Elephunk

In a hip-hop universe overrun by wannabe tough guys minting cash with the regurgitated gangsta gospel of blood, guns, and hos, it’s amazing that groups like Black Eyed Peas still exist. Following in the footsteps of De La Soul and A Tribe Called Quest, soul-rap wordsmiths BEP are more about lifting their neighbors up than gunning them down. They open their third album with the ominously titled “Hands Up,” but in this case they’re exhorting the masses to dance, not hand over their wallets. The guitar-funk shout-along “Let’s Get Retarded” reinforces the group’s refreshingly less-than-intellectual philosophy on community uplift, while “Fly Away” gives the newest Pea, Fergie, a chance to strut her vocal stuff. Sergio Mendes’ guitar and piano help construct a slinky, Latin groove underneath “Sexy,” and Justin Timberlake lends his high-pitched croon on the album’s preachiest tune, “Where Is the Love.” Beyond that, there’s a surprising mindlessness to Elephunk (punctuated by the unfortunate appearance of rap-rock dunderheads Papa Roach). But this is a party record, not a sermon. Who says positivity has to be a didactic snooze?