The Black Eyed Peas began in 1989 as the rap duo of will.i.am and Apl.de.ap in the Los Angeles area. Black Eyed Peas originally performed under the name Atban Klann.
In 1995, the band was reformed under the name Black Eyed Peas, and Taboo joined the group. At that time, Kim Hill was the group's backup singer. The Black Eyed Peas continued performing locally through the mid-90s, until being signed by Interscope Records in 1998.
After signing with Interscope, Black Eyed Peas released their debut album, Behind the Front, in 1998 to wide critical acclaim, and had several singles in the Top 100 in the US, England and Australia.
Black Eyed Peas' breakthrough album Elephunk was released in 2003. This album featured the addition of Fergie to the group, replacing Kim Hill. From this album, the Black Eyed Peas had several number 1 hit singles in the US and abroad, as well as a Best Rap Performance Grammy, and four additional nominations.
In 2005, the Black Eyed Peas released their followup album, Monkey Business. 7 singles have been released off of this album, earning the Black Eyed Peas four Grammy nominations in 2006, with a Grammy for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group, their second Grammy in that category in as many years.