Monkey Business
by The Black Eyed Peas
  • Record Label: A&M
  • Release Date: Jun 7, 2005
User Score
6.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 165 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 97 out of 165
  2. Mixed: 21 out of 165
  3. Negative: 47 out of 165

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  1. SuchiB14
    Oct 25, 2018
    10
    This album is great. Not the best of the Black Eyed Peas, but still great. 7/10
  2. JordanT
    Sep 10, 2006
    10
    I love this album, the concert was great
  3. jos95
    Sep 5, 2011
    10
    This has GOT to be The Peas' best album! I loved it instantly upon hearing it - except for My Humps which is a lousy song but it can be easily dismissed. Don't Phunk With my Heart was the song that won me over to the Peas and Don't Lie and Pump It aren't far behind. James Brown's work on the album is quite remarkable - R.I.P. This album has a great mix of rap songs of all sorts and it isThis has GOT to be The Peas' best album! I loved it instantly upon hearing it - except for My Humps which is a lousy song but it can be easily dismissed. Don't Phunk With my Heart was the song that won me over to the Peas and Don't Lie and Pump It aren't far behind. James Brown's work on the album is quite remarkable - R.I.P. This album has a great mix of rap songs of all sorts and it is impossible to dislike so I recommend you go get it!… Expand
  4. CiCiG
    Jul 12, 2005
    8
    I like this C.D. BEP's are all about positive hip hop...I like how their lyrics are laced with cuss words and "gangsta" crap...it's great to hear positive music these days. Yeah,some of the songs sound a little popish, but i like it overall!
  5. chellec
    Oct 10, 2005
    8
    I loved the CD. It is the best CD i have heared from them yeat. and the best music that i think has come out in years.
  6. IvyC
    Oct 2, 2005
    10
    I love this CD...it's the first I've heard from The Black Eyed Peas. I wasn't overly impressed with them as a whole, until I took a chance on this CD. It stays in rotation in my car and on my computer.
  7. estiennep.
    Jun 10, 2005
    10
    i can listen to it all day long and i recommend it to everyone who like to dance. totally love this album. especially tracks "unity" and "don't lie".
  8. EchoB
    Jun 13, 2005
    10
    This CD is a beautiful piece off art and composition. I am always fascinated when music really moves me literally and figuratively. The time and effort that was put into each song is apparent, great job. The last song on the CD, Unity... WOW!!!
  9. MiguelV
    Jun 23, 2005
    10
    best CD Ever!!!
  10. KG
    Jun 27, 2005
    9
    Never heard Black Eyed Peas before. This is an excellent album. I went and got all of their music based on this Cd alone. Awesome.
  11. LaurenceHC
    Jun 6, 2005
    9
    Dancy, fun, catchy, wise... What more can I ask? It's awesome.
  12. LockneO
    Jun 7, 2005
    10
    The Black Eyed Peas truly hit it big with this album. Elephunk didn't get the best reviews, but Monkey Business is out of this world. The other reviewers must be CrAzY, because I loved this album, with James Brown, Justin Timberlake, Sting, and more. It's really great, and I suggest you get this album today!
  13. JasmineJ
    Jun 7, 2005
    10
    This is BEP"s best album. I don't know why people r dissing them because they changed their music. Everyone needs to change. They wanted to try something new. I LOVE U BEP ( I AM A TRUE FAN!!)
  14. joyce
    Jun 7, 2005
    10
    This album is phunking great!!
  15. jss
    Jun 7, 2005
    8
    Album full of fun hip-hop tracks. They don't pretend that it is anything else. Several of the songs are destinted to be radio hits. Look for this album to do well over the next year
  16. HarvardB
    Jun 8, 2005
    10
    Unique and fresh album consisting of a great variety of styles including Pilipino, Jamaican, Rap, Hip-hop, and an intriguing Beach-sound. Different from the Elephunk record, but the new tracks are phunky and fresh. You can't resist from bobbin' your head and wanting to get down to this album. The Peas were not affraid of change and they got down to "Business." Love the album!!!
  17. PatrickB
    Jun 9, 2005
    7
    Not as good as Elephunk, but that was inevitable. I love to crank up "They Don't Want Music", but I'm 44.
  18. ChrisR
    Jul 5, 2005
    10
    i love this album
  19. AnneW
    Jul 8, 2005
    7
    I am a bit split on this one. Some of the songs are fantastic. Pump It is my favorite. All of the songs are very danceable and there is even a good song with James Brown. However, some of the songs are not interesting at all. The worst one for me is a song done with Justin Timberlake. Why him? This is a great for dancing, drinking or working out.
  20. ColeK
    Sep 23, 2005
    10
    This album is awesome! Plain and simple.
  21. TristanR
    Sep 8, 2005
    10
    my freind likes it and i was all like lets see what she likes it for and i know now that she likes it coz it's AWESOME!!!
