They’ve transcended their vigilant hip-hop roots and have become a global phenomenon, the likes of which the music world has rarely seen. Ever-curious and ever-confident, that group is The Black Eyed Peas, and after energizing crowds ’round the globe with the monster-stomp of Elephunk, it’s time for the quartet – William, Fergie, apl.de.ap and Taboo to get down to business – Monkey Business, that is.
Their fourth album, Monkey Business, was literally produced and recorded during The Black Eyed Peas everlasting road trip. “I was in Brazil doing some CD shopping,” will.i.am recalls. “I came across this compilation and I thought it was one thing but it turned out to be something else. The Dick Dale song ‘Miserlou,’ was on it. At first I was angry – this isn’t what I wanted to buy,” he laughs. “But then, really, that song is hot. I said, ‘we should do a song like this.’ I jump-started the computer and made some beats on the train. Then we had to fly to Tokyo and I tightened up the beat on the plane. Then I recorded vocals in this park in Tokyo. And that’s how we recorded the song, ‘Pump It.’”
Making Monkey Business became an effort put forth by all the members of the group – the first the foursome co-wrote together – and the more sophisticated songwriting; the layered grooves of the record and its fulfilled spirit reflect that. “This was really about all of us building a house together,” says will.i.am.
“Don’t Phunk With My Heart” is a gripping soulful serenade that will.i.am describes as a sequel to The Black Eyed Peas song, “Shut Up.” “Not sonically but in subject matter,” he clarifies. “When you’re on bad terms with a significant other, you don’t want to break up. You tell her things and at the time you really mean them. But she’s saying, stop f****ing with me.”
Singer Justin Timberlake joins the group again for the song, “My Style.” He first sang on the song, “Where Is The Love?,” the breakout single from Elephunk. “We get along real well,” says will.i.am, “and he sees music in a very similar way. Plus, he’s just a good dude.” The song was produced by famed beat-maker Timbaland. “I like experiencing things I’ve never experienced before,” will.i.am says. “It brings you out of your comfort zone and that can be creatively inspiring. And Timbaland is an incredible talent.”
Other collaborators join The Black Eyed Peas on this album, too, like Sting on “Union.” Neo-folk singer, Jack Johnson is sampled on the song, “Gone Going.” The Peas also got to live something of a dream when they hooked up with the Godfather of Soul, James Brown, for the song, “They Don’t Want Music.” “That was just stupid, man,” will.i.am says. “Being a fan of hip-hop and knowing that the music’s backbone is based entirely on James Brown – the concept of hitting the beat on the “one,” it’s an otherworldly experience.” The Black Eyed Peas remain one of only a handful of select groups that have been able to collaborate with Funk’s inventor. “We met in the UK, at the Mojo Awards, and we talked about working together. I remember when we recorded; I played him the beat all nervous and everything. We all sat in the room and he nodded his head and grunted in approval.”
That song is reflective of the Peas’ fluid funk that can run from generation to generation – and is one of the reasons why the group is beloved and respected worldwide. “I think the fact that we just have fun with music is the reason why it works for us,” says will.i.am. “We love music and melodies and don’t try to distinguish ourselves from regular music fans. It’s really that simple.”
Catch BEP on MYX!
