Must B 21

Released in 2003, Must B 21 serves as will.i.am's second solo studio album, arriving just as the Black Eyed Peas were transitioning into global superstardom with Elephunk. However, sonically, this record is a sharp departure from the 'Where Is The Love?' era. It is firmly rooted in the tradition of alternative hip-hop and neo-soul, drawing heavy influence from the Native Tongues collective and the Soulquarians movement. The production is characterized by its reliance on organic sampling and live-sounding instrumentation, featuring prominent use of horns, Rhodes pianos, and thick electric bass. Critically, it is often cited as will.i.am's most 'authentic' hip-hop work, showcasing his technical proficiency as a beatmaker before his pivot to electropop. The album functions almost like a compilation or a producer's showcase, emphasizing flow and atmosphere over traditional pop song structures, making it a crucial document of the early 2000s West Coast underground scene.