Black Eyed Peas

People are saying that the Black Eyed Peas' Elephunktour is a classic example of a band biting off more than it can chew. After all, they're playing 50 dates in three months, and simultaneously touring as a club headliner and as the opening act for the Justin Timberlake/Christina Aguilera extravaganza. But then these gigs are both vital and long overdue. The Peas have been virtually nonexistent on the hip-hop scene for the past two and a half years. Meanwhile, former bandmate-turned-indie-soul-sista Kim Hill has blasted the band both on her record and in interviews, in which she has declared that Elephunk is nothing more than a sad grab for mainstream success. What better way to fight back than to take on a grueling tour? Will.i.am, apl.de.ap, Taboo and new addition Fergie are doing everything in their power to show they're still hip-hop's most energetic, extroverted hipsters, but they may not need to work this hard at it. Harrison Ford has publicly revealed he likes listening to the Peas, and anytime a rap group has Han Solo's endorsement, you know it's on like a thong that's been put on wrong.

The Peas' headlining date is Monday, June 30, at Numbers, 300 Westheimer. For more information on that gig, call 713-526-6551.