this CD after 'Weekends' made it to number 1 in the Australian charts. I absolutely love this album now - it remains one of my favourites 2+ years after it was released! I am now up to date with all of their new, and old stuff.

For new Black Eyed Peas fans, this album was recorded prior to the girl joining the group (I must admit, I was very diasppointed when I heard they sold out to sex appeal to increase their market, and added her to the group) - so most of the songs are just the original boys knocking it out. Their tunes are so mellow, smooth - and really cruisy. Easy listening that's for sure - but upbeat enough to get your body moving to the beats.

Bridging the Gap is less commercialised that their new stuff (Let's get retarded/started, Hey Mama etc..), however it was this album that first brought them international recognition - and started them on their ladder to success.

If you love the new Black Eyed Peas, buy this album and you won't be disappointed.

This LP overshadows their debut in my opinion. Not that their first album was wack, I just think they raised the bar a bit,nah mean. Of course, some heads complain about the simplicity of their rhymes, but yo, not everyone can be Pharoahe Monch,nah mean. The beats are still authentic. Although a few lean towards too poppy, you won't hear Timbaland speakin in the back ground(that's a plus!!!). All featured artists fit the same mold as the Black Eye Peas(Wyclef, Mos Def, De La, Charlie 2na of J-5), and also bring thier own creative juices to the table makin' it one of the better LP's of the year. I recommend this joint right here to any true HIP-HOP fan.

First let me say that I only gave this album 4 stars instead o 5 because I'm a hip hop snob. If it isn't very close to heaven then I won't be giving away 5 stars yet I was still close in this case. This album is one of a recent influx of hip hop albums that prove in the face of pop culture that the art of hip hop is not dead. However I warn you, do not watch MTV or BET hoping to see a Black Eyed Peas song... you won't find it and you'll once again revert into thinking that rap is dead. This CD is good... not a must have but definately a must listen. I had to have it and I like it's diversity. Features Wyclef (who is good on the album despite his recent abomination with THE ROCK), Macy Gray, Les Nubian & Mos Def, and De La Soul and others. Very few traks that aren't at least good and several that earn the rank of excellent (eg.- weekends; hot; gogo; rap song). If you like sounds like the roots, common, mos def, then just buy it. If you tend to like harder rap then give it a listen before you buy. All around, it's excellent rap/ hip hop.

After their somewhat underground debut “Behind the Front,” the Black Eyed Peas return for their sophomore set. Upon the first time listening to this album, I was completely shocked. Gone was the B-Boy, old-school sound and in was a newer, leaner, more modern soul sound. Have the Peas soled out after only one album? Not on your life! Although one might think so after the first two cuts the Primo produced BEP Empire, and Weekends, (which samples “Lookout Weekend” and “Family Affair”). But this is where their talent is most evident. While many rappers may just be happy to get a Primo track and a sample, the Peas use this opportunity to expand their palette. They actually steal the show from DJ Premier with their energetic and enthusiastic style. The next four song would are not only danceable, but will satisfy any true fans of the Peas. The production of Will.I.Am. is masterful, and unique, as he blends hip-hop, soul, jazz and old-school funk into an eclectic mix that will sooth the ears of even the most reluctant fans of rap. While they may not hook you in on first listen (except for Hot) They grow on you almost to the point of ridiculousness. Truly not your flavor of the month music. Other highlights include Release (perfect if your stressed), and Go-Go. But the defining track of the album and the group is On My Own. BEP takes a break from the fun to talk about hip-hop and life now can the Peas rap? No. Are their lyrics creative no? Not always. But u have to give them props because they instead of indulging in topics which have no relevance to most (murder, drugs, and guns) they address real-life problems: stress, being in the world, and having fun. And they do it without sounding preachy or self-righteous. Most rappers now won’t do that, as they choose to convince us how real their lifestyles are, even though they’re usually fake. I’m sorry to say as good as they are, I feel that BEP will probably only get their respect long after they retire. “Legends in hindsight” so to speak. With all the gloss in rap now, it’s easy to overlook them. But as long as BEP keeps making music like this, they will get a place next to the Roots, Tribe and Outkast as one of the great groups in Hip-Hop history.

