Biography
Who is apl.de.ap?
Early life and real name
He was born in Angeles City, Philippines, as Allan Pineda Lindo. His father was an African American airman stationed at Clark Air Base. His mother is Cristina Pineda. He grew up with six siblings. As a child, apl.de.ap helped his family by farming rice, corn, sugar cane, and sweet potatoes. He spent two hours every day traveling by jeepney to and from his school.
A lawyer named Joe Ben Hudgens became his sponsor through the Pearl S. Buck Foundation. Pineda first visited the US at age 11. He needed medical treatment for nystagmus, which causes involuntary eye movements. After visiting Disneyland, he wanted to live in the US. He moved there permanently at age 14 after Hudgens adopted him.
Education and musical beginnings
He attended John Marshall High School in Los Angeles. There he met William Adams, who performs as will.i.am. Pineda was influenced by the Beatles, the Eagles, and Stevie Wonder. He also listened to a Filipino folk group called Asin. He learned about break dancing and hip hop by watching street performers in Angeles City.
In 1988, apl.de.ap and will.i.am started rapping together in Los Angeles. They formed a group called Atban Klann with Dante Santiago. They signed with Ruthless Records in 1992. The label was run by Eazy-E. Their first album, Grass Roots, was never released because Eazy-E died in 1995.
Success with Black Eyed Peas
The group changed their name to Black Eyed Peas. They released Behind the Front in 1998. Their second album, Bridging the Gap, came out in 2000. In 2003, they released Elephunk. This album featured Fergie as a permanent member. It sold 8.5 million copies worldwide. The songs Where Is the Love? And Shut Up reached number one.
The group won a Grammy for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group for the song Don't Phunk with My Heart. They released Monkey Business in 2005. This album sold over 10 million copies globally. In 2009, they released The E.N.D. This record debuted at number one on the Billboard 200. Singles like Boom Boom Pow and I Gotta Feeling topped the charts.
Personal challenges and achievements
Apl.de.ap has suffered from nystagmus his whole life. He stated in 2011 that he is legally blind in both eyes. He had corrective surgery in 2012. He has also faced family tragedy. His brother Arnel died by suicide. His youngest brother, Joven Pineda Deala, was murdered in February 2009 in Porac, Pampanga.
As a musician, he has been nominated for 16 Grammy Awards. The Black Eyed Peas won six of these. One win was for Best Pop Vocal Album. He also received the Asia's Most Influential Philippines award. He works as a rapper, singer, actor, and record producer. He continues to be a prominent Filipino musician based in Los Angeles.
Birthday and age
apl.de.ap was born on November 28, 1974, which makes apl.de.ap 51 years old today. That birthday falls under the Sagittarius sign. apl.de.ap shares the date with 36 other famous people.
Explore more
