Black Eyed Peas

Black Eyed Peas is an American musical group whose core members are will.i.am, apl.de.ap, Taboo, and J. Rey Soul. Formed in Los Angeles in 1995, the group began with a hip-hop foundation before evolving into one of the world’s most popular acts, blending pop, dance, and electronic sounds into their music. Before adopting their now-iconic name, they performed as Black Eyed Pods, a sign of the playful creativity that would eventually define their career.

The group’s breakthrough came in 2003 with the release of “Where Is the Love?,” a socially conscious anthem that topped charts around the globe. Over the years, they delivered a steady stream of hits, including “I Gotta Feeling,” “Boom Boom Pow,” “My Humps,” “Imma Be,” and “Don’t Phunk with My Heart,” which made them one of the best-selling groups of all time. Their energetic stage presence also earned them a coveted spot at the Super Bowl XLV halftime show in 2011, solidifying their status as global performers.

For much of their peak commercial success, the lineup included Fergie, whose vocals became a defining part of their sound. In 2017, however, she stepped away to pursue her solo career, and the group welcomed Jessica Reynoso—known as J. Rey Soul—as an official member. With her addition, Black Eyed Peas embarked on a new creative chapter, beginning with the 2018 album “Masters of the Sun, Vol. 1,” which returned to their hip-hop roots.

In recent years, the group has continued to evolve, collaborating with Latin and global artists and experimenting with new sounds. Their 2022 album “Elevation” featured appearances from Shakira, Ozuna, and Anitta, further cementing their reputation as innovators unafraid to cross genres. They also contributed the single “Tonight (Bad Boys: Ride or Die)” to the 2024 film soundtrack of the same name, demonstrating their enduring ability to craft high-energy anthems.

While the group announced an ambitious Las Vegas residency in 2025 titled “Black Eyed Peas: 3008,” which was to feature an AI character named Vida alongside the band, the plans were ultimately cancelled. Instead, the group has turned toward celebrating their legacy with anniversary reissues. “Monkey Business” received a 20th-anniversary expanded edition in 2025, and “Bridging the Gap” is slated for a 25th-anniversary release, a reminder of how far the group has come since their beginnings in the Los Angeles underground scene.

Nearly three decades after their formation, Black Eyed Peas remain a dynamic force in music, balancing a legacy of global hits with an eye toward the future.