Bridging the Gap

Black Eyed Peas: Will.i.am (vocals, Fender Rhodes piano, Clavinet, Hammond B-3 organ, Moog synthezizer, programming); Apl.de.ap (programming); Taboo.
Additional personnel includes: Wyclef Jean (vocals, guitar); De La Soul,
Mos Def, Macy Gray, Les Nubians, Chali 2Na, Esthero, Kim Hill (vocals); Michaelangelo Fratantuno (guitar); Kevin Torfeh, Susanna Giordano, Roberto Cani, Susan Chatman (strings); Pritz Board (trumpet, Hammond B-3 organ, Moog synthesizer); Jose Espinoza, Eulises Bella, Asoru Sierra (horns); Jerry Duplessis, Miles Taket (bass); DJ Motive (cuts).
Producers includes: Will Adams, DJ Premier, Wyclef Jean, Rhett Lawrence, Apl.de.ap.
Engineers include: Eddie Sancho, Dexter Thibeau, Dejuana Richardson.
Personnel: Kim Hill (vocals); Wyclef Jean (guitar); Suzanna Giordono, Roberto Cani, Susan Chatman (strings); Printz Board (trumpet, keyboards).
Audio Mixers: Dave Pensado; Dexter Thibou.
Recording information: Cutting Room Studio, Newyork, NY; D&D Studios, New York, NY; D&D Studios, NY, NY; Encore Studios, Burbank, CA; Paramont Studios, Los Angeles, CA; Paramount Studios, Los Angeles, CA; Stewchia, Los Angeles, CA; Stewchis, Los Angeles, CA.
Black Eyed Peas represent the kind of progressive hip-hop approach associated with bands such as A Tribe Called Quest or the Roots. While their straight-up rapping skills are indisputable, it's the group's quirky arrangements, production style, and preference for live tracks instead of pre-programmed ones that sets them apart from the pack.
Throughout BRIDGING THE GAP, the trio makes it clear that they're on a mission to take hip-hop to a smarter, more sophisticated place. This is accomplished almost as much by what they don't do as by what they do. They spend a lot of time talking about unification and other high-minded ideals, and distancing themselves from any notions of violence. They also take care to collaborate with artists they consider like-minded, including De La Soul, Wyclef, and Macy Gray. BRIDGING THE GAP's mix of funk, rap, pop, and soul is a strong brew when combined with the Black Eyed Peas' often-heady lyrical sentiments.