  22. ThomasD
    Jan 29, 2006
    8
    Most fun I've had listening to an album in a long time. By no means is it ground breaking or inspirational, but it does provide sufficient beats for when you're on the dance floor.
  23. SAVAGETOAST
    Jul 1, 2006
    10
    OMG i love this cd..it is so good, my humps has hooked me up w/ so many chicks...lol! one time i told a guy to not phunk with my heart and dont lie... and i got my ass kicked...lol!.. PUMP IT!! beeiatch!
  24. ec
    Sep 5, 2006
    9
    brl album
  25. mininaenaebob
    Jun 11, 2005
    10
    I thought this was a very good c.d. It might take some getting used to, but overall it is very very good.
  26. Mdub
    Jun 14, 2005
    9
    A diverse, fun hip-hop cd with a myriad of styles, such as reggae, funk, dance, and of course, hip hop. It kicks off with the thumpin' Pump it, and remains great throughout. Best tracks: Don't phunk with my heart, Gone going gone, They dont want music
  27. Harrison
    Jun 15, 2005
    10
    Best cd all summer
  28. MafG
    Jun 25, 2005
    10
    awesome! fave song is definately My Humps
  29. RussH
    Jun 27, 2005
    8
    Pop this CD in for parties, its perfect for it. BEP just wants to party..nothing wrong with that! The reason for the negative reviews: The columnists were expecting something deep.
  30. DanielJP
    Jun 6, 2005
    7
    Black Eyed Peas are more the heirs of De La Soul than NWA, although not particularly similar. More textured than Elephunk, their sense of soul searching fun on Monkey Business makes for a fresh and orginal record
  31. EvaM
    Jun 6, 2005
    10
    Stylish, hip and super-cool, everything that you could expect from a B.E.P album. Wonderful.
  32. KirstenB
    Jun 7, 2005
    10
    It is a great CD! It has so many different styles of music! Every1 should buy it!
  33. AC
    Jun 7, 2005
    9
    Phunky!
  34. LauraM
    Jun 8, 2005
    10
    Gloriously entertaining. Some wonderful emotive track and some dancy hip-hop songs : what more could you expect? Country?
  35. JamieS
    Jul 6, 2005
    10
    If you want to "party" this is the album ya should get! Dont miss out, BEP is F-R-E-S-H (Fresh)
  36. Prissy
    Aug 1, 2005
    8
    I Love this CD!!!......I've heard of the blackeye peas and some of their music from the last CD and decided to take a listen.....this is one of the best CD's out right now...positive music, great beats, I am from Phillipine decent and taboo is also he has a song on the CD called "Bebot" in which he's rapping in tagalog....I Love it!!!......I'm gonna buy the CD to I Love this CD!!!......I've heard of the blackeye peas and some of their music from the last CD and decided to take a listen.....this is one of the best CD's out right now...positive music, great beats, I am from Phillipine decent and taboo is also he has a song on the CD called "Bebot" in which he's rapping in tagalog....I Love it!!!......I'm gonna buy the CD to support da Phillippines....and also because of the great music, by the way John Legend is on the CD and I'm lovin' him too....buy his CD too and "GET LIFTED"....he's a great artist and he's a must see in concert......John Legend and the Blackeye Peas, Reppin' to the Fullest!!!!… Expand
  37. Lulu
    Aug 14, 2005
    10
    This album is brilliant, it shows how they have grown as a band from their previous album. Anyone who wants to get up and dance will love this album, blasting it in their cars or playing it at bbq's. It is definately the summers new album. Well done!!
