William James Adams, known professionally as
will.i.am, is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, record producer, entrepreneur, and actor. He is best known as the frontman of the musical group Black Eyed Peas, which he formed in 1995 with his close friends apl.de.ap and Taboo. The group, having released nine total studio albums, saw their furthest mainstream success during their 2000s pop rap era with
Elephunk (2003),
Monkey Business (2005),
The E.N.D. (2009), and
The Beginning (2010). Adams has served as lead vocalist since its formation, although for the albums, he did so alongside singer Fergie—who joined the group in 2002 and departed after the latter album.