2016 reissue - Behind The Front is the debut studio album from the Black Eyed Peas, originally released in 1998 & featuring the lineup of Will.i.Am, Taboo and A8. It includes official singles, "Joints & Jam" and "Karma", & brings an alternative rap sound infused with old-school influences to listeners.<br/><br/>Black Eyed Peas bring some positivity and fun back into hip-hop. Musically there is almost no realm this group does not touch -- right from the jump, the stylistic innocence of "Fallen Up," complete with striking guitar licks, sums up what BEP is all about. They attack the so-called hardcore MCs playing the role of dress-up: "I see you try to dis our function by stating that we can't rap/Is it cuz we don't wear Tommy Hilfiger or baseball caps?/We don't use dollars to represent/We just use our innocence and talent." The wonderfully crafted, old-school-influenced first single, "Joints and Jam," is perfect for the summertime frame of mind. With "Karma" they explore the notion of reaping what you sow. "Love Won't Wait" is a simultaneous infusion of R&B and hip-hop, as the group deals with a deteriorating romance. But the undisputed champ of this recording is "Positivity" -- you can't help but reminisce about yesteryear's MCs kicking conscious lyrics to educate the hip-hop masses. "Nowadays it's hard to make a living/But easy to make a killing/Cuz people walk around with just one inch of feeling/I feeling nauseated from your evil drug dealing/Blood spilling, the definition of top billing."
| A1 | Fallin' Up |
| A2 | Clap Your Hands |
| A3 | Joints & Jam |
| A4 | The Way U Make Me Feel |
| B1 | Movement |
| B2 | Karma |
| B3 | Be Free |
| B4 | Say Goodbye |
| C1 | Duet |
| C2 | Communication |
| C3 | What It Is |
| C4 | ¿Que Dices? |
| D1 | A8 |
| D2 | Love Won't Wait |
| D3 | Head Bobs |
| D4 | Positivity |
