Black Eyed Peas

Black Eyed Peas - The Early Years

The band’s two founding members, will.i.am and apl.de.ap, met as teenagers. The two were part of a break dancing troupe called Tribal Nation. As they also shared an interest in hip-hop music, they branched off together to focus on that. Their new venture, called Atban Klann, landed a record deal with Ruthless Records in 1992. Ruthless Records was a strange home for the upbeat pair, as it was owned by gangsta’ rapper Eazy-E. The album recorded by Atban Klann never saw the light of day because it was so different than what was popular at the time. Edgy, violent groups like Public Enemy and N.W.A. were driving the hip-hop industry, not socially sensitive, break dancing ones.

Years later, after leaving Ruthless Records, another MC/break dancer named Taboo joined the group. They adopted a new name, Black Eyed Peas, and began to draw a fan base around Los Angeles. The group’s sound combined rap and old school funk, but something even more than that- it really transcends labels. In 1998, Black Eyed Peas released their debut album, Behind The Front, to critical acclaim. Their live dancing and backup singer Kim Hill added to an already impressive musical style. Black Eyed Peas had an eclectic, positive sound, much like acts such as Jurassic 5, OutKast, and De La Soul.

Black Eyed Peas' Crossover Musical Fame

In 2000, Black Eyed Peas continued to succeed with their sophomore album, Bridging The Gap. By now, they were well known and respected in the hip-hop industry. Guest appearances were featured on the album from such greats as: De La Soul, Macy Grey, and Jurassic 5. Regular airplay on MTV’s hip-hop hours began and the group occasionally even leaked into alternative stations. Their creativity and willingness to go against the grain dubbed them as something of an alternative-rap group, which widened their fan base.

In a surprise and kind of odd move, the band added another member to the group, Fergie. She would replace their previous backup singer, Kim Hill. Fergie, born Stacy Ferguson, is a buxom, caucasion female with no previous experience in hip-hop. However, she does add to the crossover appeal of the group and makes them more accessible to middle America, white teens. Since the addition of her to the group, they have skyrocketed in fame. Their next two albums, Elephunk and Monkey Business have been platinum-selling, smash hits. Grammy nominations and commercial endorsements have come flooding in.

The Commercialism Controversy

Many fans of old school Black Eyed Peas have accused them of selling out in recent years. While once rooted in socially minded music, they have now reached what many consider overexposed, star status. Criticism of the addition of Fergie to the band seemed to be the catalyst. Fergie, a former child actress, used to voice Sally on Charlie Brown and was a regular on the Disney series, Kids, Incorporated. In fact, as a child, she dated Justin Timberlake before Britney Spears. That is a long way away from the ghettos of Los Angeles, where the other Peas grew up. Other indications of selling out are the massive amounts of marketing tie-ins the band does. They seem to be the unofficial spokespeople for corporate giants like Best Buy. However, the group still maintains that their message remains the same, corporate endorsements or not.