Believe it or not, the Black Eyed Peas have been together since 1988 when Will.i.am and apl.de.ap first joined forces in a break dancing crew, where they regularly performed at parties.

In 1995, the name Black Eyed Peas was first used and only a few years later their songs started to appear on movie soundtracks and the debut album Behind the Front was released. Their second album featured the hit “Request Line” with Macy Gray.

Their breakout album, Elephunk, came out in 2003, displaying their unique blend of dance, pop, R&B, and hip hop. It was the first with front woman Fergie and contained their first mainstream hits. The album has sold almost 8 million copies worldwide, with the songs being featured in several movies, commercials, and the NBA playoffs.

The Peas capitalized on this success with their next album, Monkey Business, which sold 10 million copies around the world and featured tracks with big name artists like Q-Tip, Cee-Lo, Talib Kweli, John Legend, rock star Jack Johnson, rock icon Sting, and soul legend James Brown. BEP also won a Grammy for the song “Don’t Phunk With My Heart.” A tour with the Pussycat Dolls followed. In 2009, the group released their 5th studio album The E.N.D. (The Energy Never Dies).

Will.i.am, having already produced most of the group’s tracks, has moved on to producing works for other artists, including Justin Timberlake, Nas, Kelis, Nelly Furtado, and Latin stars Sergio Mendes and RBD. Fergie has also had a successful solo career, working with hip hop artists like Nelly, Ludacris, and Souja Boy, and R&B great Lionel Richie.

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