will.i.am

William James Adams, Jr. better known by his stage name will.i.am, is an American rapper, songwriter, singer, actor, and producer. will.i.am rose to fame as a frontman and co-founder of the hit hip hop and pop group the Black Eyed Peas, with rappers apl.de.ap, Taboo, and later added member, pop singer Fergie. As a producer, he has produced with artists such as Michael Jackson, Daddy Yankee and Usher.

William James Adams, Jr., who never met his father, William Adams, Sr., was raised by his mother, Debra, in the projects of East Los Angeles, California. Adams’ mother encouraged him to be unique and to avoid conforming to the tendencies of the other youth in his L.A. neighborhood. She also encouraged him to begin working on his musical career by sending him to school in Pacific Palisades. While attending school in the Palisades, Adams became best friends with Allan Lindo (stage name apl.de.ap), also a future member of the Black Eyed Peas. While still in high school, the duo performed in East L.A. clubs and were soon joined by three other entertainers to form the socially conscious rap group, Atban Klann. Atban Klann caught the eye of Compton rapper Eazy-E and was signed to his label, Ruthless Records, in 1992.