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Behind the Front
Behind the Front
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Behind the Front
Studio album by
ReleasedJune 30, 1998
Recorded1997–1998
GenreAlternative hip-hop[1]
Length73:53
Label
Producer
Black Eyed Peas chronology
Behind the Front
(1998)
Bridging the Gap
(2000)
Singles from Behind the Front
  1. "Fallin' Up"
    Released: December 3, 1997
  2. "Joints & Jam"
    Released: November 9, 1998
  3. "Karma"
    Released: April 6, 1999

Behind the Front is the debut studio album by American hip hop group Black Eyed Peas released on June 30, 1998, through Interscope Records and will.i.am Music Group.[2]

Background

[edit]

Most of the tracks were demos for the Grass Roots album, with added verses by new member Taboo. The song "Joints & Jam" appeared on the soundtrack of the movie Bulworth, where it was billed as "Joints & Jams". "Be Free" was featured in the film She's All That. On the back cover, "Skit 3" is listed after "Duet", when it actually appears after "Communication". This was their only studio album to be released in a Parental Advisory version and an edited version until the release of Masters Of The Sun Vol. 1. On the edited version's back cover, "Skit 3" is properly listed after "Communication".

Release and promotion

[edit]

Behind the Front was released for vinyl on June 30, 1998, through Interscope Records, will.i.am's imprint will.i.am Music Group and Universal Music Group.

Three singles from the album were released–double single "Fallin' Up/¿Que Dices?" in December 1997, "Joints & Jam" in November 1998 and the final single "Karma" in April 1999.

In 1997, a music video for the song "Head Bobs" was filmed and finished, however, the band decided to not release the song as a single. Around the same time a music video for the song "Fallin' Up" was also created, however, was decided that the album's first official single would be "Joints & Jam", with its respective music video released. A similar video to "Joints & Jam" was filmed for the song "What It Is", but like "Head Bobs" and "Fallin Up", the song wasn't an official single. The last music video to be released from the album was "Karma", the album's second and final official single. All five music videos were included on the DVD Behind the Bridge to Elephunk (2004).

Critical reception

[edit]
Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusicStarStarStarHalf star[3]
Christgau's Consumer Guide(neither)[4]
Melody MakerStarStarStarStar[5]
RapReviews8.5/10[6]
Rolling StoneStarStarStar[7]
The Rolling Stone Album GuideStarStarStar[8]
The SourceStarStarStar[9]

Behind the Front received generally favorable reviews from music critics. Matt Conaway of AllMusic stated: "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 "Fallin Up," complete with striking guitar licks, sums up what BEP is all about."[3] Marcus Reeves of Rolling Stone gave the album three out of five stars, stating: "Behind the Front, offers an organic mixture of sampled melodies and live instruments aimed at those of us seeking a little enlightenment with our well-oiled boogie."[7] Tony Green of JazzTimes also proclaimed that the Black Eyed Peas "provide a musical hip-hop shot that rises beyond mere discussions of consciousness" which "sounds, well dope, with a live band accentuated by clever samples."[10]

