History of Black Eyed Peas in Timeline
The Black Eyed Peas, an American musical group known for their pop-rap music, consists of will.i.am, apl.de.ap, Taboo, and formerly Fergie. Formed in 1995 in Los Angeles, the group started as alternative hip hop artists. Their breakthrough came with their third album "Elephunk" in 2003, after which they transitioned into a more pop-centric sound, achieving significant commercial success during the 2000s.
1988: will.i.am and apl.de.ap Meet and Form Tribal Nation
The origins of the Black Eyed Peas can be traced back to 1988 when will.i.am and apl.de.ap met in Los Angeles and formed the hip-hop group Tribal Nation.
1991: Tribal Nation Performs at Balistyx
Tribal Nation, the precursor to the Black Eyed Peas, gained exposure by performing at Balistyx, an all-ages club in Los Angeles, in 1991.
1993: "Grass Roots" Album Shelved
Atban Klann, as the group was then known, recorded an album titled "Grass Roots," which was shelved in 1993 and never released.
1994: Release of "Let Me Get Down"
In 1994, the group released a promo song titled "Let Me Get Down" under the production name "Black Eyed Peas," marking an early use of the name.
1995: Transformation into Black Eyed Peas
Following the departure of Mooky Mook and Eazy-E's death, will.i.am, apl.de.ap, and Taboo formed Black Eyed Peas, incorporating Kim Hill and moving away from gangsta rap.
1995: Formation of Black Eyed Peas
The Black Eyed Peas, initially called Black Eyed Pods, were formed in Los Angeles in 1995 by will.i.am, apl.de.ap, Taboo, and Kim Hill, establishing their presence in the music scene.
1998: Debut Album "Behind the Front" Released to Critical Acclaim
Black Eyed Peas released their debut album, "Behind the Front," in 1998, earning positive reception for their conscious style and live band performances.
2000: Release of "Bridging the Gap" and Departure of Kim Hill
The Black Eyed Peas released their second album, "Bridging the Gap," in 2000, featuring collaborations with Esthero and Macy Gray. During this period, Kim Hill departed from the group.
2002: Fergie Replaces Kim Hill in Black Eyed Peas
In 2002, Stacy "Fergie" Ferguson joined the Black Eyed Peas, replacing Kim Hill as the lead singer, marking a turning point in the group's sound and commercial trajectory.
2002: Black Eyed Peas Embrace Pop Sound
The arrival of Fergie in 2002 signaled a shift in the Black Eyed Peas' sound, as they embraced a more polished and pop-oriented direction aimed at a wider audience.
2003: Release of "Elephunk" and Breakthrough Success
The Black Eyed Peas released their third album, "Elephunk," in 2003. The album marked a shift towards a more pop-oriented sound and achieved significant commercial success, propelling the group to international fame.
2003: "Where Is the Love?" Achieves Global Success and Impacts Popular Culture
"Where Is the Love?" became a global phenomenon in 2003, topping charts internationally and even appearing in an iPod commercial.
2003: "Where Is the Love?" Tops Charts Globally
The Black Eyed Peas released "Where Is the Love?" in 2003, which became a global hit. It topped charts in 13 countries, including the UK, solidifying their place as major players in the music industry.
November 2004: The Urbz: Sims in the City Released
The Black Eyed Peas were featured in the video game The Urbz: Sims in the City, released in November 2004, where they helped players gain control of the city.
2004: Elephunk Tour
Riding on the success of "Elephunk," the Black Eyed Peas embarked on their international Elephunk Tour in 2004, captivating audiences across Europe, Africa, and Asia.
May 25, 2005: Release of Monkey Business
On May 25, 2005, Black Eyed Peas released their fourth album, "Monkey Business," which they had been recording throughout 2004.
September 2005: Release of iTunes Originals Playlist
In September 2005, Black Eyed Peas released a playlist of their greatest hits on iTunes Originals, featuring re-recorded versions of some of their most popular songs.
November 27, 2005: Grey Cup Halftime Show
On November 27, 2005, Black Eyed Peas headlined the halftime show at the Grey Cup.
December 10, 2005: "Power to the People" Cover Released
The Black Eyed Peas released their cover of John Lennon's "Power to the People" on December 10, 2005, through Amnesty International as part of their Make Some Noise campaign.
December 2005: European Tour Begins
Black Eyed Peas embarked on their European Tour in December 2005, kicking off with a performance in Tel Aviv, Israel, and traveling to various countries including Ireland, the UK, France, and Germany.
