The Bite Magazine - Spring/Summer 2024 - Issue 35

bitemusicceleb More successful albums followed with Monkey Business in 2005, The E.N.D (Energy Never Dies) in 2009, and The Beginning in 2010, producing chart-topping singles such as ‘Boom Boom Pow’, ‘I Gotta Feeling’ and ‘Imma Be’. Their music videos, live performances, and innovative use of tech- nology helped solidify their status as global superstars. After performing at the Super Bowl XLV halftime show in February 2011, the group went on an indefinite hiatus to pursue other activities. “We always have two cycles of records, and then we take a break,” will.i.am explained. “And then two cycles of records and then a break. When we take breaks, we work on side pro- jects and get our personal stuff in order, then come back and make beautiful music.” The musician and record producer worked on his fourth solo album, willpower , and released the lead single ‘T.H.E (The Hardest Ever)’ during the American Music Awards that year. He’s contributed to the reality music contest The Voice UK since 2012. Fergie planned to start a family with her then-husband, actor Josh Duhamel, while Filipino-American apl.de.ap focused on his duties as ambassador for education in the Philippines, ac- cording to Reuter s. Mexican descent Taboo, who had released an autobiography earlier that year, spent time with his family, welcoming a second child, Journey, with wife Jaymie Dixon, joining their son Jimmy and his son Joshua from a previous marriage. Talking about his solo album in an interview with NRJ , will.i.am revealed that Black Eyed Peas will start recording sessions for their seventh studio album in 2015. He further confirmed on Capital Breakfast the group would reform in the same year for their 20th anniversary. Their 2018 album Masters of the Sun Vol 1 marked a return to a more socially conscious and politically charged style, reminiscent of their early work, bar Fergie, who left the group in 2017 to concen- trate on motherhood. “We love her, and she’s focusing on being a mom. That’s a hard job, and that’s what she wants to do. We’re here for her, and she knows how to contact us for a retreat or a breakaway,” will.i.am told Billboard . “We try to keep in touch. We occa- sionally say our hellos, happy birthdays, Merry Christmas, and Happy Easter. She knows where we’re at! We’re at the studio.” Filipino-American singer J. Rey Soul, who participat- ed in the first season of The Voice of the Philippines , took over the vocals. The solo artist and front woman described performing with the Black Eyed Peas as being like an athlete because “we’re on stage for two hours, running around singing simultane- ously. And I’m doing it in heels.” She also told Tatler Asia , “I am blessed to be of service and to be able to create with such legends. They’re like my big brothers! We have fun, and I can talk to them about anything. They also taught me a lot about the importance of work ethic.”