Track listing

[edit]
  • All songs produced by will.i.am, except where noted.
No.TitleWriter(s)ProducersLength
1."Fallin' Up" (contains "Skit 1"; featuring Sierra Swan & Planet Swan) 5:09
2."Clap Your Hands" (featuring Dawn Beckman)
  • Adams
  • Pineda
  • Gomez
  • Joseph "Zigaboo" Modeliste
  • Arthur Neville
  • Leo Nocentelli
  • George Porter, Jr.
 4:57
3."Joints & Jam" (featuring Ingrid Dupree)
  • Adams
  • Pineda
  • Gomez
  • Paul Poli
  • Gregory Phillinganes
  • Bary Gibb
  • Trevor Smith
  • Paul Poli
  • will.i.am[a]
3:35
4."The Way U Make Me Feel" (featuring Kim Hill)
  • Adams
  • Hill
  • Carlos Guaico
  • C-Los
  • will.i.am[a]
4:19
5."Movement" (contains "Skit 2")
 4:42
6."Karma" (featuring Einstein Brown)
 4:28
7."Be Free" (featuring Kim Hill)
  • Adams
  • Pineda
  • Tim Peter Stahl
  • John Goldberg
 4:06
8."Say Goodbye" (featuring Dawn Beckman)
  • Adams
  • Pineda
  • Gomez
  • Feyen
  • Lapin
  • Michael Oliver
 4:01
9."Duet" (featuring Redfoo)
  • will.i.am
  • Lapin[a]
4:21
10."Communication" (contains "Skit 3")
  • Adams
  • Pineda
  • Feyen
  • Fratantuno
  • Yoshiaka
 5:41
11."What It Is" (featuring Kim Hill)
  • Adams
  • Pineda
  • Fratantuno
  • Tom Browne
  • Trevor Smith
 4:45
12."¿Que Dices?"
  • Adams
  • Pineda
  • Gomez
  • Feyen
  • Lapin
 4:01
13."A8"
  • Adams
  • Pineda
  • Gomez
  • Feyen
  • Fratantuno
 3:52
14."Love Won't Wait" (featuring Macy Gray)
  • Adams
  • Pineda
  • Gray
  • Feyen
  • Lapin
 3:35
15."Head Bobs"
  • Adams
  • Pineda
  • Feyen
  • Lapin
  • Lapin
  • will.i.am[a]
4:14
16."Positivity" (includes hidden outro)
  • Adams
  • Pineda
  • Gomez
  • Feyen
  • Lapin
  • Fratantuno
 8:07
Notes

Personnel

[edit]
Musicians
  • Kevin Feyen – guitar on tracks 1, 5, 6, and 8–16
  • Mike Fratantuno – bass on tracks 1–3, 5, 8, 10, 11, 13 and 16
  • Terrence Yoshiaka – drums on track 5; percussion on tracks 1 and 6
  • Brian Lapin – Rhodes on tracks 1, 5, 9, 11, 12 and 15; Hammond b3 organ on track 11; bass on track 9; Moog on tracks 9, 11 and 16
  • Ramy Antoun – congas on track 6
  • Darell Cross – drums on track 15
  • J. Curtis – guitar on track 4
  • DJ Drez – turntables on track 15
  • Carlos Guacio – Rhodes and bass on track 4
  • Peter Kim – bass on track 15
  • DJ Motiv8 – turntables on tracks 3 and 8
  • Matt Nabours – violin on track 14
  • Tommy O. – flute on track 14
  • Paul Poli – turntables on track 3 and 7
  • Miles Tackett – bass on track 14 and cello on track 5
Guest vocals

Charts

[edit]
Chart (1998) Peak
position
US Billboard 200[11] 129
US Heatseekers Albums (Billboard)[12] 3
US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums (Billboard)[13] 37
Chart (2009) Peak
position
French Albums (SNEP)[14] 149

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Behind the Front is the debut studio album by the American hip hop group , released on June 30, 1998, by . The album consists of 16 tracks and runs for approximately 73 minutes, featuring a fusion of hip hop with , and soul influences through soulful samples, live instrumentation including keys, bass, and percussion, and lyrics promoting positivity and . Primarily produced by group member (credited as Will Adams), with additional contributions from co-producers such as Paul Poli and C-Los, it includes guest appearances by artists like Kim Hill and . The , originally formed in in 1995 as a trio consisting of , , and —emerging from the underground alternative hip-hop scene—signed with Interscope following the dissolution of their earlier group . Behind the Front reflects their multicultural roots and commitment to uplifting messages, drawing from and positive rap traditions inspired by groups like . Notable singles from the album include "Joints & Jam," "The Way U Make Me Feel," and "Fallin' Up," which showcased their energetic, party-oriented sound blended with thoughtful introspection. Critically, the album received generally positive reviews for its organic production and innovative genre-blending, with awarding it 3.5 out of 5 stars and praising its nonmaterialistic ethos and musical experimentation. Commercially, it achieved modest success, peaking outside the top 50 on the and selling approximately 400,000 copies in the United States, but it laid the foundation for the group's evolution into global pop-rap stardom with subsequent releases.

