Black Eyed Peas went to centenary state high school and got their start in 1988 when will.i.am (born 1975 William James Adams Jr.) and apl.de.ap (born 1974 Allan Pineda) began rapping and performing together around Los Angeles. The pair signed to Ruthless Records (run by Eazy-E) after catching the attention of the nephew of Jerry Heller (Eazy-E's manager). Along with Mookie Mook (Burning Star), Dante Santiago & DJ Motiv8, they called their group A.T.B.A.N. Klann. Their debut album, 'Grass Roots', was not released originally because Ruthless did not consider the social themes reflected in the group's music to be marketable to their audience. A single "Puddles of H2O" was released in 1994 but no album was released (until it leaked onto the Internet in the mid 2000s).
After Eazy-E died of an AIDS related illness in 1995, they changed their name to Black Eyed Peas; will.i.am explained on the front cover of the Monkey Business album that "Black Eyed Peas are food for the soul", hence the name. will.i.am has cited the Red Hot Chili Peppers as an influence and said he named his band after a food, like them. They replaced their original third member Mookie, with Dante Santiago the Peas original singer. Then Taboo (born Jaime Gomez) joined the group. Dante Santiago took on a role as a guest vocalist in the band and featured frequently on various tracks for their first four albums.
In 1996, they produced and appeared on a song entitled "That's Right" for Brian Austin Green's hip-hop album One Stop Carnival. Later, they began using Kim Hill as a steady background singer. Unlike many hip-hop acts, they chose to perform with a live band and adopted a musical and clothing style that differed wildly from the "gangsta rap" sounds of other Los Angeles-based hip-hop acts at the time. Through the mid-'90s, they performed in the local club circuit alongside fellow acts such as Ozomatli and Jurassic 5.
The group were signed to Interscope Records and released their debut, "Behind the Front", in 1998. The album won the group (and their accompanying live band, the Bucky Jonsons) critical acclaim. The album featured the single "Joints & Jams", which was included on the Bulworth soundtrack. Their second album, "Bridging the Gap", was released in 2000; it featured the single "Request + Line" featuring Macy Gray.
After replacing their female background singer with Fergie, the group released their breakout album, "Elephunk", and their 2005 album, "Monkey Business", which featured the hit singles "Pump It", "Don't Phunk With My Heart", "Don't Lie" and "My Humps".
"The E.N.D. (The Energy Never Dies)", their fifth album, was released worldwide in June 2009 and has managed to sell 5 million copies in 8 months (Elephunk: 7 million, Monkey Business: 10 million). It already spawned 2 of the most downloaded singles of all time: "Boom Boom Pow" and "I Gotta Feeling", both were downloaded 5 million times only in the USA. The 3rd single "Meet Me Halfway" was downloaded 2 million times and the 4th "Imma Be", which was just released, already sold 1 million. "Rock That Body" is the 5th single.
http://www.blackeyedpeas.com
A8
Black Eyed Peas Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Yo son, whatcha think about those Peas, though?
Yo, yo, I don't know, them dudes just be on stage, dancin' and stuff...
They on some old Las Vegas bullshit
They move too much, man
I can't take them fools seriously
I mean, they ain't talk about no 6-4, no Impalas
They ain't shootin' nobody (Shootin' nobody)
You know what I'm saying?
Yo, my man, I got a plan to do it all (What kind of plan you got)
I got a plan that none of y'all ever
Talked about 'cause underground niggas don't be thinking
I'm going kinda nino like Lincoln
How can you make moves when you're always strapped under
I plan to read the scriptures, tell you more about the thunder
I wonder what really makes the world go round
Not thugs, 'cause thugs go 'round the brain of a brother's down
You be in it for a quick blink
But when you start to sink
You be deeper than you was
When you should've stop to think
About your consequence your actions don't make lots of sense
Brothers use the wicked life 'cause of lack of confidence
The devil jacked you for your sense now
You can't pay your rent and
That's no accident, you let us slip so we win
The rest of your development
You should've took time to prevent
The compiscation of your monument
Now ya, wash up, and a nobody
No one blame but your body
You livin' life, had thick and uneasy
You chose to be involved with no deals and crisis
In a hole 'cause of lust and greed
Your mind held captive and unable to exceed
Come out and follow the Peas, we give you what you need
We proceed to give you, what (What, what)
[Chorus]
A... [8x]
We givin' you what you want
(We give you what you want) -- [3x]
And you proce-e-e-e-e-e-e-ed
On fiendin' on what you need
(We give you what you need) -- [3x]
Yo, everybody's goal is to win
But others getting caught up within the line of commiting sins
And everybody seems to wanna rule
It's so ridicule we gotta find the right cure
We approach to penetrate equivalent and strong
To wash out individual with evil forms
Conquering battles in these fields of greed
Dark faces all around me makes it hard for me to see
Who's got my back and who will backstab
I'm ready for foes and hoes who tries to grab
My currency, if I ain't got none
The Crip to runs to the ones who got some
The war billows to those who makes action
The main caption is to bring satisfaction
If you like that contend you see
How you suppose to call yourself a real MC
So what's the definition of a true MC
(Someone who rocks swell and put my soul at ease)
Lyrics went entertaining capability
(Now that's the realest, see, all around 360 degrees)
I'm givin' you what you want, want
I'm givin' you what you want
Na-na-na-na-na-na-na
Na-na-na-na-na-na
I'm givin' you what you want, want
Na-na-na-na-na-na-na
Hmm, hmm, hmm, hmm...
