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Black Eyed Peas
Black Eyed Peas
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Positive messages and breakdancing are integral parts of hip-hop culture, but by 1990 those elements had been temporarily eclipsed by the tough gangsta image and bleak but compelling lyrics of West Coast groups like N.W.A. However, despite sharing a zip code, Black Eyed Peas' vision goes beyond the cracked-sidewalk vignettes and sampled gunfire of Los Angeles' gangsta style. The socially conscious group's earliest connections go back to high school, when will.i.am and apl.de.ap were part of Tribal Nation, a breakdancing crew. Eventually the pair focused more on music -- hip-hop, specifically -- and split off into their own as Atban Klann, their esoteric name an acronym for A Tribe Beyond a Nation. Eazy-E's Ruthless Records signed the group in 1992, but many in the Ruthless camp were puzzled by the group and the enthusiasm of Eazy, who had no problem reconciling his own gangsta style with the peace-minded breakdancing of Atban. Although an album was recorded, Ruthless shelved it, unsure how to market a group whose style wasn't dependent on violent braggadocio like N.W.A.

The death of Eazy-E in 1995 signaled the end of any further deals with Ruthless. Undaunted by the experience, will and apl recruited another dancer/MC, Taboo, and reappeared as Black Eyed Peas. BEP began playing shows around L.A., impressing hip-hop fans with their mike skills and dazzling them with their footwork as well. In 1998 their debut, Behind the Front, was released to critical acclaim -- not only for the trio of MCs, but for their live band and backing vocalist Kim Hill as well. Featuring guest appearances from Jurassic 5's Chali 2na, De La Soul, and Macy Gray, BEP's sophomore effort, Bridging the Gap, was released in 2000. The group's third album, 2003's Elephunk, featured a new member (Fergie, who replaced Kim Hill) and became their biggest hit yet, storming the Top 40 with three singles ("Where Is the Love?," "Hey Mama," "Let's Get It Started"). Two years later, the quartet returned with a heavily crossover date, Monkey Business, which pushed them into the stratosphere courtesy of the hit single "My Humps." ~ Wade Kergan, All Music GuideMore

Official Profile

The Black Eyed Peas
Head over to Target or Target.com to pick up THE E.N.D TODAY! Click here to buy the DELUXE versionCl...
Songs: 4, Videos: 1, Playlists: 1, Blog Posts: 23, Polls: 0, Battles: 0

Most Popular Music Videos (15)

The APL Song
(Duration: 3:34)
Jul 15th, 12:51am
Pump It
(Duration: 3:45)
Jul 21st, 5:48pm
My Humps
(Duration: 3:54)
Jul 22nd, 12:15am
Where Is The Love?
(Duration: 4:12)
Jul 16th, 6:24pm
Shut Up
(Duration: 4:25)
Jul 14th, 9:11pm
Let's Get It Started
(Duration: 3:49)
Jul 18th, 6:58pm
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Fan Comments

Nov 11th, 6:30pm
I love your music please accept my request:)
Nov 10th, 10:11pm Last edited Nov 10th, 10:20pm.
hi guys,seen you on the X Factor the other night,one of the best bands ive seen on there yet,your great ,Fergie gorgeous as always ,when you release your next single,having listened to a few of your albums,the track Alive is the one for me i love singing it ,your flying , Dale
Oct 31st, 5:25am
you rock!!!
Oct 30th, 3:22pm
Ur band is off de chain love it great club music & car music me youth b Boom Boom Pow me car you would think we have hydrolics but na dats de youth movin to ya song. I have a few songs I'd like to get ya feel de make over ting me saw advertised but I can't find it again I am de song stenographer for a talented dread & saw where ya wanted songs fe rework & make hits yes Fyah hit I up babygirlforeverlovingjah at Jango, myspace or here seen star. Fergie u r wicked songstress fe sure love ya style... me got a heap of tunes fi ya bless & success and keep going against de grain & daring to be different. one love babygirl
Oct 26th, 2:20am
man thx cause my new fav song is i gotta feeling^^
Oct 23rd, 4:00am
Meet me Halfwat....♥ it
Oct 22nd, 2:50am
You Guys are AWESOME!!! Love your music:)
Oct 21st, 2:38pm
Wooo! lets Dink it Up! ^_^ keep up the awsome work!