Development

Background

The Black Eyed Peas trace their origins to the group , formed in the early 1990s in by (William Adams) and (Allan Pineda), along with members Mooky Mook and DJ Motiv8, after meeting in high school as part of Tribal Nation in 1988. The group signed a development deal with Eazy-E's in 1992, recording material for a planned debut album titled , but released only one single, "Puddles of H2O," which failed to chart. Eazy-E's death from AIDS in March 1995 disrupted operations, leading to the shelving of and the group's release from the label. In response, disbanded and reformed later that year as , with (Jaime Gomez) joining as a full member after replacing Dante Santiago, shifting toward a more conscious hip-hop sound. Seeking a new path, the signed a three-album, $400,000 deal with in 1997, following a showcase performance attended by label head . Their debut single under the label, "Fallin' Up/¿Qué Dices?," arrived in December 1997 as a promo release. Behind the Front drew heavily from the shelved Grass Roots demos, with the trio reworking tracks and Taboo adding new verses to integrate his style, providing a foundation for their major-label introduction. The group secured early visibility through soundtrack placements, including "Joints & Jam" on the Bulworth film soundtrack in 1998 and "Be Free" on the She's All That soundtrack in 1999.

Recording

The recording of Behind the Front took place primarily in 1997 and 1998 at various studios in , with serving as the lead producer and overseeing much of the creative direction. Sessions were held at locations including Paramount Recording Studios and Encore Studios, where the group blended organic production techniques to capture their fusion of hip-hop, , and influences. This period marked the ' transition from independent demos to a polished debut under , emphasizing collaborative experimentation during an intensive tracking phase. A key aspect of the production involved integrating live instrumentation with sampled elements to create a warm, organic sound. Guitarist Kevin Feyen contributed to multiple tracks, including "Fallin' Up," "Movement," and "Weekends," providing rhythmic and melodic layers that complemented the beats. Similarly, bassist Mike Fratantuno laid down grooves on songs such as "Weekends," "Kesha," and "Love Won't Wait (No No No)," enhancing the album's live feel alongside contributions from other session players like percussionist Terrence Yoshiaka. This approach, co-produced in parts by with assistance from Brian Lapin and others on select tracks, prioritized a balanced texture over purely digital construction. The album's structure incorporated numerous skits to establish a light-hearted, narrative flow, drawing inspiration from De La Soul's innovative use of interludes on their 1989 debut 3 Feet High and Rising. These segments, such as "Interlude" and "Skit 3," served as comedic bridges between songs, fostering a cohesive, story-like progression that reflected the group's playful ethos and conscious hip-hop roots. This skit-heavy format helped unify the 16-track sequence, turning the project into an immersive listening experience. Interscope released Behind the Front in both (explicit) and edited versions, a dual-format approach that was unique for the until their 2019 album Masters of the Sun. The edited edition altered explicit content in tracks like "Joints & Jam" while retaining the skits and overall structure, broadening accessibility without compromising the artistic vision. This decision underscored the label's strategy to reach diverse audiences during the late hip-hop landscape.

Music and lyrics

Style and composition

Behind the Front fuses samples from 1970s funk, R&B, and with upbeat hip-hop beats, resulting in a sunny and optimistic tone that contrasted with the prevailing dominance of the late . The album's production emphasizes a joyful, lighthearted vibe through this genre-blending approach, incorporating soulful loops and rhythmic grooves to create an accessible, feel-good hip-hop sound. The record heavily relies on sampling techniques, drawing from diverse sources to build its tracks; for instance, "Joints & Jam" samples Paulinho da Costa's "Love Till the End of Time" and Frankie Valli's "Grease," layering these elements over a playful, percussive beat. This method contributes to the album's organic texture, with most songs averaging 4 to 5 minutes in length, allowing space for extended grooves and instrumental interplay. Production credits primarily go to , who blends programmed beats with live instrumentation, including guitar, bass, keys, and percussion, to achieve a hybrid sound that feels both electronic and organic. Tracks like "Be Free" introduce early hints of electro-pop through synthesized elements and dance-oriented rhythms, signaling the group's future stylistic evolution.

