Secret History of the Black Eyed Peas: In this article, The Black Eyed Peas are one of the most successful and influential musical acts of our century, having sold over 80 million records worldwide and winning six Grammy Awards as well as performing at Super Bowl halftime shows. But behind their catchy songs and global fame lies an intriguing history about their transition from hip-hop crew to pop phenomenon and back again.
From Atban Klann to Black Eyed Peas
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The Black Eyed Peas can trace their beginnings back to 1988, when two high school friends William Adams and Allan Pineda formed Atban Klann (A Tribe Beyond a Nation). Signed by Ruthless Records – run by legendary gangsta rapper Eazy-E – but their debut album was shelved due to positive lyrics which did not fit within its image.
In 1995, they changed to Black Eyed Peas in honor of a dish that symbolized good luck in African-American culture and added Jaime Gomez (known by his stage name Taboo). By 1998, they released Behind the Front which showcased their eclectic and innovative brand of hip hop that blended elements of jazz, funk, soul and Latin music as well as collaborations with various singers such as Macy Gray, Wyclef Jean and Sergio Mendes.
The Fergie Effect
The Black Eyed Peas first achieved modest commercial and critical success with their first two albums, yet did not achieve mainstream fame until adding Stacy Ferguson, better known by her stage name Fergie, as their fourth member in 2002. Fergie impressed her fellow members with her vocal abilities and charisma, along with adding pop sensibility and female perspective that helped their music appeal to a broader audience.
Elephunk was released in 2003 to great success and earned them their first Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group. Their fourth album Monkey Business released two years later saw even greater sales – over 11 million copies worldwide were sold, boasting hit singles such as “Don’t Phunk with My Heart”, “My Humps”, Pump It” and Don’t Lie”. Additionally this album earned two more Grammy awards for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals and Best Rap Song respectively.
The Black Eyed Peas became one of the most beloved and influential pop bands of the 2000s with their catchy hooks, danceable beats, and positive messages. Additionally, they gained widespread acclaim for their energetic live shows which often featured elaborate costumes, props, and choreography; performing at Live 8 concerts, Oprah Winfrey Show appearances, and FIFA World Cup opening ceremonies across various events worldwide.
The Hiatus and the Comeback
After four years of touring and recording nonstop, the Black Eyed Peas decided in 2010 to take a break in order to focus on individual projects and personal matters. Fergie released her second solo album, The Dutchess, to critical acclaim in 2006. The success was measured in five number-one singles such as “London Bridge”, “Glamorous”, “Big Girls Don’t Cry”, “Clumsy” and “Fergalicious”. Will.i.am pursued an acting career, appearing in films such as Nine, The Ugly Truth and Marmaduke. Additionally, Will.i.am released four solo albums: Songs About Girls, #willpower and Masters of the Sun Vol. 1., and #will.i.am, with collaborations from artists including Britney Spears, Justin Bieber, Miley Cyrus and Nicki Minaj. He became an expert judge and mentor on several talent shows such as The Voice UK, Australia and Kids. Taboo released her solo album, Taboo Experience, in 2008 before venturing into acting with roles in films like Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li and Jamesy Boy. Apl.de.ap issued their album Apl Song two years later before becoming judges/mentors on The Voice of the Philippines.
The Black Eyed Peas reunited in 2015 without Fergie, who left to focus on family and solo career pursuits. They released an updated version of their hit single “Where Is the Love?.” Celebrities such as Justin Timberlake, Usher, Jamie Foxx and Kendall Jenner participated in “Masters of the Sun Vol. II”, an event organized to raise funds and awareness about social issues such as terrorism, racism and police brutality. Furthermore, this project released its new album called Masters of the Sun Vol. II. In 2018, they released Vol. 1, marking a return to their hip-hop roots with elements from old-school rap, reggae and Afrobeat influences. Additionally, they welcomed Jessica Reynoso who goes by J. Rey Soul as part of the group after winning The Voice of the Philippines competition, under Apl.de.ap’s guidance in 2013.
The Black Eyed Peas remain on top form, having released their eighth studio album Translation in 2020 featuring collaborations with Shakira, J Balvin, Maluma and Ozuna. This work proved their versatility by incorporating elements of Latin, dance and trap music. Furthermore, hit singles like Ritmo (Bad Boys for Life), Mamacita and Girl Like Me were released as a result of Translation’s success; which earned two additional Grammy nominations – Best Pop Duo/Group Performance and Best Latin Pop or Urban Album respectively.
The Black Eyed Peas have established themselves as one of the longest-lived and multifaceted musical groups ever, spanning three decades and multiple genres. Through their influence they have championed positive change around the globe while entertaining millions. As an iconic collective they continue to break boundaries and reinvent themselves; truly making history together.
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