will.i.am (b. 1975)

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Biography

William James Adams Jr., known professionally as will.i.am, is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer. He is the frontman of the musical group Black Eyed Peas — which he formed with fellow rappers apl.de.ap and Taboo in 1995. The group has released nine studio albums, and saw their highest success with the pop rap albums Elephunk (2003), Monkey Business (2005), The E.N.D. (2009), and The Beginning (2010), during which he shared lead vocals with fellow singer Fergie.

Timeline

The story of will.i.am, told in moments.

1975 Birth

Born William James Adams Jr. in Eastside Los Angeles. Raised in the Estrada Courts housing projects in Boyle Heights. His mother moved the family there from Harlem when he was a baby.

What was growing up in the Estrada Courts housing projects like? Did your mother's move from Harlem shape the man you became? When did music become your way out?

1995 Life

Formed the Black Eyed Peas with apl.de.ap, his friend from John Marshall High School, and Taboo. Produced all the group's music. Their early albums were boom-bap hip-hop. Everything changed when Fergie joined in 2003.

How did adding Fergie transform the Black Eyed Peas? Was producing all the music a control issue or a creative need? Did the early boom-bap albums prepare you for pop success?

2009 Life

Produced "Boom Boom Pow" and "I Gotta Feeling," which held the number-one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 for a combined 26 consecutive weeks. Also produced Usher's "OMG," which hit number one. Six Grammys total with the group.

What does 26 consecutive weeks at number one feel like? Was producing Usher's 'OMG' your Midas touch moment? Are six Grammys enough for the body of work?

2012 Life

Became a coach on the first season of The Voice UK. Launched a tech career alongside music. Founded i.am+, a consumer electronics company. Invested in AI startups. Spoke at tech conferences about bridging the gap between entertainment and technology.

Was The Voice UK a natural transition or a pivot? Can tech and music really bridge together? Does founding i.am+ satisfy the same drive as making beats?

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