  38. MininaenaeBob
    Aug 31, 2005
    9
    This is a great c.d. Forget about what Pete and Zippy Zee said. This c.d. is awesome. I love all the songs 1-10. I'm not really feeling the last five songs, but the first ten of the songs are exceptional. Fergie sings a lot more, and that's good, Will.I.Am does most of the rapping. It is hard to tell when Apl.D.Ap or Taboo is rapping. I don't think they are as much featured This is a great c.d. Forget about what Pete and Zippy Zee said. This c.d. is awesome. I love all the songs 1-10. I'm not really feeling the last five songs, but the first ten of the songs are exceptional. Fergie sings a lot more, and that's good, Will.I.Am does most of the rapping. It is hard to tell when Apl.D.Ap or Taboo is rapping. I don't think they are as much featured on this c.d. as Fergie and Will. But the c.d. is still really good. Way better than Elephunk...My favorites are Don't Phunk With My Heart, Don't Lie, Disco Club, and Feel It. They are awesome.… Expand
  39. EvanY
    Sep 13, 2005
    10
    Balck Eyed Peas Rock
  40. Dips
    Apr 8, 2006
    10
    This is such a good album, just because it doesn't claim to be anything other than dancable, fun, hip hop. I understand why some people don't like songs like "my humps" but its a fantastic song - think of it as the new "baby got back" - totally denouncing the barbie-induced teen anorexic culture. big is beautiful!! Tellin me the boyz "love my lady lumps!" One of the few albums This is such a good album, just because it doesn't claim to be anything other than dancable, fun, hip hop. I understand why some people don't like songs like "my humps" but its a fantastic song - think of it as the new "baby got back" - totally denouncing the barbie-induced teen anorexic culture. big is beautiful!! Tellin me the boyz "love my lady lumps!" One of the few albums where I DON'T have to be drunk or on a night out (or both) to enjoy the songs and have a good dance!!… Expand
  41. PashaP
    May 27, 2006
    9
    Great fun with a capital PH. Most tards who have given the BEPs 0 marks here don't have a Phking clue that they are innocuous, vacuous, cheeky, chirpy chappies, without an agenda. Is that so bad? I don't think so. Gangsta rap and other rubbish masquerading as the credibility of black music is what makes me gag - the sick songs by the so called "real rappers" are the ones who Great fun with a capital PH. Most tards who have given the BEPs 0 marks here don't have a Phking clue that they are innocuous, vacuous, cheeky, chirpy chappies, without an agenda. Is that so bad? I don't think so. Gangsta rap and other rubbish masquerading as the credibility of black music is what makes me gag - the sick songs by the so called "real rappers" are the ones who give the black community their unfair sub human status by the other races. Give me the BEPs any day.… Expand
  42. FidelC
    Jun 26, 2006
    9
    Love the variety of music beat! I got to hear this group from my son's downloaded cd & my wife & I totally love them.
  43. AlexLips
    Jun 30, 2007
    9
    Could have been better but still brilliant.
  44. JasperB
    Nov 13, 2005
    7
    Fun and raunchy. What's not to like?
  45. anoni
    Nov 15, 2005
    10
    this album ROCKS. easy and fun, the BEP prove they can get anyone mooving in this eclectic dance yet soulfull mix containing some of the mose versitile artists ever. 10/10
  46. rachg
    Nov 16, 2005
    8
    this album is wicked
  47. MaxM
    Oct 23, 2005
    10
    I love the black eyed peas. These reviews are stupid. This album rocks!!! Way better that Ashlee Simpson. This diserves a 10. Even though some songs do stink.
  48. [Anonymous]
    Jun 17, 2005
    8
    Great dance music. Lacks originality though.
  49. SamF
    Jun 29, 2005
    8
    it is hard to beat Elephunk - but this is a great CD - fun, danceable...definately want to move in your seat while driving. Lyrics are worth listening for. Fun, Fun, Fun!!
  50. jacobm
    Aug 31, 2005
    7
    i can dig it, positive lyrics are a definite plus
  51. kellys
    Apr 25, 2006
    10
    This band should get 10 out of 10
  52. Jamison12
    Jun 6, 2013
    8
    Something lacks in this one, but not something huge. This album still rides on Pump It, Don't Lie, Don't Phunk With my Heart, and more. Not only good hip hop, but good music to move to.
  53. ChristgauWannab
    Nov 20, 2017
    8
    Unapologetic high-energy hip-pop with thumps and silly rhymes that can get stuck in your head for days. "My Humps" could be the female answer to "Baby Got Back." Yes, it's nonsensical, but given that the BEP, known for the smash hit "Where Is The Love?," ends the monkeying with "Union," you can't say that they aren't aware. "Pump It," "Don't Phunk With My Heart," and "Like That" togetherUnapologetic high-energy hip-pop with thumps and silly rhymes that can get stuck in your head for days. "My Humps" could be the female answer to "Baby Got Back." Yes, it's nonsensical, but given that the BEP, known for the smash hit "Where Is The Love?," ends the monkeying with "Union," you can't say that they aren't aware. "Pump It," "Don't Phunk With My Heart," and "Like That" together have enough energy to power up the electricity of the entire Earth. This is one for the dancefloor.… Expand
  54. clarinhaaa
    Nov 22, 2021
    10
    This album is full of jams, my favorite black eyed peas album for sure, I miss those old days
  55. RoxanneKimberly
    Nov 24, 2021
    10
    Dispate of what people say, this is my favorite Black Eyed Peas album, so many amazing songsss
  56. EstellaKimberly
    Nov 25, 2021
    10
    Another amazing album by The Black Eyed Peas, so many great songs here, Don't Lie is an anthem!
  57. brubruzinha
    Nov 25, 2021
    10
    This album is soooo great!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Awards & Rankings

32
#32 Most Discussed Album of 2005
63
#63 Most Shared Album of 2005

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
48

Mixed or average reviews - based on 20 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 14 out of 20
  3. Negative: 3 out of 20
  1. Entertainment Weekly
    50
    A bland meringue. [3 Jun 2005, p.81]
  2. The Guardian
    40
    The lyrical inspiration has evaporated.
    Read full review
  3. Rolling Stone
    60
    Monkey Business is just as bright if not quite as fun as Elephunk.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »