The group will be in Manila for a one-night concert tomorrow at the CCP Open Grounds to launch a new radio station, Blazin’ 105.9 FM.
Bringing soul, funk, hip-hop, Latin, and even Asian and Native American elements, The Black Eyed Peas have gone a long way since their debut album, Behind the Front, was released in 1998.
The group’s founding fathers, APL,DE.AP, the only Filipino in the group, and William began performing in 1989 when they met in the eighth grade in a group called the Atban Klann. Their name was replaced with The Black Eyed Peas when Taboo stepped in and joined the group in 1995. Fergie, the female member of the group, is the most recent addition, joining the group only for the latest album, Elephunk.
They seem to have found the right sound combination, resulting in rave reviews and several hits, as well as a new-found respect internationally. Though branded as hip hop, their music does not follow the norms of this type of music. Mixing hip hop beats with love instrumentals, their experimentation with sounds has put them in a class all their own.
They have chosen to sing about issues that break the monotony in today’s music scene. Speaking their minds on political issues, sharing their views on society and personal experiences, the group has found a way for the youth today to relate to the changes happening around them. Their positive messages make them the voice of today’s generation.
The Black Eyed Peas live at The Podium is a joint project of MCA Universal, Blazin’ 105.9 FM, Astroplus, and The Podium.