Black Eyed Peas’ ‘Bridging The Gap’ Receives Reissue
Originally released in 2000, the album is part of a larger reissue series in commemoration of the group’s 30th anniversary.
Another classic Black Eyed Peas’ album is getting a vinyl reissue. Bridging the Gap, the second record from the pop-rap group, will be available on 2LP vinyl in a limited-edition brown color variant and standard black vinyl. The Bridging the Gap reissue is out September 26.
Black Eyed Peas’ sophomore album, Bridging the Gap furthered their funky hip-hop sound. At that point, the group was composed of Will.i.am, Apple de Ap, and Taboo. Kim Hill provided vocals, but soon departed the group and was replaced by Fergie.
Bridging the Gap includes the singles “Weekends,” “BEP Empire,” and “Request + Line.” “Weekends” features vocals from Canadian singer Esthero and samples “Family Affair” by Sly & the Family Stone, “Lord of the Golden Baboon” by Mandril, and interpolates the chorus to Debbie Deb’s “Lookout Weekend.” A remix of the song was later included on the deluxe edition of the group’s fifth album, The E.N.D.
Produced by DJ Premier, “BEP Empire,” reached number 44 in the US Hot Rap Singles chart. “Request + Line” features Macy Gray, a year after the success of her debut record On How Life Is. The song became Black Eyed Peas’ first top-40 hit in multiple countries and marked their first entry on the US Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number 63.
Bridging the Gap followed the group’s debut, 1998’s Behind the Front, a skit-heavy hip-hop album incorporating funk and jazz samples.
The reissue of Bridging the Gap follows recent limited-edition physical reissues of the group’s work in commemoration of their 30th anniversary. New vinyl versions of Elephunk (2003), Monkey Business (2005), and The E.N.D. (2009) are available now. Earlier this year, Monkey Business also received a new digital expanded edition.
