Will.i.am, born William James Adams Jr. on March 15, 1975, in Los Angeles, California, is an American musician, rapper, songwriter, producer, and entrepreneur. He first gained widespread recognition as a founding member of the Black Eyed Peas, a hip-hop group that rose to global fame in the early 2000s with chart-topping hits such as "Where Is the Love," "I Gotta Feeling," and "Boom Boom Pow." Before his mainstream success, will.i.am was part of the Los Angeles-based group Atban Klann, which laid the groundwork for the formation of the Black Eyed Peas. Throughout his career, he has released solo albums, including "Songs About Girls" and "#willpower," and collaborated with a wide range of artists across genres, including Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake, and Michael Jackson. In addition to his musical achievements, will.i.am is known for his interest in technology and innovation. He has launched several tech ventures and has been an advocate for science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) education. He has also served as a judge and coach on televised competition shows such as The Voice UK and The Voice Australia, using his platform to mentor aspiring artists. Will.i.am is recognized not just for his artistic talents but also for his philanthropy and efforts to inspire youth through education and technology. His diverse pursuits have positioned him as a unique and influential figure in both the music industry and the world of innovation.