Can you believe that the Black Eyed Peas are on their ninth album?! The iconic music group’s latest release “Elevation” features 15 songs, including a collaboration with Nicole Scherzinger titled "No One Loves Me" and two collaborations with affiliated singer J. Rey Soul titled: “Filipina Queen” and “Double D’z.”
Similar to their trademarked formula that has been bringing the collective global success for two decades, their latest release features sonic influence from different genres. "We were behind the front, then we bridged the gap. We rode an elephant's back to realize the industry was full of monkey business. That was the end, but the end is new beginnings," Black Eyed Peas member Will.i.am said of the new record.
Check out some of our favorite tracks from “Elevation” below!
BEP has been together for 25 years and are still going strong. The group along with J. Rey Soul closed out the Good Morning America Concert Series Stage this last week with bangers. The summer concert series hosts artists throughout the season in the heart of Central Park.
They performed 5 songs ranging from their new tracks to their hit songs like "I Got a Feeling" and "Let's Get It Started." They also talked with Michael Strahan on the key to their success by staying students of the craft and the game. They also have a have an upcoming remix album coming soon where they're collaborating with Shakira and Farruko. Check out all their performances below!
Cover Photo Credit: Good Morning America Instagram
Get down with Black Eyed Peas and J Rey Soul for the Where Is the Love livestream on October 2nd. They'll be taking the stage at one of the coolest places in the world, the Pyramids in Giza, Egypt. The view and scenery will be incredible. The event is in collaboration with LIVEnow, a platform destination for your favorite live experiences bringing sports, concerts, workouts, and much more to screens around the world.
You don't want to miss out so grab your passes now! With 3 tiers of passes everyone can tune in. You can get a standard, VIP Backstage Pass, or VVIP Limited Edition Pass with each providing a unique experience.
According to LIVEnow, the night will be a celebration of music, love, and unity. Pass holders will experience the love together with other fans across the world. Everyone can get involved by posting a photo and holding a special message like a quote, message for a special someone, or anything positive.
We're not the only ones excited, but the crew got to sightsee a little before gearing up for the show. They may be used to performing all over the world at great venues, but this is a special one for them.
J Rey Soul showed us some of the places she visited like landmarks, ruins, and hieroglyphics. She is stoked to be experiencing history and walking through time. Not gonna lie, we are having a little FOMO. We'll just have to tune in on October 2nd to pretend we're with them.
Cover Photo Credit: Black Eyed Peas Facebook
The Global Citizen Live event took place over the weekend spanning across 8 cities with performances from all the artists you could imagine for 24 hours. The event aimed to unit the world to defend the planet and defeat poverty. The broadcast featured artists, celebrities and world leaders coming together to create change and impact climate and poverty. Those who were part of the line up include: Black Eyed Peas, H.E.R. Coldplay, Stevie Wonder, Stormzy, Shawn Mendes, Camila Cabello, Ed Sheeran, and more!
With performances from all over the world, including: Lagos, London, Los Angeles, New York City, Paris, Rio de Janeiro, Seoul, and Sydney, Global Citizen Live is part of Global Citizen’s 2021 global campaign, a Recovery Plan for the World. The Recovery Plan focuses on five key objectives: ending COVID-19 for all, ending the hunger crisis, resuming learning for all, protecting the planet, and advancing equity for all.
Check out some of the performances from Black Eyed Peas and H.E.R.
BEP performed their set live from Paris and you know they had to sing their unity anthem "Where Is the Love." J Rey Soul and apl.de.ap killed the set and it's just so nice to see live shows happening again.
They had a full set and performed some of their hits like "Pump It," "Let's Get It Started," "Hit It," and tons more!
On the West Coast, H.E.R. performed an inspirational set with tracks, "Hold On," "Fight for You," which is an Oscar winner for Best Original Song, and "We Made It."
A surprise we did not see coming, but needed was H.E.R., Stevie Wonder, and Sheila E. finally meeting each other. Stevie Wonder praised H.E.R. for her rendition of "Love's In Need of Love Today" during the CNN event, "Shine a Light." We need some sort of collaboration soon!
Cover Photo Credit: Global Citizen Facebook
J Rey Soul came in hot onto the music scene with her first single with the Black Eyed Peas and Ozuna, "Mamacita" which has amassed over 285M views on YouTube alone. The Black Eyed Peas (co-founded by Apl.de.ap) were nominated for an astounding 8 awards alongside J Balvin, with Maluma and Bad Bunny topping the awards with 11 nominations. The iconic group nabbed 3 of those awards including Crossover Artist of the Year, Sales Song of the Year, and Latin Pop Song of the Year alongside J Rey Soul and Ozuna.
