Originally formed as a hip hop outfit, Atban Klann, will.i.am, Taboo and
apl.de.ap changed their name to The Black Eyed Peas in 1995 following the death
of their mentor Eazy-E, who had originally signed them to his Ruthless Records
label in 1992. Their spectacular breakdancing endeared them to audiences and
their positive messages of peace distanced them from the gangsta rap so much in
vogue in LA at the time. The addition of singer Kim Hill made them more popular
still, although it was her glamorous replacement Fergie who really triggered
their dramatic rise to international sta...