Themes

The lyrics of Behind the Front emphasize youthful enthusiasm, self-expression, and positivity, as the group sought to infuse hip-hop with uplifting, feel-good messages amid the dominant era. Tracks like "Joints & Jam" exemplify this by celebrating and unity, with verses promoting inclusivity across racial lines—"Got Black to Asian and Caucasian sayin'"—and mass appeal without segregation, turning "grey sky blue" through shared joy and movement. Subtle social consciousness permeates the album, blending personal introspection with broader awareness. In "Karma," the group explores themes of personal growth, stressing the inevitability of consequences—"Ain't no running from Karma"—and learning from deception and street struggles, as in apl.de.ap's reflection on and cause-and-effect dynamics. Similarly, "Say Goodbye" addresses environmental concerns alongside societal decay, warning of —"Some say the ozone layer is gone"—and the risk of if society does not unite—"If we don't get together, we're gonna die"—while critiquing police violence, issues, and from the into the new . Collaborative verses underscore the group's dynamics, with will.i.am's optimistic flows leading energetic bar trades among will.i.am, , and , fostering a sense of collective empowerment and fun. This approach aligns with their origins as A Tribe Beyond a Nation, promoting clean living and peaceful, conscious lyrics that rejected stereotypes like and , instead prioritizing positivity and inner talent. The funky, jazz-infused musical backdrop further amplifies these introspective and affirmative messages.

Release and promotion

Singles

The from Behind the Front was "Fallin' Up", released on December 3, 1997, in and vinyl formats as a promotional release ahead of the album. This track highlighted the ' hip-hop foundations with its raw beats and socially conscious lyrics, directed by Beletic in its accompanying . It achieved modest on urban radio but did not enter major , serving primarily to build anticipation for the group's debut. "Joints & Jam" followed as the second single on November 9, , available in and 12-inch vinyl formats, including remixes like the Billion Mix and Instant Flava Mix. The song featured a directed by Brian Beletic and gained additional exposure through its inclusion on the soundtrack for the 1998 film , billed as "Joints & Jams". Like its predecessor, it received limited commercial traction, peaking outside the top 100 on urban charts without broader mainstream impact. The third single, "Karma", was released on April 6, 1999, in and vinyl formats, featuring guest vocals from Einstein Brown and sampling Blondie's "". Its , also directed by Beletic, showcased the group's energetic performance style. The track emphasized themes of consequence and reflection in a hip-hop framework but similarly saw minimal chart performance, contributing to the album's underground promotion rather than commercial breakthrough. "Head Bobs" was released as a single in 1998, with a directed by Brian Beletic highlighting the group's dynamic flows and underground vibe. It received limited promotion but aligned with their alternative hip-hop style. "What It Is", a gritty track featuring Kim Hill, was issued as a single in 1999, with a directed by Brian Beletic to support radio and video play. All five music videos from Behind the Front singles—"Fallin' Up", "Joints & Jam", "Karma", "Head Bobs", and "What It Is"—were compiled on the group's 2004 DVD release Behind the Bridge to .

Marketing

The album Behind the Front was released on June 30, 1998, in both vinyl (as a double LP) and CD formats through and . Due to the Black Eyed Peas' status as an emerging underground hip-hop act, initial promotion was limited in scope, emphasizing targeted outreach to hip-hop radio stations and strategic tie-ins with media placements, such as the inclusion of the single "Joints & Jam" on the soundtrack for the 1998 film . Music videos for the album's singles, including "Fallin' Up," "Joints & Jam," and "Karma," were produced in a characteristically low-budget style reflective of the group's independent roots, featuring guerrilla-style filming in urban settings. These videos were later compiled and re-released as part of the 2004 DVD Behind the Bridge to , which chronicled the group's early visual works alongside behind-the-scenes footage from their transition to mainstream success. A minor production quirk appeared on the original CD back cover, where "Skit 3" was incorrectly listed out of sequence before "Communication," though this was corrected in subsequent edited pressings.

