| Monkey Business A&M Music •••• Sound ••••½ |
The purists who once adored them might dis them now, but the Black Eyed Peas dish out happy hip-hop that's nothing to snicker at. In fact, Monkey Business shines even brighter than 2003's Elephunk. The fluid, buoyant "Pump It" rides the surf of Dick Dale's "Misirlou." Meanwhile, "They Don't Want Music" is a trumpet- and sax-tootin' soul banger. Like its predecessor, this album features several guests - from Justin Timberlake to James Brown. But the Peas are clearly in charge: will.i.am croons poignantly on "Gone Going," and Fergie toys with her male cohorts as she drops sexy vocals on "My Humps." Business is flourishing.
