Will.i.am Biography and Philanthropic Initiatives

will.i.am will.i.am, a multi-faceted entertainer and creative innovator, is a seven-time Grammy Award winner. Known for his work with The Black Eyed Peas, who have sold 31 million albums and 58 million singles worldwide, he also works with some of the industry’s biggest names including Michael Jackson, Rihanna, Usher, Nicki Minaj, Britney Spears, David Guetta, and film composer Hans Zimmer. Frontman and founder of The Black Eyed Peas will.i.am has released two songs from his upcoming solo cd, #willpower on Interscope Records. The first two singles from the cd released in 2012 are: “T.H.E (The Hardest Ever),” featuring Mick Jagger and Jennifer Lopez, and number one hit song in the UK, “This is Love” featuring Eva Simons. His songs and imagery have entertained and inspired millions, and the power of his words resonated deeply in his song “Yes We Can” that mobilized an entire generation to action during the 2008 presidential campaign. Demonstrating that music, brands and causes can be intertwined to entertain and inform, “Yes We Can” garnered an Emmy Award for “Best New Approaches in Daytime Entertainment.” In 2011, will.i.am executive produced and starred in his first prime time TV special “i.am FIRST: Science is Rock and Roll” to get young people excited about math and science education, as well as technology and science-related careers. Earlier this year he starred as a Coach on the hit reality TV show, “The Voice” UK edition on BBC One. While in London, will.i.am was a featured performer in “Concert for The Queen” in celebration of Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee. As a musician, producer, director and advocate for education, he is an enthusiastic user of technologies in both his professional and personal lives. In recognition of his ability to harness technology to enhance entertainment, creativity and communication, Intel Corporation appointed will as Director of Creative Innovation in 2011. In collaboration with The Coca-Cola Company, will.i.am is on a mission to elevate the importance of recycling and to turn waste into a valued commodity through his EKOCYCLE brand. Launched in July, 2012, EKOCYCLE will give consumers more stylish options when shopping for fashion apparel, accessories and sporting goods that incorporate recycled plastic bottles and aluminum cans. With a commitment to inspire kids to stay in school and go to college to become the leaders of tomorrow, will.i.am advocates regarding the importance and power of a good education through his i.am angel foundation’s i.am scholarship. The i.am scholarship provides future leaders and innovators with comprehensive financial assistance to complete post-secondary education. The i.am angel foundation is also active in the U.K. through a STEM education and computer skills joint initiative with The Prince’s Trust. Recognized and honored by numerous industry organizations, will.i.am is the recipient of multiple Grammy Awards, a Latin Grammy Award, an Emmy Award, two NAACP Image Awards, a VH1 Do Something Award, the BMI President’s Award and a 2008 Webby Award. HOUSE_OVERSIGHT_017561