The Los Angeles-based hip-hop group Black Eyed Peas drew widespread praise following the release of its 1998 debut, "Behind The Front," and now BEP has returned to the studio to start work on a second album.

The Peas' mix of rhymes and riffs caught the ear of many rock and rap peers, and the band has lined up a bevy of guest appearances for the new LP including Wyclef Jean, Foo Fighters' David Grohl, Lenny Kravitz, De La Soul, Macy Gray, and Gang Starr's DJ Premier.

The Black Eyed Peas aren't expected to release their as-yet-untitled sophomore record until February 2000. However, the group will take a break from the studio next week to play a pair of shows at the Justice League in San Francisco on October 20 and 21.

-- Andréa Duncan