2005: Grammy Award for "Let's Get It Started"
The Black Eyed Peas won a Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group for "Let's Get It Started" in 2005, recognizing the song's impact.
March 2006: Honda Civic Tour
In March 2006, Black Eyed Peas were the featured headliner for the 6th Annual Honda Civic Tour, with Flipsyde and the Pussycat Dolls as supporting acts.
March 21, 2006: Release of Renegotiations: The Remixes on iTunes
Black Eyed Peas released their remix album "Renegotiations: The Remixes" exclusively on iTunes on March 21, 2006.
December 31, 2006: Black Blue & You World Tour Finale
On December 31, 2006, Black Eyed Peas concluded their Black Blue & You World Tour with a concert at Ipanema Beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, performing for a massive audience of over a million people.
July 7, 2007: Performance at Live Earth, London
Black Eyed Peas performed at the UK leg of Live Earth at Wembley Stadium in London on July 7, 2007.
August 12, 2007: Summer Sonic Festival Performance in Osaka
Black Eyed Peas headlined the main Ocean Stage at the Summer Sonic Festival in Osaka, Japan, on August 12, 2007.
March 30, 2009: Release of "Boom Boom Pow"
Black Eyed Peas released "Boom Boom Pow" on March 30, 2009, as the first single from their album "The E.N.D." The song was initially released on iTunes in the US.
April 18, 2009: "Boom Boom Pow" Reaches Number 1
On April 18, 2009, Black Eyed Peas' single "Boom Boom Pow" reached the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100.
June 3, 2009: Release of The E.N.D.
On June 3, 2009, Black Eyed Peas released their fifth studio album, "The E.N.D." (The Energy Never Dies), featuring a more electro-hop sound than their previous albums.
July 30, 2009: Billboard Record for Longest No. 1 Chart Run
On July 30, 2009, the Black Eyed Peas made Billboard history by achieving the longest successive No. 1 chart run on the Billboard Hot 100 for their songs "Boom Boom Pow" and "I Gotta Feeling."
September 8, 2009: Performance at Oprah Winfrey's Season Kickoff Party
The Black Eyed Peas performed live on September 8, 2009 for the Oprah Winfrey 24th Season Kickoff Party in Chicago. Their performance of "I Gotta Feeling" featured a flash mob with an estimated 21,000 dancers.
September 2009: The E.N.D World Tour Begins
The Black Eyed Peas kicked off The E.N.D. World Tour in September 2009, with performances in countries across Asia and Oceania.
September 2009: Release of "Meet Me Halfway"
"Meet Me Halfway" was released as the third single from the album "The E.N.D." in September 2009.
October 10, 2009: End of 26-Week Billboard Reign
Black Eyed Peas' reign at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 ended on October 10, 2009, after a consecutive 26 weeks with either "Boom Boom Pow" or "I Gotta Feeling" holding the No. 1 spot.
October 2009: Opening Act for U2 360° Tour
In October 2009, the Black Eyed Peas opened for five concerts during the North America leg of U2's 360° Tour.
December 15, 2009: Release of "Imma Be"
On December 15, 2009, "Imma Be" was released in the U.S. as the fourth single from their album "The E.N.D."
2009: Black Eyed Peas Achieve Unprecedented Chart Dominance
In a historic feat, the Black Eyed Peas held the number one and two spots on the Billboard Hot 100 simultaneously with their singles "Boom Boom Pow" and "I Gotta Feeling" in 2009. "I Gotta Feeling" also achieved record-breaking digital sales in the UK.
January 2010: Black Eyed Peas Win Three Grammy Awards
The Black Eyed Peas' success culminated in winning three Grammy Awards in January 2010, recognizing their contributions to the music industry.
January 31, 2010: Grammy Awards Performance and Wins
The Black Eyed Peas performed a mashup of "Imma Be"/"I Gotta Feeling" at the Grammy Awards on January 31, 2010, and won three awards out of six nominations.
March 30, 2010: First 3D Concert Broadcast
On March 30, 2010, the Black Eyed Peas became the first group to broadcast a concert live in 3D.
June 2010: Performance at 2010 FIFA World Cup Kick-Off Celebration
The Black Eyed Peas performed at the 2010 FIFA World Cup Kick-Off Celebration concert in South Africa in June 2010. The performance included the songs "Where is the Love?", "Pump It", "Meet me Halfway", "Boom Boom Pow", and "I Gotta Feeling."
