Good bands gone bad

[MartyFunkhouser]

After watching the amazing Sugalumps video for Flight of the Conchords (clearly mocking My Humps) it got me thinking about the Black Eyed Peas, which are really one of the worst popular bands out there. Of course, I was once of fan of them. The first 2 albums were very good. You had a few songs that in retrospect indicated that they may go the Pop Rap route but nothing that would indicate they would digress as much as they did.

My first introduction to them was during the days of the Box, a channel that will always have a soft spot in my heart. I saw this video and went out and got their first album.
[YOUTUBE]nD-u4mSE3Zo[/YOUTUBE]

I eagerly awaited the second album and bought it the day that it came out. Particularly great on the album was this song which ripped those who went pop (which wasn't the first time they did this). Plus, it is one of the funnier hip-hop videos. Great production by DJ Premier.
[YOUTUBE]JQxxOM7-OSg[/YOUTUBE]

The 3rd album wasn't terrible but it wasn't good either and I had no desire to pick that album up. Although the album was the transition into this abomination. I can honestly say this is one of the worst songs ever in recorded history
[YOUTUBE]aD_vJRatx-A[/YOUTUBE]

I'm not sure there is a better example of a complete reversal in quality of a band, although I would be interested in seeing other examples.

[il Padrino Ute]

I don't notice a difference in the quality of product in any of the three videos (though I did have to go to youtube to look at the first two).

Tell me, what is the appeal of rap/hip hop?