Will.i.am, born William James Adams Jr., is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, entrepreneur, actor, and record producer. He is best known as a founding member of the hip-hop group The Black Eyed Peas, with whom he has released eight studio albums. He is also the creator of the clothing line i.am+ and the music technology company i.am.angel.
Will.i.am was born on March 15, 1975, in Los Angeles, California. He was raised in East Los Angeles alongside his brother, Carl. His parents, Debra and William Adams Sr., were both born in Los Angeles. Debra was a housewife, and William Sr. was a painter. William's father was from Alabama, and his mother was from Arkansas.
Early Musical Career
Will.i.am began his musical career in the late 1980s, when he formed the rap group Atban Klann, which later became The Black Eyed Peas. His group went on to release four studio albums, the last of which, Elephunk, was a major commercial success. The album included the singles "Where Is the Love?" and "Shut Up," which both reached number one on the U.K. Singles Chart.
Solo Career
In 2003, Will.i.am released his debut solo album, Lost Change, which featured collaborations with fellow hip-hop artists such as Busta Rhymes and Mary J. Blige. The album was not commercially successful, but it was critically acclaimed. In 2006, he released his second solo album, Songs About Girls, which featured the singles "I Got It from My Mama" and "Heartbreaker." The album was a commercial success, reaching number one on the U.S. R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.
Acting and Other Ventures
In addition to his musical career, Will.i.am has also appeared in several films and television shows. He made his acting debut in the 2001 film Zoolander, and he has since appeared in films such as xXx: State of the Union and Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa. He has also made guest appearances on television shows such as The Simpsons and The Voice. Will.i.am also serves as a judge on the U.K. version of The Voice.
In addition to his musical and acting career, Will.i.am has also ventured into other areas of business. He is the creator of the fashion line i.am+, which produces clothing, accessories, and technology products. He is also the founder of the music technology company i.am.angel, which provides financing and education for aspiring musicians.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where was Will.i.am born?
Will.i.am was born on March 15, 1975, in Los Angeles, California. His parents, Debra and William Adams Sr., were both born in Los Angeles.
How did Will.i.am start his musical career?
Will.i.am began his musical career in the late 1980s, when he formed the rap group Atban Klann, which later became The Black Eyed Peas.
What solo albums has Will.i.am released?
Will.i.am has released two solo albums, Lost Change (2003) and Songs About Girls (2006).
What films has Will.i.am appeared in?
Will.i.am has appeared in several films, including Zoolander (2001), xXx: State of the Union (2005), and Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa (2008).
What other business ventures has Will.i.am been involved in?
Will.i.am is the creator of the fashion line i.am+ and the founder of the music technology company i.am.angel.
What television shows has Will.i.am appeared on?
Will.i.am has made guest appearances on several television shows, including The Simpsons and The Voice.
Does Will.i.am serve as a judge on any television shows?
Yes, Will.i.am serves as a judge on the U.K. version of The Voice.
What is the name of Will.i.am's fashion line?
Will.i.am's fashion line is called i.am+. It produces clothing, accessories, and technology products.
What is the name of Will.i.am's music technology company?
Will.i.am's music technology company is called i.am.angel. It provides financing and education for aspiring musicians.
What singles did Will.i.am release on his second solo album?
Will.i.am released the singles "I Got It from My Mama" and "Heartbreaker" on his second solo album, Songs About Girls.
What is Will.i.am's real name?
Will.i.am's real name is William James Adams Jr.
What hip-hop group did Will.i.am form in the late 1980s?
Will.i.am formed the rap group Atban Klann in the late 1980s. The group later became The Black Eyed Peas.
What was the last album released by The Black Eyed Peas?
The Black Eyed Peas' last album was Elephunk, released in 2003. The album included the singles "Where Is the Love?" and "Shut Up," which both reached number one on the U.K. Singles Chart.
What singles did The Black Eyed Peas release from their last album?
The Black Eyed Peas released the singles "Where Is the Love?" and "Shut Up" from their last album, Elephunk.
What is the name of Will.i.am's brother?
Will.i.am's brother is named Carl.
Where did Will.i.am's parents come from?
Will.i.am's father was from Alabama, and his mother was from Arkansas.
What singles did Will.i.am release on his first solo album?
Will.i.am released no singles on his first solo album, Lost Change, but the album featured collaborations with Busta Rhymes and Mary J. Blige.
What is the name of Will.i.am's first solo album?
Will.i.am's first solo album was named Lost Change.
What films has Will.i.am appeared in besides Zoolander?
Will.i.am has appeared in the films xXx: State of the Union and Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa, in addition to Zoolander.