July 2010: Performances at T in the Park and Oxegen
The Black Eyed Peas had multiple performances in July 2010, including at T in the Park and Oxegen in Kildare, Ireland.
July 27, 2010: Release of Remix Album: The E.N.D. Summer 2010
The Black Eyed Peas released "The E.N.D. Summer 2010 Canadian Invasion Tour: Remix Collection" on July 27, 2010, exclusively on iTunes in Canada.
October 20, 2010: Release of "The Time (Dirty Bit)"
On October 20, 2010, will.i.am used his Twitter to announce "The Time (Dirty Bit)", the first single from the album "The Beginning."
November 2010: Release of "The Beginning"
The Black Eyed Peas continued their musical journey with the release of their sixth studio album, "The Beginning," in November 2010.
November 26, 2010: Release of Sixth Studio Album: The Beginning
The Black Eyed Peas released their sixth studio album, "The Beginning," on November 26, 2010, which garnered mixed reviews.
December 2010: Appearance on The X Factor UK
In December 2010, the group appeared on the seventh season of The X Factor UK, where they performed "The Time (Dirty Bit)."
2010: Release of "Masters of the Sun Vol. 1"
Following the release of "The Beginning" in 2010, the Black Eyed Peas released their seventh studio album, "Masters of the Sun Vol. 1," on October 26, 2018.
February 6, 2011: Super Bowl XLV Halftime Show
The Black Eyed Peas headlined the Super Bowl XLV halftime show on February 6, 2011, making them one of the few artists to perform at both the Super Bowl and Grey Cup halftime shows.
February 2011: Super Bowl XLV Halftime Performance
The Black Eyed Peas performed during the Super Bowl XLV halftime show in February 2011, showcasing their electrifying performance style to a global audience.
February 18, 2011: Release of "Just Can't Get Enough"
"Just Can't Get Enough," the second single from "The Beginning," was released on February 18, 2011.
March 16, 2011: Release of Music Video for "Just Can't Get Enough"
The music video for "Just Can't Get Enough," filmed in Tokyo, was released on March 16, 2011.
April 2, 2011: Appearance at Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards
The Black Eyed Peas made an appearance on April 2, 2011, at the 24th Annual Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards.
May 10, 2011: Release of "Don't Stop the Party"
May 10, 2011, marked the release of both the single and music video for "Don't Stop the Party" on iTunes.
May 12, 2011: Premiere of "Don't Stop the Party" Music Video
The music video for "Don't Stop the Party" premiered on Vevo on May 12, 2011.
July 6, 2011: Announcement of Indefinite Hiatus
The Black Eyed Peas announced an indefinite hiatus on July 6, 2011, during a concert in Staffordshire, England.
July 2011: Peapod Adobe Youth Voices Founded
The Black Eyed Peas founded the Peapod Adobe Youth Voices school in July 2011 for teenagers in New York, giving them the chance to learn video production and music.
September 3, 2011: Benefit Concert in Minot, North Dakota
On September 3, 2011, the Black Eyed Peas held a benefit concert in Minot, North Dakota, to raise money for victims of the 2011 Souris River flood.
September 30, 2011: "Chase Presents The Black Eyed Peas and Friends" Charity Concert
The Black Eyed Peas performed at a free concert titled "Chase Presents The Black Eyed Peas and Friends" on September 30, 2011. The performance was held in New York City's Central Park for over 50,000 people.
November 11, 2011: The Black Eyed Peas Experience Released
The Black Eyed Peas Experience, a dance video game developed by Ubisoft for Kinect and Wii, was released internationally on November 11, 2011.
November 23, 2011: Final Performance of The Beginning Tour
The Black Eyed Peas wrapped up The Beginning Tour with their last performance on November 23, 2011, in Miami.
2015: Fergie's Last Live Performance with the Group
Fergie's last live performance with the Black Eyed Peas took place in 2015.
2015: Black Eyed Peas Reunite After Hiatus
Following a period of pursuing individual projects, the Black Eyed Peas reunited in 2015, much to the excitement of their fans.
2015: Planned Return, "Awesome" for NBA Playoffs, and "Yesterday" Release
In 2015, will.i.am hinted at a Black Eyed Peas reunion. They released "Awesome" for the NBA playoffs and premiered "Yesterday" on Apple Music, both without Fergie, raising questions about her involvement.
