Founded in Los Angeles as an alternative hip hop group in 1995,
Black Eyed Peas became a hit sensation after they changed their direction towards a more dance/pop sound and rappers will.i.am, Taboo and Apl.de.ap found a valuable asset in singer Fergie. Their big breakthrough came with the smash hit
Where Is The Love? from the 2003 album
Elephunk, which was their third. The next two albums, 2005’s
Monkey Business and 2009’s
The E.N.D., were even more successful and the band became a worldwide phenomenon with hit singles such as
Shut Up,
Don’t Phunk With My Heart,
My Humps,
Boom Boom Pow, and
I Gotta Feeling, among many others. In recent years, things got quiet around the band, with the members embarking on solo projects and will.i.am functioning as a coach on
The Voice UK. After singer Fergie left the band, it now consists of its three original members, although a new vocalist was found in Jessica Reynoso. Last year saw the release of a new album,
Masters Of The Sun Vol. 1.
