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The Black Eyed Peas were formed in Los Angeles in 1995. Originally established as an alternative hip-hop group that drew heavily on jazz and soul influences, they evolved into a more mainstream pop and dance-oriented ensemble. The group was founded by will.i.am, apl.de.ap, and Taboo, and they achieved breakout success with the addition of singer Fergie in 2002. Their album Elephunk (2003) included hits like “Where Is the Love?” and “Let’s Get It Started,” propelling them to international fame. This success was followed by Monkey Business (2005), The E.N.D. (2009), and The Beginning (2010), with tracks topping charts worldwide. The group is known for its catchy dance tracks and has won multiple Grammy Awards. Fergie departed from the band in 2017, and the group has since continued to explore new musical styles and collaborations, notably with the addition of J. Rey Soul.
will.i.am
will.i.am (William Adams) is the founding member and frontman of the Black Eyed Peas. His role in the group encompasses singing, rapping, writing, and producing most of the group’s major hits. Will.i.am’s creative direction has significantly shaped the group’s sound, particularly evident in their transition into electronic and dance music. His work with the band includes hit albums like Elephunk, Monkey Business, and The E.N.D., which featured chart-topping songs such as “Boom Boom Pow” and “I Gotta Feeling”. Outside the group, will.i.am has released several solo albums, produced for other artists, and engaged in tech entrepreneurship.
apl.de.ap
apl.de.ap (Allan Pineda Lindo) is a co-founder of the Black Eyed Peas. His contributions include vocals, drum programming, and production. apl.de.ap’s Filipino heritage has influenced some of the band’s international sounds, and he has been pivotal in tracks that require a unique rhythmic touch. He was instrumental in the band’s early albums, and his influence remained strong in later works. Outside of the group, apl.de.ap has worked on music and philanthropic efforts aimed at education and technology access in the Philippines.
Taboo
Taboo (Jaime Luis Gomez) joined the Black Eyed Peas shortly after the band was formed. Known for his dynamic stage presence and vocals, Taboo has been a key performer on all of the band’s albums. He is especially noted for his contributions to the energetic and engaging live performances of the group. Beyond music, Taboo has acted in films and television and is an advocate for cancer awareness, having battled the disease himself.
J. Rey Soul
J. Rey Soul (Jessica Reynoso) officially joined the Black Eyed Peas in 2018, although she had been performing with the group as a featured artist since 2015. She became a prominent member following Fergie’s departure, bringing a fresh vocal presence to the band. Her influence is notable on the album Translation (2020), where she contributed to the group’s exploration of contemporary pop and international sounds.
Past Members
Kim Hill
Kim Hill joined the Black Eyed Peas as a vocalist in 1995 when the group was still developing its identity and left in 2000 before their mainstream breakthrough. Her participation included their earlier albums, where she provided soulful vocal tracks that complemented the group’s hip-hop roots.
Read More: Complete List Of Black Eyed Peas Albums And Discography
Fergie
Fergie (Stacy Ann Ferguson) joined the Black Eyed Peas in 2002 and was a key factor in the group’s shift toward a more pop-oriented sound. She was part of the group during their most commercially successful period, contributing significantly to albums like Elephunk and Monkey Business. Her powerful vocals and charismatic stage presence were crucial to the band’s appeal. Fergie began her solo career in 2006 with the album The Dutchess and officially left the Black Eyed Peas in 2017 to focus on her solo work.
Read More: Top 10 Black Eyed Peas Songs