Apl.de.ap discovered a young 16-year old J Rey Soul (Jessica Reynoso) on The Voice Philippines in 2013. J Rey Soul has been touring globally with the Peas and has performed across the world after meeting APL on The Voice Philippines at the start of her career. She talked about some of her favorite moments on a MYX interview with DannieBoi last year in quarantine:
Check out the full list of winners below.
BILLBOARD 2021 LATIN MUSIC AWARDS WINNERS
Artista del Año / Artist of the Year:
Artista del Año, Debut / Artist of the Year, New:
Artista Crossover del Año / Crossover Artist of the Year:
SONG CATEGORIES
“Hot Latin Song” Canción del Año / Hot Latin Song of the Year:
“Hot Latin Song”, Colaboración Vocal del Año / Hot Latin Song of the Year, Vocal Event:
“Hot Latin Songs” Artista del Año, Masculino / Hot Latin Songs Artist of the Year, Male:
“Hot Latin Songs” Artista del Año, Femenina / Hot Latin Songs Artist of the Year, Female:
“Hot Latin Songs” Artista del Año, Dúo o Grupo / Hot Latin Songs Artist of the Year, Duo or Group:
“Hot Latin Songs” Sello Discográfico del Año / Hot Latin Songs Label of the Year:
“Hot Latin Songs” Casa Disquera del Año / Hot Latin Songs Imprint of the Year:
Canción del Año, Airplay /Airplay Song of the Year:
Sello Discográfico del Año, Airplay / Airplay Label of the Year:
Casa Disquera del Año, Airplay / Airplay Imprint of the Year:
Canción del Año, Ventas / Sales Song of the Year:
Canción del Año, Streaming / Streaming Song of the Year:
ALBUM CATEGORIES
“Top Latin Album” del Año /Top Latin Album of the Year:
“Top Latin Albums” Artista del Año, Masculino / Top Latin Albums Artist of the Year, Male:
“Top Latin Albums” Artista del Año, Femenina / Top Latin Albums Artist of the Year, Female:
“Top Latin Albums” Artista del Año Dúo o Grupo / Top Latin Albums Artist of the Year, Duo or Group:
“Top Latin Albums” Sello Discográfico del Año / Top Latin Albums Label of the Year:
"Top Latin Albums" Imprint del Año / Top Latin Albums Imprint of the Year:
LATIN POP CATEGORIES
Artista “Latin Pop” del Año, Solista / Latin Pop Artist of the Year, Solo:
Artista “Latin Pop” del Año, Dúo o Grupo / Latin Pop Artist of the Year, Duo or Group:
Canción “Latin Pop” del Año / Latin Pop Song of the Year:
“Latin Pop Airplay” Sello Discográfico del Año / Latin Pop Airplay Label of the Year:
“Latin Pop Airplay” Casa Disquera del Año / Latin Pop Airplay Imprint of the Year:
Álbum “Latin Pop” del Año / Latin Pop Album of the Year
“Latin Pop Albums” Sello Discográfico del Año /Latin Pop Albums Label of the Year:
“Latin Pop Albums” Casa Disquera del Año / Latin Pop Albums Imprint of the Year:
TROPICAL CATEGORIES
Artista Tropical del Año, Solista / Tropical Artist of the Year, Solo:
Artista Tropical del Año, Dúo o Grupo / Tropical Artist of the Year, Duo or Group:
Canción Tropical del Año / Tropical Song of the Year:
“Tropical Airplay” Sello Discográfico del Año /Tropical Airplay Label of the Year:
“Tropical Airplay” Casa Disquera del Año / Tropical Airplay Imprint of the Year:
Álbum Tropical del Año / Tropical Albums of the Year:
“Tropical Albums” Sello Discográfico del Año / Tropical Albums Label of the Year:
“Tropical Albums” Casa Disquera del Año / Tropical Albums Imprint of the Year:
REGIONAL MEXICAN CATEGORIES
Artista Regional Mexicano del Año, Solista /Regional Mexican Artist of the Year, Solo:
Artista Regional Mexicano del Año, Dúo o Grupo / Regional Mexican Artist of the Year, Duo or Group:
Canción Regional Mexicana del Año / Regional Mexican Song of the Year:
“Regional Mexican Airplay” Sello Discográfico del Año / Regional Mexican Airplay Label of the Year:
“Regional Mexican Airplay” Casa Disquera del Año / Regional Mexican Airplay Imprint of the Year:
Álbum Regional Mexicano del Año / Regional Mexican Albums of the Year:
“Regional Mexican Albums” Sello Discográfico del Año /Regional Mexican Albums Label of the Year:
“Regional Mexican Albums” Casa Disquera del Año / Regional Mexican Albums Imprint of the Year:
LATIN RHYTHM CATEGORIES
Artista “Latin Rhythm” del Año, solista / Latin Rhythm Artist of the Year, Solo:
Artista “Latin Rhythm” del Año, Dúo o Grupo / Latin Rhythm Artist of the Year, Duo or Group:
Canción “Latin Rhythm” del Año Latin / Rhythm Song of the Year:
“Latin Rhythm Airplay” Sello Discográfico del Año /Latin Rhythm Airplay Label of the Year:
“Latin Rhythm Airplay” Casa Disquera del Año /Latin Rhythm Airplay Imprint of the Year:
Álbum “Latin Rhythm” del Año / Latin Rhythm Album of the Year:
“Latin Rhythm Albums” Sello Discográfico del Año /Latin Rhythm Albums Label of the Year:
“Latin Rhythm Albums” Casa Disquera del Año /Latin Rhythm Albums Imprint of the Year:
WRITERS/PRODUCERS/PUBLISHERS CATEGORIES
Compositor del Año / Songwriter of the Year:
Editora del Año / Publisher of the Year:
Corporación Editora del Año / Publishing Corporation of the Year:
Productor del Año / Producer of the Year:
Born in San Pedro, Laguna, Philippines, currently living in LA, our national anthem singer is currently at the top of the Billboard charts with her single “Mamacita” with the Black Eyed Peas & Ozuna, it has over 157M plays on YouTube alone, please welcome J Rey Soul.
Cover photo courtesy of Black Eyed Peas Instagram
This past weekend during the Pacquiao and Ugás fight at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, J Rey Soul brought down the house with a beautiful and classic rendition of the Philippine National Anthem. She mentioned in an Instagram post that this moment was a dream her Father always had for her, and this past weekend she finally fulfilled it.
Her voice was not the only thing that stunned the crowd; her beautifully crafted dress did as well. But who was behind it all?
Fashion Designer Francis Libiran masterfully crafted J Rey Soul's dress. The dress was a modern multi-layered Philippine Terno. The piece was accentuated with intricate embroidery, pleated tulle, and Swarovski crystals. Francis also placed his signature art deco patterns for the sleeves and bodice.
J Rey Soul and Manny Pacquiao first met in 2019 at the LA Clippers Filipino Heritage Night when she performed alongside the Black Eyed Peas, Liane V., Jules Aurora, Jasmine V., and DJ Icy Ice.
Cover Photo Courtesy of: J Rey Soul Instagram
Black Eyed Peas does it again with another banger. They never miss and definitely HIT IT with this track that features our icy girl Saweetie and Lele Pons. The lyrics go "love you until you're satisfied" and we love and are definitely satisfied with this electronic, dance, funky tune. The music video is fire so check it out below.
Cover Photo Credit: Black Eyed Peas Facebook
The Black Eyed Peas has an illustrious career that has them trailblazing the music industry for 25 years. According to Billboard, the main trio of Will.I.Am., Taboo, and apl.de.ap are venturing into a new sound and taking over the Latin charts. With a multicultural background, they've reached a global audience and their music has translated worldwide. They talk about their career, their transition to Latin music for their second act, and their bond as friends and a band.
"The group has sold 12.4 million albums and garnered 2.5 billion streams and 48.8 million downloads in the United States, according to MRC Data. The Black Eyed Peas have earned six Grammy Awards out of 15 nominations, including wins for best pop vocal album in 2009 and consecutive wins for best rap performance by a duo or group for 'Let’s Get It Started' in 2004 and 'Don’t Phunk With My Heart' in 2005."
Inspired by A Tribe Called Quest and other jazz-rap fusion groups. Was the goal to have a crosscultural sound?
will.i.am: I always made music and rapped at people’s quinceañeras and birthday parties with DJ Gus and DJ Gil in our projects. When Apl came, we started going to these Filipino parties in Glendale because he was a dancer.
apl.de.ap: Dance was my first introduction to hip-hop. I saw break dancing in a Pepsi commercial and it blew my mind, so I started researching and practicing it. When I finally met Will, I showed him the “running man” and he said, “Yo, you should start rapping. If you can dance, you can rap.” I didn’t speak English, man. We would make beats on the tape deck and freestyle over the instrumentals. He said, “Just rhyme anything off the top of your head.” I only had one thing in my head — the ABCs in Tagalog [the national language of the Philippines] — and Will says, “You got it, man!”
Taboo, your role was more of as a hype man, right?
