The Black Eyed Peas

The Black Eyed Peas are an American hip-hop (musical styles crossover rap/hip hop and alternative rap/hip hop) group from Los Angeles, California, who have enjoyed international pop success. The group is currently composed of will.i.am, Apl

The Black Eyed Peas are an American hip-hop (musical styles crossover rap/hip hop and alternative rap/hip hop) group from Los Angeles, California, who have enjoyed international pop success. The group is currently composed of will.i.am, Apl.de.ap, Taboo, and Fergie.

The Black Eyed Peas dates back to 1989, when eighth graders will.i.am and apl.de.ap met and began rapping and performing together around Los Angeles. By 1992, the 16 year-olds had developed a name for themselves. The pair signed to Ruthless Records (run by Eazy-E) after catching the attention of Eazy-E manger Jerry Hiller's nephew. Along with another friend of theirs, they called their trio Atban Klann. Their debut album was never released because Ruthless did not consider the positive themes reflected in the group's music to be marketable to their audience.