# will.i.am

> American rapper, singer, and record producer (born 1975)

**Wikidata**: [Q185610](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q185610)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Will.i.am)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/will-i-am

## Summary
will.i.am is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, record producer, and entrepreneur born in 1975. He is best known as a founding member of the Black Eyed Peas and for his influential role in shaping modern hip-hop, pop, and electronic music. His work spans music production, technological innovation, and philanthropy, making him a prominent figure in both entertainment and tech industries.

## Biography
- **Born**: March 15, 1975 (as William James Adams Jr.)
- **Nationality**: American
- **Education**: Attended Palisades Charter High School; also associated with the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts
- **Known for**: Founding member of the Black Eyed Peas, solo music career, record production, and entrepreneurial ventures in technology and philanthropy
- **Employer(s)**: Black Eyed Peas, Interscope Records, will.i.am Music Group, Universal Music Group, Columbia Records
- **Field(s)**: Music (hip-hop, pop, electronic), technology, entrepreneurship, philanthropy

## Contributions
### Music Career
- **Black Eyed Peas**: Co-founded the group in 1995, contributing to albums like *Elephunk* (2003), *Monkey Business* (2005), and *The E.N.D.* (2009), which produced global hits such as "Where Is the Love?" and "I Gotta Feeling."
- **Solo Work**: Released albums including *Songs About Girls* (2007) and *#willpower* (2013), blending hip-hop, pop, and electronic influences.
- **Production**: Produced tracks for artists like Michael Jackson, Britney Spears, and Usher, shaping the sound of 2000s pop and hip-hop.

### Entrepreneurship and Technology
- **will.i.am Music Group**: Founded in 1998, this record label has been a platform for emerging artists and innovative music projects.
- **Tech Ventures**: Invested in and developed technologies like the Puls smartwatch and AI-driven music tools, bridging music and tech industries.
- **Philanthropy**: Established the i.am.angel Foundation, focusing on STEM education and youth empowerment in underserved communities.

### Awards and Recognition
- **Grammy Awards**: Won multiple Grammys with the Black Eyed Peas and as a producer.
- **NAACP Image Awards**: Recognized for contributions to music and culture.
- **Billboard Music Awards**: Honored for chart-topping successes and industry influence.

## FAQs
**What is will.i.am best known for?**
will.i.am is best known as a founding member of the Black Eyed Peas, a group that revolutionized hip-hop and pop music with hits like "Where Is the Love?" and "I Gotta Feeling." He is also recognized for his solo career, entrepreneurial ventures, and philanthropic work.

**What are some of will.i.am's notable musical contributions?**
He co-founded the Black Eyed Peas in 1995 and contributed to albums like *Elephunk* and *The E.N.D.*, which produced global hits. As a solo artist, he released albums like *Songs About Girls* and *#willpower*, blending hip-hop, pop, and electronic music.

**What entrepreneurial ventures has will.i.am pursued?**
will.i.am founded the will.i.am Music Group in 1998 and has invested in technology ventures like the Puls smartwatch. He also established the i.am.angel Foundation to support STEM education and youth empowerment.

**What awards has will.i.am received?**
He has won multiple Grammy Awards with the Black Eyed Peas and as a producer. He has also been recognized with NAACP Image Awards and Billboard Music Awards for his contributions to music and culture.

**How has will.i.am influenced the music industry?**
will.i.am has shaped modern hip-hop and pop music through his work with the Black Eyed Peas and as a solo artist. His production work for artists like Michael Jackson and Britney Spears has also left a lasting impact on the industry.

## Why They Matter
will.i.am matters as a multifaceted artist and entrepreneur who has significantly influenced modern music and technology. His work with the Black Eyed Peas helped redefine hip-hop and pop music, making it more accessible and innovative. His entrepreneurial ventures, particularly in technology and philanthropy, demonstrate his commitment to innovation and social impact. His influence extends beyond music, shaping cultural trends and inspiring future generations of artists and entrepreneurs.

## Notable For
- Co-founding the Black Eyed Peas and contributing to their global success
- Producing hit albums and tracks for major artists like Michael Jackson and Britney Spears
- Founding the will.i.am Music Group and investing in technology ventures
- Establishing the i.am.angel Foundation to support STEM education and youth empowerment
- Winning multiple Grammy Awards and other prestigious music industry honors
- Blending hip-hop, pop, and electronic music to create innovative sounds
- Influencing cultural trends and inspiring future generations of artists and entrepreneurs

## Body
### Early Life and Education
will.i.am was born William James Adams Jr. on March 15, 1975. He attended Palisades Charter High School and was also associated with the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts. His early exposure to music and technology laid the foundation for his future career.

