Finding Gratitude in the Black Eyed Peas

Matthew Willar 

News Editor 

To my friends and family, whenever a song by the hip-hop and pop group Black Eyed Peas comes on, I am the first person who comes to their mind. The music that has been in my life since I was five years old, the group’s music has become something that guides my day-to-day decisions. 

My story with Black Eyed Peas is unique. I became inspired by the group in 2009, when my family was watching the “Today” show and the group performed their new single, “Boom Boom Pow.” 

I was admired by the group at just five years old, and after watching them perform, I began to watch their past music videos with my dad. 

The Black Eyed Peas are composed of rappers will.i.am (William Adams), apl.de.ap (Allan Pineda Lindo), and Taboo (Jamie Gomez). The group history dates back to 1988, when Adams and Pineda met and later became a part of the rap group, A.T.B.A.N. Klann from 1992-1995. 

Signed under Eazy-E’s label, Ruthless Records, Adams and Pineda were dropped from the label following his death in 1995. 

The duo then formed Black Eyed Peas in 1995 with Gomez. They performed with singer Kim Hill until 2000, and later added singer Fergie (Stacy Ferguson) in 2003, who helped them achieve mainstream success. 

During the COVID-19 pandemic, just like the rest of the world, I found myself struggling to find a passion. I created a fan page on Instagram, now known as BEP Nation, and within three months, became connected with Black Eyed Peas fans, known as peabodies, around the world. 

I began working on a podcast with my friend Charlie from the U.K., started researching the group’s history in-depth with my friend Sophie from the Netherlands, and gained a valuable connection with my friend Leoh from Argentina, who has given me numerous unforgettable experiences. 

I attended my first Black Eyed Peas concert in June of 2021 in Miami, and because of Leoh, got the opportunity to meet will.i.am, apl.de.ap, Taboo, and the group’s new singer, J. Rey Soul (Jessica Reynoso). 

After the show, will.i.am recognized me immediately from BEP Nation, and said to me, “It is such an honor to meet you.” 

He later took my phone and recorded a video, where he said, “Alright there’s this guy that’s like, online. He’s been a big supporter of the Black Eyed Peas for a long time, to the point, where he’s even titled his whole handle on IG as BEP Nation. And it’s a pleasure to finally meet in-person, BEP Nation what the what!” 

Being recognized by my biggest inspiration since I was five years old, meeting him in person, and having him express his appreciation for my support of the group, is something I will always hold the deepest gratitude for. 

Following this concert, I became involved with other peabodies in promoting the group on social media. But it wasn’t until March of 2024 that I got the opportunity to work with the group behind the scenes. 

Leoh, who previously worked directly with the group, recommended me to serve as a Research Manager with the group’s Creative Direction team. 

A role I freelance to this day, I have gained valuable connections and gotten to work directly with the group’s management in gathering content, providing expert insight into the group’s history, and developing digital marketing strategies for the group’s social media. 

I am forever grateful for this experience. As many people have their favorite artists who inspire them every day, just like the Black Eyed Peas do for me, it is an honor to be a small part of their current era of music. 

Whenever I need an escape from life or a pick-me-up, the group’s music is always there for me. And now getting to work with them and talk to will.i.am, apl.de.ap, and Taboo, both in-person and online, as a colleague, is something I will never take for granted. 

To the team that I work with, Liberty James, Asya Boutstanji, and Rachel Strassberger, I am incredibly honored to be your colleague. 

And to my fellow peabodies, Charlie, Leoh, Sophie, and the numerous others from across the world, our friendship is something I will value forever. I never thought that my love for “Boom Boom Pow” would lead to forever friendships and work. 

Black Eyed Peas are unique in the sense that they are popular across the globe. Peabodies like me come from across the world and get to experience a community that many other artists don’t have. Our forever loyalty, inspiration, and love for the group connect us on a deeper level than many other friendships we have in our lives. 

Despite changes in genre and style, one thing has remained consistent with the Black Eyed Peas that I appreciate: love. Every concert or performance they do, they perform “Where Is the Love?” which has remained an anthem that unites our world in times of sorrow or in need of uplifting. 

As they say, “We only got (One world, one world),” the message remains true today. The song reminds me of the importance of staying true to yourself, appreciating the world around you, and being inspired to achieve your dreams. 

I have learned from the Black Eyed Peas that whatever your dreams may be, if you put your heart and soul into it, you are on your way to something that will change your life forever. This holiday season, I am thankful for my second family, the people who uplift me, and guide me in navigating our ever changing world.