Black Eyed Peas is an American musical group consisting of rappers will.i.am, apl.de.ap and Taboo. The group's lineup during the height of their popularity in the 2000s featured Fergie, who replaced Kim Hill in 2002. Originally an alternative hip hop group, they subsequently refashioned themselves as a more marketable pop-rap act. Although the group was founded in Los Angeles in 1995, it was not until the release of their third album Elephunk in 2003 that they achieved high record sales.
Black Eyed Peas performing with J Rey Soul at O2 Apollo Manchester in November 2018. From left: apl.de.ap, J. Rey Soul, Taboo, will.i.am.
The Black Eyed Peas signing autographs in 2004
The Black Eyed Peas' apl.de.ap and Fergie in 2005
The Black Eyed Peas performing in the 2005 Grey Cup halftime show
William James Adams, known professionally as will.i.am, is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, record producer, entrepreneur, and actor. He is best known as the frontman of the musical group Black Eyed Peas, which he formed in 1995. The group, having released nine total studio albums, saw their furthest mainstream success in the 2000s with Elephunk (2003), Monkey Business (2005), The E.N.D. (2009), and The Beginning (2010). Adams has served as lead vocalist since its formation, although for the albums, he did so alongside singer Fergie—who joined the group in 2002 and departed after the latter album.
will.i.am in 2018
will.i.am performing with the Black Eyed Peas in June 2009
will.i.am with Sheryl Crow and Herbie Hancock, performing at the We Are One: The Obama Inaugural Celebration at the Lincoln Memorial concert
will.i.am in Los Angeles, California in 2010