The Black Eyed Peas' fourth outing,
Monkey Business, picks up right where their platinum-selling breakout album,
Elephunk, left off, with the feel of a non-stop party run by an ultra-savvy DJ. "Pump It" opens the disc on a straight sample of
Dick Dale's surf classic "Misirlou," as the three MCs of
BEP float in and out with
Fergie stepping in on cue to alternately sing softly or with deep, soulful emotion.
The Peas' origins are tied to the DJ-driven world of breakdancing, and that flavor saturates
Monkey Business. As beats drop in and out, tracks blend into other tracks, and a lighthearted spirit of sophisticated ecstasy prevails. The group turned from underground favorites to hit-making performers on
Elephunk; this follow-up continues that progression. ~ Jason Thurston, Rovi