The Black Eyed Peas started out as a trio, consisting of Will-I-Am, born
March 15, 1975, Apl-de-Ap, born July 14, 1975 in the Philippines, and
Taboo, born on July 14, 1975. They were later joined by Stacy Ann
Ferguson (Fergie) who was born March 27, 1975 in Hacienda Heights,
California. The group is fundamentally hip hop with a variable style
that encompasses rap and alternative. Rising from Los Angeles, they
have conquered the world, generating a large International following.
In the beginning they were known as Atban Klann, signing at first with
Ruthless Records [operated by Easy-E]. Their first album was cancelled
because Ruthless Records did not believe the positive themes in their
music would be marketable to the audience at the time. After Easy-E
died in 1995, the group transformed and became the Black Eyed Peas,
releasing their debut album, "Behind the Front" in 1998. The album was
a critical success, yielding a hit single, "Joints and Jams." Two years
later, they released their sophomore album, "Bridging the Gap," but it
wasn't until their breakthrough album appeared, "Elephunk," (2003) that
the group experienced widespread popularity. The album featured a new
vocalist, five-foot two-inch Stacy Ann Ferguson, replacing the
background singer Kim Hill, who had left the group three years earlier.
Stacy had deep entertainment experience, starting out in 1983 as the
voice of Sally Brown in the animated Charlie Brown television specials.
She had also appeared in commercials and a spots in Kids Incorporated,
which also starred Jennifer Love Hewitt.
It was "Elephunk" that yielded their first major hit, "Where is the
Love?" which made the top ten in the U.S. and Number #1 in the U.K.,
becoming the U.K.'s biggest-selling single of 2003. The album also
produced a second hit, "Shut Up," with mixed critical reviews, even though it topped the charts in France
and Germany, and hit #2 in England. Like many American bands, they
experienced far greater success across the oceans than at home. Success
was sweeter in the Philippines where Apl.de.ap had his roots, and their
music included lyrics in Tagalog. Eventually they produce an exclusive
video of their Philipino-inspired music and toured the country to
promote their album.
Doors kept opening for the Black Eyed Peas, their song "Let's Get
Retarded," being converted to "Let's Get It Started," for a worldwide
commercial for the NBA finals. Later, the group was represented in a
video game, which included recordings of their best songs.
Their next album, "Monkey Business" appeared in the summer of 2005, the
single "Don't Phunk With My Heart," reaching Number 3 in the Billboard
Hot 100 and "Pump It" reaching the top charts around the world. Another
hit from the album was "My Humps" which received considerable radio
play.
Throughout
their career, the Blackeyed Peas have broken away from the narrow
hip hop and rap styles and crossed the boundaries of musical
restrictions, combining influences from soul, funk, latin, and Asian
rhythms, all of which has contributed to their wide International
following.
