Black Eyed Peas' earliest connections go back to high school, when will.i.am and apl.de.ap were part of Tribal Nation, a breakdancing crew. Since they both more focused on hip-hop music, they split off and formed their own group as Atban Klann, the acronym for A Tribe Beyond a Nation.

In 1992, the group signed a deal with Eazy-E's Ruthless Records. Although an album was recorded, Ruthless Records put it on hold, unsure how to market the group. Following the death of Eazy-E in 1995, Ruthless Records ended the deal with the group.

will and apl then recruited another dancer/MC, Taboo, and reappeared as Black Eyed Peas. The group began playing shows around Los Angeles, impressing hip-hop fans with their mike skills and dazzling them with their footwork as well.

In 1998, Black Eyed Peas’ debut album, Behind the Front, was released and gained acclaim, not only for the trio of MCs, but for their live band and backing vocalist Kim Hill as well. In 2000, the group released their second album, Bridging the Gap, featuring guest appearances like De La Soul and Macy Gray.

In 2003, the group released their third album, Elephunk, featuring a new member Fergie, who replaced Kim Hill. The album became their biggest hit so far, storming the Top 40 with three singles, ‘Where Is the Love?’, ‘Hey Mama’, ‘Let's Get It Started’. Two years later, the group returned with a heavily crossover album, Monkey Business.