Taboo: I always looked at myself as the showman, trying to get the crowd involved. I learned that from pro wrestling and watching people like Hulk Hogan. I always knew what my energy was on the stage. I was going to transfer that energy even if I didn’t say one rap. As long as I controlled that part of the show, I was good with that. I looked at Will and Apl as my guides to be able to find myself as an entertainer, as an MC, as an entrepreneur.
What is your relationship to Fergie now?
will.i.am: She’s part of the family. Playing the Super Bowl was a big milestone because at the time that event didn’t program contemporary artists after the Janet Jackson wardrobe malfunction. It was between Black Eyed Peas and Bon Jovi, so I flew out to New Jersey with my DJ equipment for the pitch, and told them the Black Eyed Peas have always been safe. We take pride in bringing families to our show. And I did a little DJ set for them.
What was your goal with your latest album, Translation?
apl.de.ap: The way we approached Translation was with a DJ mentality. You could just play the whole album and let it roll for a party. Every song is bam, bam, bam.
Taboo: It forced us to go back into loving the hunger of the hunt. Going to the Billboard Latin Awards in Las Vegas and meeting Balvin on the red carpet, we were hunting.
will.i.am: And Shakira will always be my darling of “no good ideas ever get old,” because that song was from 2008. Translation did beyond what we thought was possible.
Although they have their day job, the trio are actively giving back. Apl.de.ap started the Apl.de.ap Foundation, which supports Filipino youth by partnering with organizations that focus on computer technology, the arts and eye care. Taboo battled stage two testicular cancer and since then he's become an advocate for better health care, particularly in Indigenous communities. Will.I.Am has the i.am Angel Foundation that launched in 2009. It is devoted to providing scholarships, preparation and opportunities in STEAM subjects to kids in Los Angeles. It earned him the World Economic Forum’s 2016 Crystal Award for leadership in creating education opportunities for the underserved.
The key to their career is to be a student and keep on learning. Will.I.Am emphasizes that humility is what allowed them to have success over and over again. They never gave up and kept going. There's more gas left in the tank for the Black Eyed Peas, they're just getting the party started.
Cover Photo Credit: Black Eyed Peas Twitter
In our MYX Global exclusive interview with TV Host/Artist Nicole Scherzinger, she dished on how she would go past the Black Eyed Peas dressing room when she used to tour with them singing their song "Weekends," apart of the WB reality show winning girl group, Eden's Crush. She eventually went on to join one of the biggest selling girl pop groups of all time and shows love to Fergie and fellow pinay J Rey Soul (Jessica Reynoso) currently singing lead with the group and killing it. J REY SOUL was recently nominated for a Latin Music Award. Below is a quick clip of Nicole talking about never trying Filipino food, we hope to bring her chicken adobo on the date of the new Guapdad 4000 "1176" album, 3/19.
Tune in Wednesday 6P PST 3/10 before OTWOL Episode #6 on MYX to watch the full interview with Nicole and Troy Laureta below:
For the first time, the superstar sings in her native Filipino language on Troy's new OPM album, Kaibigan out on Star Music. She shares stories of how they met through iconic musical director David Foster, the process of recording the difficult song, what it means to be a representation of us all in the entertainment mainstream having her unique skin color, growing up in Hawaii & much more.
Troy shares how he put together the album, why it was important for him to give back to his community and family, his appreciation for his sister Chessa and how he played OPM music while on tour or in concert with some of the biggest stars in the world like Ariana Grande & Justin Bieber. His mom has met all of these stars that he has been musical director for but it was meeting Sharon Cuneta for the first time that impressed her.
While you're waiting for the full interview, check out some of the highlights from the chat with Troy and Nicole below!
1. Nicole almost joined Black Eyed Peas as lead singer
When we first saw or heard about Ate Nicole, it was most likely because of the Pussycat Dolls. It was probably the first time we felt represented in mainstream media. However, before she became part of the girl group, she was in another girl group Eden Crush in early 2000s. Her group performed along with Black Eyed Peas and definitely tried to sing her way with the Black Eyed Peas before Fergie. Will.i.AM actually was interested in having Nicole as their lead. Nicole shares a story of when she used to sing by the Black Eyed Peas dressing room to get their attention. She says everything worked out in the end for everyone and now she’s excited to see another Filipina, J Rey Soul in the group.
“There’s silver linings and blessings in disguise.”
Nicole scherzinger
2. Nicole looks up to Lea Salonga, Paula Abdul, and Mariah
She recognized that growing she didn’t have a lot of people to look up to. “There’s a lot more role models today, but there wasn’t that available before.” Even then, there wasn’t much diversity in mainstream media. Performers like Paula Abdul and Mariah she mentions were different looking, but people who remind her of herself.
