Biography
Who is will.i.am?
Early life and background
William James Adams Jr. Was born in Los Angeles, California, on March 15, 1975. He was raised by his mother in the Estrada Courts housing projects in the Boyle Heights neighborhood of Los Angeles. His mother encouraged him to be unique and avoid local youth tendencies, sending him to public schools in West Los Angeles, including Paul Revere Charter Middle School and Palisades Charter High School. He did not find his full birth name until he was twenty-five years old. His maternal uncle is former National Football League player Lynn Cain.
As a high school student in the early nineteen nineties, will.i.am was involved in a breakdancing crew called Tribal Nation. He and Apl.de.Ap began making music together as Atban Klann. Eazy-E signed them to Ruthless Records in 1992, where will.i.am was known as Will 1X. After Eazy-E died in 1995, the group changed their name, eventually becoming the Black Eyed Peas in 1997 with member Taboo.
Musical career and the Black Eyed Peas
The Black Eyed Peas released their debut album, Behind the Front, in 1998, followed by Bridging the Gap in 2000. Their major breakthrough came with the addition of singer Fergie and the release of the album Elephunk in 2003. The album featured hit singles like Where Is the Love? And Shut Up. They followed this with the successful album Monkey Business in 2005, which earned them a Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group for Don't Phunk with My Heart. The group released additional hit albums, including The E.N.D. And The Beginning.
In addition to his work with the Black Eyed Peas, will.i.am pursued a solo career, releasing albums such as Lost Change, Must B 21, Songs About Girls, and #willpower. His solo work included the hit single Scream & Shout featuring Britney Spears. He also produced music for other artists, including Fergie's debut album The Dutchess and projects with Michael Jackson.
Business ventures and television roles
Outside of music, will.i.am founded a self-titled record label in 1998, which signed artists such as LMFAO, Kelis, and Macy Gray. In 2013, he founded the technology company i.am+. He has also expanded his career into television by serving as a panelist and mentor on several singing competition shows. He appeared on The Voice UK starting in 2012, The Voice Australia in 2014, and The Voice Kids from 2017 to 2023.
Throughout his career, he has received numerous accolades, including seven Grammy Awards, a Latin Grammy Award, and a Daytime Emmy Award. His work spans hip-hop, pop music, contemporary R&B, and electronic dance music. From his solo career and group work with the Black Eyed Peas, he has achieved numerous chart entries and sold millions of singles.
Birthday and age
will.i.am was born on March 15, 1975, which makes will.i.am 51 years old today. That birthday falls under the Pisces sign. will.i.am shares the date with 32 other famous people.
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