Way Back: Behind The Front (1998)
Twenty years ago, the Black Eyed Peas released their debut album, Behind The Front.
Will.i.am and apl.de.ap met in 1988 as eighth graders and began performing around LA. They caught the attention of Eazy-E who signed them to his label in 1992, but his untimely death in 1995 prevented their music from ever being released. The group reformed, adding Taboo to rap and Kim Hill as a backup vocalist to finally become the Black Eyed Peas.
Long before “Boom Boom Pow” and “My Humps”, the Black Eyed Peas actually had the sound of an underground rap group. They mixed keen instrumentation with a hint of boom bap to make some solid music in the late 90’s. To combat the “gangster” sound coming from most other prominent LA acts, BEP performed with a live band prioritizing conscious lyrics and looks. This feel was accentuated by the influence of their own Ms. Hill.
Kim Hill, a frequent contributor, gave BEP a soulful touch in her three appearances. She preceded Fergie as the group’s female touch, and her absence in subsequent projects marked the group’s transition to a more radio-friendly sound.
Will.i.am got a chance to display all his musical talent. He provided vocals on every track while playing instruments on all but three of the 16 tracks. On their debut single, “Fallin’ Up”, the Peas tell us what they’re about. They knew that gangster wasn’t their lane and they expressed it openly.
“we don’t use dollars to represent, we just use our inner sense and talent” – Will.i.am
While “Joints and Jam” didn’t chart in America, it was included in the political comedy, Bulworth’s soundtrack. Here, we get the groups mission statement in each of the three verses
“We about mass appeal, no segregation
Got Black to Asian and Caucasian sayin'... (chorus)” – Will.i.am
“Let your body collide to the rhythm provided
By the mind state affairs classified and make your
Heat up and flare I swear” - Taboo
“Got the state's appeal with the joint's that real
I don't need no steel to make my point” – apl.de.ap
Karma is one of the standout tracks on the project. Each member uses their verse to personify the ancient buddhist principle. Will shines here as he spits a smooth mix of metaphors and similes:
“I'm the caboose of the wrong doings you produce
The wild tail of the tornado running loose”
“I’m comin’ after you, like v-w-x-y-z”
He also ends the tracks with a mean guitar solo that’s seldom heard in rap songs.
“Duet” features a solid guest verse from Redfoo long before he formed the EDM group, LMFAO. “Love Won’t Wait” gave many listeners their first listen to Macy Gray just as she was about to hit it big with her smash single, “I Try”.
Behind The Front is a truly underrated album, and stands as a stark reminder that both the lyrical and sonic standards for commercial rap began to shift in this era. A relatively unknown group that failed to chart had to simplify their sound to become the global act they’re currently known as. At the least, we will always have their debut album and it’s follow-up (Bridging The Gap) as a testament to their true talent.
