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
