It’s back to hip-hop basics, with hints of socio-political pop

Bringing their eponymous 2017 graphic novel to life, MASTERS OF THE SUN VOL. 1 marks The Black Eyed Peas’ first album in eight years—and the first after former singer Fergie’s departure. While leaning on an old-school rap sound, will.i.am, apl.de.ap and Taboo tap into pop formulas such as “Big Love”, and “Wings” with Nicole Scherzinger. Veterans like Nas (“Back 2 Hiphop”), Slick Rick (on the mutating made-for-clubs beat of “Constant Pt.1 Pt.2”) and the late Phife Dawg (“All Around the World”) make welcome appearances throughout an album that marks new beginnings.