three is a whole number, And taboo, will.i.m And apl.de.ap – that make up Black Eyed Peas – They know it very well.
“But I, Will and APL have been friends for life, since we were 17,” Tabu tells us, from the beginning in Los Angeles in 1995. Despite the hardships and the passage of time, the Black Eyed Peas – who They’ll be attending four Italian festivals this summer — has seriously hammered itself into the playlist of anyone born between the ’90s and 2000s (and beyond). Unforgettable and unforgettable hit, millions of copies sold globally and many accolades.
His secret to such long-lasting success? “Our friendship. Our strength is that we always push each other forward, always curious about the news and what’s happening around the world on a musical, technical, artistic and stylistic level”, assures Tabu. 2014, who after fighting for his life, is now here to stay and leave a very important legacy. Which isn’t it, it’s just not musical.
Here is an excerpt from the interview which you can read in full in the July/August issue of Billboard Italia,
Taboo Interview
Your career started in 1995, but all these years you have always been on the crest of the wave. What is your biggest incentive for achieving new goals?
I think it is only friendship that connects us. Me, Will and APL have been best friends for a lifetime. The Black Eyed Peas were born in 1995 but we met as teenagers at the age of 17. I think the secret is to always inspire each other, be curious about the news and what’s happening around the world on a musical, technical, artistic and stylistic level.
What always stays with us is the energy, the spirit – even the competitive one – to always be involved. It’s allowed us to continue to grow, and that’s the best thing about the group. We always try to look back on the past, but never forget that we are in 2023!
You can’t repeat the past, you always have to move forward, and it’s great that our fans are open to what we’re doing now.
Speaking of which, over the years you have always reinvented yourself in terms of sound as well. What impresses you the most?
Will definitely get a chance to travel the world. See what’s trending in different countries, check out the nightlife in the clubs, hear what the DJs are playing and understand what draws people in. We never think we know everything because we’re the Black Eyed Peas, we’re always looking to learn and have always been a bridge between many genres from pop to latin to hip hop and EDM.
We really love absorbing the energy of other artists, for example J Balvin, Rosalia, Maluma, Ozuna, Shakira, Bad Bunny. All artists who have had a huge impact on the Latin world. This is the essence of music: to be inspired and execute your craft. Hip hop itself is based on this principle. Then, beyond everything else, we will always be the Black Eyed Peas with our precise and recognizable style.
And indeed you are one of those rap groups that have resisted the times despite the hardships you have faced.
That’s right, our strength is the three of us. Different sound, but still us. We changed women’s voices too, but the issue was always me, Will and APL. And then the songs. They are the ones that keep up with the times, and we will always showcase them because they represent who we are. The best thing about our relationship is that things may change, but what will never change is that the Black Eyed Peas are family!
What do you think is the most important thing you have left for the new generations?
I hope to leave something else for my children, and I’m not just talking about repertoire. I have three children whose age is 14, 11 and 7 years respectively. The legacy I want to leave for them is the idea that I was a good person, a good example, a good husband, and a good father. Artistically, I hope they recognize the contribution I have made to my culture. This is the most important thing for me.
I hope young people understand the fact that we have always been ourselves, without changing for anyone, whether they like it or not. I was diagnosed with cancer in 2014 and fought for my life. Now, in 2023, we are here with new music and we look forward to continuing to make great albums and great tours. Here, I would like us to be remembered as the people who always know how to surprise the public. That would be pretty cool.
What was your dream when you started with the Black Eyed Peas?
My dream was to take care of my son and I did. I became a father very early, at the age of 17, I was in a very struggling phase and this was my only wish. I had just graduated from high school, worked at Disneyland, and performed with the Black Eyed Peas in the evenings.
My dream was not “I want to buy myself a big car” or “I want to buy myself a diamond necklace”. It was just taking care of my son. It was the only thing I thought about. I grew up without a father and I promised myself that I would always be there for my kids and would do anything for them. Today, I am proud to be an example to my children as they are the reason I live.