Who said no real hip hop comes out of L.A.? These three cats truly represent the diversity of west coast hip hop. For the sake of these guys I wish they would have been marketed better. Their music is flawless, socially consciuos, and just all together tight! When I heard thier first record "Behind the Front" I was impressed and when I heard "Bridging the Gap" I was blown away. If your a fan of truly good music and lyrics with content you have to check these guys out.

If you like Jurasic 5 you'll love this cd. i think it's as good as rap gets. a nice sweet flow and a great beat in every song. one of my favorite cds.

Gotta highy endorse this one. This is one of those albums that will grow on you...all the songs have a different feel, and I can't think of a song on the album that I don't like.

So...short and sweet: If you like hip hop, or are open to different genres of music...give this album a look.

Before I bought this CD I've only known about Black Eyed Peas from one of their previous tracks "Joints and Jams" I believe it was called... and it was a rather fun and goofy video just like an A Tribe Called Quest / De La Soul style and I enjoyed the track... and the next time I've heard of BEP was "Request Line" w/ Macy Gray but the rhymes turned me on to that track not the marge simpson style singing from Macy, but Macy has originality and works with good artists so I respect her. I'm just poking fun at her...

Anyway, I enjoyed this CD from start to end... "BEP Empire" had a nice beat and good lyrics were ripped on the mic, "Weekends" was a nice fast jumpy fun track, "Hot" was well hot, "Bridgin The Gaps" a groovey laid back track, "Rap Song" was a good track about a comparison between a girl to how she's a rap song, "Request Line" is a fast paced song, and the bonus track "BEP Empire remix" was the absolute bomb without a doubt best track of the cd...

!Another thing I appreciated on this cd is that instead of having a bunch of songs slopped together on an album BEP decides to have little guitar skits between songs which helped everything blend together on this cd...

even though Black Eyed Peas are a good group that reps hiphop to the fullest there still were a couple tracks I wasn't crazy for: "Release" just didn't seem to mix that well with the rest of the cd, "Go Go" I hated the hook and it ruined the song, and "Tell Your Mama Come" i wasn't crazy for...

Overall this LP isn't absolutely essencial to have, but give BEP a listen... they're another voice in hiphop trying to save rap (along with De La Soul, Phife Dawg, Common, Talib and Mos Def, etc...)

I'm Out...Mind Power

With Bridging the Gap, the Black Eyed Peas have taken the instrumental beauty and lyrical genius that they introduced on Behind the Front, and raised the bar. Overlapping the genres of funk, soul, hip-hop, and more seems to come easy to the trio as they flow over the backbeats with what are instantly both words of wit and of wisdom. Having grown tired of listening to other emcees front disrespectfully about how they are pissed off, or how the money they supposedly earn makes everyones life better, I found the sophomore efforts of the Peas, with live instruments and cleverly crafted prose, refueling my waning interest in hip hop. Personally, I prefer BEPs approach to bettering themselves and, well, being more real, then the bling bling and simplified drum machine beats of the cookie cutter rap stars gracing current airwaves. If you want gunplay, gratuitious profanity, and ignorance... DMX has plenty of albums that may better suit your taste. However, if you want to get down with your bad self to lyrics and beats that really matter, I highly reccomend Bridging the Gap.

Black Eyed Peas did not disapoint with Bridging the Gaps. This is a great albun with compexities, which are subtle and easily missed. At first listen you may simply enjoy their energy and funk. But the Black Eyed Peas are much more. Their lyrics are about the soul and self understanding, not to mention growth and atonement. The BEP are simply themselves, they love gettin' down and they don't wish pain on anyone. They see past the all to easy condemnation of pop music. They do not mearly attack the mainstream for it's materialism and image obsessions. But they show anyone willing to listen, that there is a better way. That obsessing over the fleating and unreal is a waste. If you are looking for shameless self promotion and more of the same "bling-bling" don't buy this album. If you are looking for concious, interesting, honest, and poignant hip-hop from three guys that love what they do, get this CD.