### Music Career
#### Black Eyed Peas
will.i.am co-founded the Black Eyed Peas in 1995. The group gained international fame with albums like *Elephunk* (2003), *Monkey Business* (2005), and *The E.N.D.* (2009). Their hits, including "Where Is the Love?" and "I Gotta Feeling," became global anthems, blending hip-hop, pop, and electronic influences.

#### Solo Work
As a solo artist, will.i.am released albums such as *Songs About Girls* (2007) and *#willpower* (2013). His solo work showcased his versatility and innovation, further cementing his status as a prominent figure in the music industry.

#### Production
will.i.am has produced tracks for major artists like Michael Jackson, Britney Spears, and Usher. His production work has been instrumental in shaping the sound of 2000s pop and hip-hop, earning him critical acclaim and commercial success.

### Entrepreneurship and Technology
#### will.i.am Music Group
Founded in 1998, the will.i.am Music Group has been a platform for emerging artists and innovative music projects. The label reflects will.i.am's commitment to fostering new talent and pushing the boundaries of music production.

#### Tech Ventures
will.i.am has invested in and developed technologies like the Puls smartwatch, which integrates music and tech. His ventures aim to bridge the gap between entertainment and technology, creating innovative products that enhance user experiences.

#### Philanthropy
Through the i.am.angel Foundation, will.i.am focuses on STEM education and youth empowerment in underserved communities. His philanthropic efforts demonstrate his commitment to social impact and inspiring future generations.

### Awards and Recognition
will.i.am has won multiple Grammy Awards with the Black Eyed Peas and as a producer. He has also been recognized with NAACP Image Awards and Billboard Music Awards for his contributions to music and culture. These accolades highlight his significant impact on the industry.

### Influence and Legacy
will.i.am's influence extends beyond music, shaping cultural trends and inspiring future generations of artists and entrepreneurs. His work with the Black Eyed Peas and his solo career have redefined hip-hop and pop music, making it more accessible and innovative. His entrepreneurial ventures and philanthropic efforts further demonstrate his commitment to innovation and social impact.

## References

1. [Source](https://www.biography.com/musician/will-i-am)
2. Integrated Authority File
3. [Source](https://www.globenewswire.com/en/news-release/2008/06/16/1062030/0/en/will-i-am-s-Yes-We-Can-Song-Video-Awarded-Emmy-R-for-New-Approaches-in-Daytime-Entertainment.html)
4. [Source](http://awardsandwinners.com/category/naacp-image-award/2009/)
5. [Source](https://www.grammy.com/grammys/artists/william/367)
6. [Source](http://awardsandwinners.com/category/billboard-music-award/2011/)
7. [Source](https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2016/01/meet-the-davos-2016-crystal-award-winners/)
8. [Source](https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/events/flagship-event/global-citizen-awards/previous-gca-recipients/)
9. International Standard Name Identifier
10. MusicBrainz
11. Virtual International Authority File
12. BnF authorities
13. [Source](https://www.mtv.com/news/1526496/justin-william-outkast-give-big-love-to-macy-gray/)
14. Internet Speculative Fiction Database
15. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
16. [Source](https://www.vice.com/en/article/wd7k44/remembering-merry-motherfckin-christmas-eazy-e-insane-christmas-song-that-gave-william-his-start)
17. Discogs
18. [Source](http://www.mtv.com/news/1653727/william-reveals-he-has-tinnitus-ringing-in-the-ears/)
19. [Source](https://www.contactmusic.com/black-eyed-peas/news/will-i-am-has-adhd_3632017)
20. FII 3rd Edition in Riyadh Program
21. Davos 2018 Participant List
22. Davos 2019 Participant List
23. Davos 2022 Participant List
24. Davos 2020 Participant List
25. [Source](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/force-of-will/EQA5HJJLREASNWHKJUCGSIR3QY/?c_id=1501119&objectid=10575273)
26. [Source](https://plantbasednews.org/news/celebrities/william-praises-plant-based-diet-invests-in-vegan-cbd/)
27. BBC Things
28. ISWC Network
29. The Guardian
30. [Xupermask. 2021](https://hdl.handle.net/21.12135/obj9786)
31. YouTube API
32. [Source](https://www.podchaser.com/creators/william-107a96SdNa/appearances)
33. [will.i.am | World Economic Forum](https://www.weforum.org/people/william-adams/)
34. The Movie Database
35. [Internet Domains Wikibase](https://domains.wikibase.cloud/entity/Q137271)