Although they blew up when Fergie replaced Kim Hill, the roots of Black Eyed Peas lie deep under the cracked sidewalks of south Los Angeles. The socially conscious group’s earliest connections go back to high school, when Will.i.am and Apl.de.ap were part of Tribal Nation, a breakdancing crew. Eventually the pair focused on music and split off into Atban Klann, an acronym for A Tribe Beyond A Nation. N.W.A.’s Eazy-E signed the group in 1992, but many in the Ruthless camp were puzzled by the group and the enthusiasm of Eazy, who had no problem reconciling his gangsta leanings with the peace-minded Atban. Although an album was recorded, Ruthless shelved it, unsure how to market a group whose style wasn’t dependent on violent braggadocio.
by Mark Emge
Fergie is still the hottest member and probably the most talented member of Black Eyed Peas.:;”