"Hip-hop culture is probably one of the most powerful things to come out of America in a long time – everything from the music to the art to the dance to the language."

• Born William James Adams on March 15, 1975, in Los Angeles, California
   
• Best known as a founding member of The Black Eyed Peas, will.i.am is also an accomplished solo artist and producer. His second solo album, 2003's Must B 21, featured the hit song "Go!" which was featured in the video games NBA Live 2005 and Madden NFL 2005.
   
• will.i.am won his first GRAMMY for 2004 alongside his Black Eyed Peas bandmates for Best Rap Performance By A Duo Or Group for "Let's Get it Started."
   
• Did you know? will.i.am is the nephew of Lynn Cain, a former Atlanta Falcons player. 
   
• will.i.am is a strong supporter of GRAMMY Camp, and starred in a PSA for the program in 2011.

• will.i.am launched the i.am.angel Foundation in 2009 to "TRANS4M lives through education, inspiration, and opportunity." The program gives college scholarships and resources and opportunities in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education.