Will.i.am

William James Adams, Jr. (born March 15, 1975), better known by his stage name Will.i.am (will-i-am) and occasionally by his other stage name Zuper Blahq, is an American rapper, musician, songwriter, singer, actor, and producer. Will.i.am came to prominence in the 1990s as a member of the hip hop group The Black Eyed Peas along with rappers apl.de.ap and Taboo and R&B; singer Fergie. As a music producer, he has produced with other artists including Michael Jackson, Cheryl Cole, Daddy Yankee, and Usher. Will.i.am was born and raised in the projects of East Los Angeles, California. He never met his father, William Adams, Sr., and grew up with his mother, Debra, who encouraged him to be unique and to avoid conforming to the tendencies of the other youth in his East L.A. neighborhood. She encouraged him to begin working on his musical career by sending him to school in Pacific Palisades. While attending Palisades Charter High School, will.i.am became best friends with Allan Lindo.