Commercial performance

Chart performance

Behind the Front peaked at number 129 on the US chart upon its release in 1998. The album also reached number 3 on the US Heatseekers Albums chart and number 37 on the chart. In 2009, amid the Black Eyed Peas' resurgence with subsequent hits, Behind the Front re-entered the French Albums Chart () at number 149 for one week. The album saw no significant international chart success at its initial release, underscoring its modest global debut impact.

Sales

Despite its release through a major label like , Behind the Front experienced initial commercial underperformance, with no certifications awarded by the (RIAA). Physical sales in the United States are estimated at 400,000 units as of 2025 according to analysis of Nielsen SoundScan data. These figures received a slight boost from soundtrack placements, including "Joints & Jam" on the film and "Be Free" in . Globally, the album's physical sales are estimated at 700,000 units as of 2025. In recent analyses, total equivalent album units stand at approximately 726,000 worldwide when incorporating contributions from physical singles, digital singles, streaming, and reissues, reflecting modest but foundational commercial impact relative to the ' subsequent multi-platinum releases. Vinyl reissues released in February 2025 have provided additional revenue through physical formats.

Reception and legacy

Critical reception

Upon its release in 1998, Behind the Front received mixed to positive reviews from critics, who praised its upbeat and positive approach to hip-hop while noting some shortcomings in cohesion and commercial appeal. AllMusic's Matt Conaway awarded the album 3.5 out of 5 stars, commending its infusion of positive vibes and strong production values that blended jazz, funk, and hip-hop elements effectively, though he pointed out the absence of standout hits that might have broadened its reach. Similarly, Rolling Stone gave it 3 out of 5 stars, appreciating the group's jazz-funk fusion and inventive live instrumentation but criticizing the uneven flow across tracks, which sometimes veered into aimless territory despite moments of brilliance. In retrospective assessments, the album has been viewed more favorably for its authenticity within the alternative hip-hop landscape. RapReviews, in a 2007 review by Justin Chandler, scored it 8.5 out of 10, lauding its genuine roots in positive, upbeat energy and organic beats that evoked comparisons to influential acts like and , emphasizing the group's fun-loving and head-nodding appeal. Overall, critics have consensus that Behind the Front served as a promising debut for the , showcasing their potential in promoting uplifting hip-hop but remaining commercially overlooked due to its niche sound and lack of major crossover singles, as reflected in aggregate scores around 70/100 from sites compiling professional reviews.

Legacy

Behind the Front marked the conclusion of the ' initial foray into alternative hip-hop, characterized by live instrumentation, and influences, and conscious lyricism, before their pivot to mainstream pop with the 2003 album , which introduced electronic elements, R&B hooks, and the addition of vocalist Fergie. This debut album, alongside its 2000 follow-up Bridging the Gap, represented the group's authentic roots in upbeat, socially aware rap, contrasting sharply with the commercial electro-pop formula that propelled them to global stardom in the mid-2000s. The album has fostered enduring appreciation among fans for the Black Eyed Peas' original sound, particularly highlighted in 25th anniversary retrospectives in 2023 that celebrated its optimistic energy and departure from tropes prevalent in late-1990s hip-hop. These reflections underscore how Behind the Front captured the trio's pre-mainstream essence, with , , and delivering playful, positive narratives over groovy samples. Regarded as a foundational work in positive rap, Behind the Front inspired upbeat fusions in 2000s hip-hop by blending hip-hop with festive, feel-good vibes, reminiscent of acts like and , and promoting messages of and self-empowerment without aggression. Its influence is evident in the era's shift toward lighter, sample-heavy productions that prioritized joy and cultural pride over confrontation. In the wake of the group's pop dominance, Behind the Front has been reappraised for its authenticity, serving as a touchstone for the ' hip-hop credibility amid their later chart-topping success. Tracks like "Joints & Jam," with its infectious percussion and celebratory lyrics sampling , continue to resonate, frequently appearing in alternative hip-hop playlists and 1990s retrospective compilations as emblematic of the album's timeless appeal.