3. Dream of hers to give back because it’s a part of who she is
It is Ate Nicole’s dream to give back which is a big part of who she is. Although she's not as versed in Tagalog like Troy, being part of the Kaibigan: A Troy Laureta OPM Collective, Vol. 1 project allowed her to represent and give back to her roots, her people, and ancestry. She mentions that she couldn’t have done Pangako without the help of Troy and Chessa since it’s her first time singing in Tagalog.
“God gave me this voice for a reason and shining a light on where I come from.”
Nicole on her philanthropy
4. Growing up Hawaiian-Filipina shaped who she is now as a person
One thing you notice about Nicole is the pride she carries being a Filipina-Hawaiian descent. “It’s such a blessing because there’s not many Hawaiian-Filipinas out there.” However at an early age, she was raised in the mainland (usually what locals call continental U.S.) but would always go back home. She mentions that both cultures are similar in which the people have hearts of gold, loving people with rich cultures and heritages.
5. Troy chose Pangako for Nicole and it was her honor to sing it
We all know Ate Nicole is crazy talented, but she also has one of the most infectious energy. Like she mentioned, it’s a dream come true for her to sing in Tagalog and to do it with Troy Laureta who’s not only her musical director, but also friend. She admits that singing in Tagalog was a little intimidating but Troy and her sister Cheesa helped her through the process. She was grateful for their help as all she wanted was to do the song justice. We can say that she nailed it! Fun fact, she mentioned that the first person to congratulate her on the track was none other than apl.de.app!
“Part of the reason why God gave her this voice is to sing and perform songs like that (Pangako).”
6. Nicole geeked out when she first met Troy
When David Foster, yes the legendary David Foster was her music director, brought Nicole to one of Troy’s shows. Nicole was curious to see the talent who was David Foster’s music director. The experience she had watching Troy and the other singers perform was one of its kind. “I’ve never seen that kind of talent and voices that I had to know who arranged it.” Just like any of us, she fought her way backstage in hopes of introducing herself. It all came full circle as Troy is now her musical director and have been working together for a few years.
7, Troy asked Nicole to be part of Kaibigan project through a voice note
You know when you get nervous asking a friend for a favor and overthink it? Troy was definitely prepared for the whole situation with an hour long voice note. Troy said, “I was so nervous to ask Nicole because at that point we only knew each other for a year.” He had the idea to turn on spa music and left the voice. Nicole jokes that next time, he doesn’t have to ask her with an hour long, spa music message. She said she already considered him family and of course she wanted to do it. Please tell us the voice note is out there somewhere!
8. Nicole is a foodie just like us
If you’ve seen her Instagram, she loves her food just like us! Count us in on going on food trips with Ate Nicole. She admits she doesn’t know a lot of Filipino food because of her Hawaiian background, but would love to be educated on it. Of course we had to mention classic dishes like chicken adobo. Troy even vouched to make it for her next time they meet. It’s time to crank the spa or dance music and get to planning the next potluck as she gave us the invite to her front door! DJ Marlino is down to bring the arroz caldo and bicol express while Roslynn is bring the dessert with Magnolia ice cream! Lets also get Kuya apl.de.app to bring the vegan Filipino food!
9. Nicole visited the Philippines for philanthropy outreaches
She remembers visiting the Philippines with the Pussycat Dolls and feeling like the Beatles with all the love they received. While the contrast to that was when she worked with UNICEF and visited again to work with the children on the street. She came from humble beginnings and reminds everyone that anything is possible. It’s her honor to be a voice and light for our backgrounds and ancestors.
“I was looking in their eyes saying, ‘You look like me when I was growing up.’ "
Nicole leaves us with a valuable piece of advice, “Don’t forget who you are. God spent extra time on us Filipino blood. If you can really see it and believe it, dream it, it’ll happen and it’s possible.”
“We’re the hardest workers with the biggest hearts which will shine through and persevere at the end of the day. Keep shining.”
10. To round out the highlights from the interview, Nicole made one of DJ Marlino’s requests come true.
Before we let Troy and Nicole go, DJ Marlino asked if she could follow him on Instagram. Shoot your shot right? But now, we can say that Nicole Scherzinger follows the biggest Filipino hip-hop and R&B podcast in the world! While we’re here, don’t forget to also follow heavy rotation @heavyrotationfm on IG.
Excited for this MYXCLUSIVE interview to air soon. You'll discover things you never knew about the duo soon. Listen & stream Troy's Kaibigan album out now on all streaming platforms via Star Music.