2015: Fergie Makes Sporadic Appearances
Prior to her official departure, Fergie's involvement with the Black Eyed Peas had become sporadic since their 2015 reunion.
August 31, 2016: Release of "#WHERESTHELOVE?"
On August 31, 2016, the Black Eyed Peas released a new version of their 2003 song "Where Is the Love?", titled "#WHERESTHELOVE?", featuring various artists.
June 3, 2017: Performance at UEFA Champions League Final
The Black Eyed Peas performed at the opening ceremony of the UEFA Champions League Final in Cardiff, Wales, on June 3, 2017.
June 4, 2017: Rumors of Fergie's Departure and Announcement of Her Hiatus
On June 4, 2017, rumors of Fergie leaving the Black Eyed Peas surfaced. While initially denied, it was later confirmed she was taking a break to focus on her solo career.
January 9, 2018: Release of "Street Livin'"
The Black Eyed Peas released "Street Livin'," their first single without Fergie, on January 9, 2018.
February 18, 2018: Confirmation of Fergie's Departure
will.i.am officially confirmed Fergie's departure from the Black Eyed Peas on February 18, 2018, in an interview.
May 17, 2018: Release of "Ring the Alarm"
On May 17, 2018, the Black Eyed Peas released the single "Ring the Alarm."
July 10, 2018: Release of "Get It"
The Black Eyed Peas released the single "Get It" on July 10, 2018.
August 30, 2018: Release of "Constant pt. 1 and 2" Music Video
The music video for "Constant pt. 1 and 2" was released on YouTube on August 30, 2018.
September 12, 2018: Release of "Big Love"
"Big Love," another single by the Black Eyed Peas, dropped on September 12, 2018.
October 25, 2018: Release of "Dopeness"
The Black Eyed Peas, featuring CL, released their single "Dopeness" on October 25, 2018.
2018: Fergie Departs, J. Rey Soul Joins
Fergie's departure from the Black Eyed Peas was announced in 2018. J. Rey Soul subsequently joined the group, initially for touring and later as a featured artist.
2018: Performance at AFL Grand Final
The Black Eyed Peas were part of the pre-game entertainment at the AFL Grand Final in 2018.
October 11, 2019: "Ritmo (Bad Boys for Life)" Released
On October 11, 2019, the Black Eyed Peas released "Ritmo (Bad Boys for Life)", their first single since 2011 and the first from the soundtrack for the movie Bad Boys for Life.
2019: Performance at Southeast Asian Games Closing Ceremony
The Black Eyed Peas performed at the closing ceremony of the 2019 Southeast Asian Games in the Philippines.
2019: Performance at Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
Performing their hit "Ritmo (Bad Boys For Life)", the Black Eyed Peas appeared on the NHL float during the 93rd Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in 2019.
April 10, 2020: "Mamacita" Released
The Black Eyed Peas released "Mamacita," featuring J. Rey Soul and rapper Ozuna on April 10, 2020.
May 19, 2020: Reynoso Discusses Upcoming Album
On May 19, 2020, Reynoso gave an interview with Billboard where he discussed their upcoming eighth album, hinting at Afrobeat, Latin, and dance influences.
June 11, 2020: Translation Tracklist and Release Date Revealed
The Black Eyed Peas officially revealed the tracklist and title of their upcoming eighth album, Translation, on June 11, 2020, announcing its release date as June 19.
June 2020: Release of "Translation"
The Black Eyed Peas, now a trio, released their eighth studio album, "Translation," in June 2020, demonstrating their evolution as a group.
August 30, 2020: Black Eyed Peas Close Out MTV VMAs
The Black Eyed Peas performed "Ritmo" at the 2020 MTV Video Music Awards on August 30, 2020, marking the end of the show.
October 27, 2022: Ninth Studio Album Announced
The Black Eyed Peas took to social media on October 27, 2022, to announce their ninth studio album, Elevation, which would release on November 11, 2022.
November 11, 2022: Elevation Released
Elevation, the Black Eyed Peas' ninth studio album, was officially released on November 11, 2022.
November 2022: Release of "Elevation"
The Black Eyed Peas further solidified their legacy with the release of their ninth studio album, "Elevation," in November 2022.
November 27, 2022: Performance on Wonderful World of Disney
On November 27, 2022, the Black Eyed Peas performed "I Gotta Feeling" and "A Cold Christmas" on the Wonderful World of Disney: Magic Holiday Celebration television holiday special which aired on ABC.