Album details

Track listing

Behind the Front comprises 16 tracks with a total runtime of 73:53. All tracks were written by the Black Eyed Peas members will.i.am (William Adams), apl.de.ap (Allan Pineda), and Taboo (Jaime Gomez), with additional writing contributions from guest artists on select songs. Production duties were led by will.i.am across the album, supplemented by Paul Poli on "Joints & Jam," C-Los on "The Way U Make Me Feel," and Brian Lapin on "Duet" and "Head Bobs." The back cover of the album erroneously lists "Skit 3," which does not appear on the recording.
No.TitleLengthWriter(s)Producer(s)
1Fallin' Up5:08Black Eyed Peaswill.i.am
2Clap Your Hands4:57Black Eyed Peas, Dawn Beckmanwill.i.am
3Joints & Jam3:35Black Eyed PeasPaul Poli, will.i.am
4The Way U Make Me Feel (featuring Kim Hill)4:19Black Eyed Peas, Kim Hill, Carlos GuaicoC-Los, will.i.am
5Movement4:42Black Eyed Peaswill.i.am
6Karma4:28Black Eyed Peaswill.i.am
7Be Free4:06Black Eyed Peaswill.i.am
8Say Goodbye4:01Black Eyed Peas, Dawn Beckmanwill.i.am
9Duet (featuring Redfoo)4:21Black Eyed Peas, Redfoo (Kevin Feyen)will.i.am, Brian Lapin (co-producer)
10Communication5:21Black Eyed Peaswill.i.am
11What It Is4:45Black Eyed Peaswill.i.am
12¿Que Dices?4:01Black Eyed Peaswill.i.am
13A83:52Black Eyed Peaswill.i.am
14Love Won't Wait (featuring Macy Gray)3:35Black Eyed Peas, Macy Graywill.i.am
15Head Bobs4:14Black Eyed PeasBrian Lapin, will.i.am
16Positivity8:06Black Eyed Peaswill.i.am

Personnel

The personnel for Behind the Front consisted of the core members (vocals, production, sampler, ), (vocals), and (vocals). Guest vocalists included on "Love Won't Wait", Kim Hill on "The Way U Make Me Feel," "Be Free," and "What It Is", Dawn Beckman on "Clap Your Hands" and "Say Goodbye", Red Foo on "Duet", Einstein Brown on "Karma", and Ingrid Dupree on "Joints & Jam". Additional musicians featured Kevin Feyen on guitar, Mike Fratantuno on bass (tracks 1–3, 5, 8, 10, 11, 13, 16), Terence Yoshiaka on percussion (tracks 1, 5, 6), Miles Tackett on (track 5) and bass (track 14), J. Curtis on guitar (track 4), Carlos Guaico on and bass (track 4), Ramy Antoun on congas (track 6), Tommy O. on (track 14), Matt Nabours on (track 14), Peter Kim on bass (track 15), Darell Cross on drums (track 15), and Will Adams on marimbas (track 9) and (track 12). Production was primarily handled by will.i.am on all tracks except "Joints & Jam" (Paul Poli), "The Way U Make Me Feel" (C-Los), and co-production by Brian Lapin on "Duet" and "Head Bobs". Engineering and mixing credits went to Brian Lapin (co-producer, bass on track 9, mixing on several tracks), Tim Latham (mixing), Dave Pensado (mixing on track 14), David Haines, and Lou Michaels, among others. Other technical staff included A&R direction by Scott Igoe, coordination by Gretchen Anderson, art direction and design by Mark LeRoy, and BEP logo design by Paul Chan.

References

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