Will.i.am, born William James Adams, is an American singer, producer, DJ, rapper, and frequent collaborator with other musicians. He is probably most well known for being a founding member of the hip-hop group The Black Eyed Peas. In 1987 Will.i.am, then an eight-grader, joined together with Allan Paneda and Dante Santiago and started performing around Las Angeles. They were found by Easy-Z and signed to Ruthless Records in 1992. They began recording an album, but after Easy-Z's death in 1995, the album was never released. The group decided to drop Dante for Jaime Rodriguez, and they later signed with Interscope Records. Their first single, "Joints and Jam," was released in 1998. After adding female singer Fergie, The Black Eyed Peas, led by Will.i.am, went on to win numerous awards across the globe included Grammys, American Music Awards, and a Billboard Music Award.
Will.i.am has worked extensively outside of The Black Eyed Peas. His four solo albums, "Lost Change," "Must B 21," Songs About Girls," and "#willpower" have met with varying degrees of critical success. His single, "Yes We Can," has been viewed online over 26 million times. He is also co-creator of all-female soul band Paradiso Girls and has collaborated with artists such as Michael Jackson, Justin Bieber, Flo Rida, and many more.
