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Black Eyed Peas
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"). In 2005, 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 Guide
Let us connect you with a Black Eyed Peas Agent now to book book Black Eyed Peas to appear at your next corporate, private or special event!
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