Editor's note: The Black Eyed Peas play the Blaisdell Arena on Monday night. Here's a look at one of the group's early releases.

CD: "Bridging the Gap" by the Black Eyed Peas; Interscope Records

Released: September 2000

Style: Hip-hop

My take: Before the tour with the Rolling Stones, radio smash hits or any kind of mainstream stardom, the Black Eyed Peas was an underground hip-hop group seemingly always on the verge of big success. With three incredibly talented MCs (will.i.am, apl.de.ap, and Taboo), equally talented vocalist Kim Hill, fresh beats and lyrics conveying positive messages over greed and masculine posturing, it seemed only a matter of time before BEP was the talk of the rap world.

On the way to fame, the Peas released "Bridging the Gap," its sophomore album, in 2000. Unlike the group's newer material, the songs on "Gap" are in the same vein of '90s rap acts such as A Tribe Called Quest and Naughty by Nature. The core of the music here is true to the genre's urban roots and community feeling hip-hop is supposed to convey. The number of guest appearances, ranging from R&B singer Macy Gray to fellow rap artist Mos Def, can seem amateurish at first, but it's easily forgivable given the quality of material.

Above all else, the songs on "Gap" are fun to listen to. They find a perfect balance for the mind to work with. The music here never commands your undivided attention, and unlike generic mainstream rap of today, never becomes simple background noise. You can pop this CD in and be entertained without having to listen to every word, rhyme and hook.

"Request + Line," a testament to the healing power of good music, is probably the most recognizable and accessible song here. It was a minor hit upon its release and fans will likely be hooked in by Gray's chime-ins. "Weekends" is about going out and having fun on Friday and Saturday nights. "Rap Song" is the lyricist's comparison of a desirable woman to an enjoyable rap tune. "Get Original" is a diss track aimed at less-talented MCs that borders between satire and masculine posturing but is still likable. The most interesting song, and definitely the most entertaining, is "Tell Your Momma Come," a tribute to break-dancing, an integral part of hip-hop culture.

With music like this in its early career, it's no wonder the Black Eyed Peas always was the talk of underground rap audiences. After this record, Hill parted ways with the band and was replaced by Stacy Ferguson, aka Fergie. From there, BEP became a household name thanks to the success of 2003's "Elephunk" and last year's "Monkey Business" and a new, popper approach to hip-hop.

If woefully catchy tunes such as "Let's Get Retarded" and "My Humps" make you cringe (not that I blame you), try picking up a copy of "Bridging the Gap." It's not something you'd hear, or even expect to hear, considering the group's newer material. But if you'd like to hear a pre-success version of the Peas, and a really good one at that, spend the money on this CD. Any reasonable price you find is well worth it.

Jeremy Castillo recently received his associate of arts degree from Windward Community College.