Side Hustles
MEMBERS OF THE BLACK EYED PEAS HAVE CARVED OUT NICHES IN BUSINESS AND PHILANTHROPY DURING THEIR DOWNTIME FROM TOURING AND RECORDING TOGETHER. WHAT EACH ARTIST HAS BEEN UP TO OUTSIDE THE GROUP
APL.DE.AP
Apl was born clinically blind but received early treatment for his eyes in the United States from the Pearl S. Buck Foundation. The experience led him to found the Apl.de.ap Foundation, which supports Filipino youth by partnering with organizations that focus on computer technology, the arts and eye care. As a coach on The Voice Philippines, he has mentored new artists — the group’s latest member and female vocalist, J. Rey Soul, competed on Apl’s Voice Philippines team in 2013 during the series’ first season.
TABOO
WILL.I.AM
After battling stage two testicular cancer, Taboo has become an advocate for better health care, particularly in Indigenous communities. His 2016 single, “The Fight,” was made in partner- ship with the American Cancer Society, for which Taboo is a global ambassador. His autobiography,
Fallin’ Up, was published by Simon & Schuster in 2011, and his solo music has appeared in films including Legally Blonde and Coach Carter. In 2020, he worked with Marvel to develop a new volume of the comic Werewolf by Night, which he co-wrote alongside Benjamin Jackendoff.
As a superproducer, will.i.am has racked up credits with Rihanna, Justin Bieber and Britney Spears, among others, earning him seven Grammy Awards, an Emmy and a CLIO Award. He has also served as a judge on The Voice UK and The Voice Australia. In 2012, he launched an artificial intelligence-focused tech startup, I.am+, based in West Hollywood that helps companies develop human-like customer service experiences. His i.am Angel Foundation, launched in 2009, is devoted to providing scholarships, preparation and opportunities in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, math) to kids in Los Angeles and earned him the World Economic Forum’s 2016 Crystal Award for leadership in creating education opportunities for the underserved.