[Chorus]
Hey, witness grief through startin' material
You are blinded by lights, had an ego ratio
God bless you with the gift of only show
Business but you a careless professional
Is where your failing will show
Over indos and end only cash flows
Makin' it big, but yet, you never know
You will pay in your dues bringin' on sorrow
Here today, easily gone tomorrow
Feel the pain and I never borrow
From another man, instead I'm making grand
Watch the Peas as we make a stand
[Chorus]
In the song A8 by the Black Eyed Peas, the group discusses the criticism they have received for being too flashy and entertainment-focused on stage. The conversation at the beginning suggests some people find the group frivolous and shallow. However, Will.i.am has a plan that he believes will set them apart from other underground artists who only focus on materialistic desires. He wants to read scriptures and talk about the "thunder," referring to a higher power beyond material possessions that truly governs the world. He believes these topics will help elevate the group's message to something more significant than just the flashy show they put on stage. They want to bring more substance to their art and communicate with their audience on a deeper level.
The lyrics continue to explore the concept of greed and the desire for material possessions as a form of power. Will.i.am implies that too many people get caught up in the pursuit of wealth and success, often at the cost of their own morality. They prioritize their egos before their values and principles, leading to personal destruction. The chorus repeats the phrase "we give you what you want" in a slightly ominous tone, suggesting that the group is aware of society's appetite for entertainment and material things, but they also want to encourage their audience to seek more profound meaning in life.
Line by Line Meaning
Yo son, whatcha think about those Peas, though?
What’s your opinion on The Black Eyed Peas?
Yo, yo, I don't know, them dudes just be on stage, dancin' and stuff...
I am not sure, all I know is they perform on stage most of the time.
They on some old Las Vegas bullshit
Their performance style is like that of Las Vegas shows.
They move too much, man
They are too hyperactive on stage.
I can't take them fools seriously
I don't consider them to be serious performers.
I mean, they ain't talk about no 6-4, no Impalas
They don't rap about fancy cars like 6-4 or Impalas.
They ain't shootin' nobody (Shootin' nobody)
Unlike many other rappers, they don't glorify violence.
They ain't talkin' about clothes
Their lyrics are not about their fashion sense or wearing expensive clothes.
I got a plan that none of y'all ever
I have a unique plan none of you have thought of.
Talked about 'cause underground niggas don't be thinking
Underground rappers are not known for their deep thoughts or creativity.
I'm going kinda nino like Lincoln
I am planning to make moves like a clever criminal, just like Lincoln in the movie "The Godfather".
How can you make moves when you're always strapped under
How can you freely make decisions when you're always under pressure?
I plan to read the scriptures, tell you more about the thunder
I plan to read and understand more about religious texts, especially those related to thunder.
I wonder what really makes the world go round
I am curious about what causes the movements and patterns of the world.
Not thugs, 'cause thugs go 'round the brain of a brother's down
Thugs and violence are not the driving force behind the world's workings, but they can affect individuals.
You be in it for a quick blink
You may be making decisions without much thought or consideration.
But when you start to sink
But when things start to go wrong or become difficult,
You be deeper than you was
The situation becomes even worse than before.
When you should've stop to think
When you should have taken a moment to think carefully.
About your consequence your actions don't make lots of sense
About the consequences and what you are doing may not be logical.
Brothers use the wicked life 'cause of lack of confidence
People may turn to a corrupted lifestyle because they lack confidence in their abilities or self-worth.
The devil jacked you for your sense now
The devil has taken away your common sense and good judgment.
You can't pay your rent and
You are unable to pay your rent,
That's no accident, you let us slip so we win
It's not a coincidence, you made some poor decisions and we ended up winning.
The rest of your development
Your future and progress,
You should've took time to prevent
You should have taken the time to prevent such a setback.
The compiscation of your monument
The taking away of your triumphs and achievements.
Now ya, wash up, and a nobody
Now you are washed up and nobody knows or cares about you.
No one blame but your body
The only one to blame is yourself.
You livin' life, had thick and uneasy
Your life was difficult and challenging.
You chose to be involved with no deals and crisis
You chose to be part of situations without properly considering the consequences.
In a hole 'cause of lust and greed
You are now in a difficult and unpleasant situation because of your desires and selfishness.
Your mind held captive and unable to exceed
Your mind is trapped and unable to progress beyond your current situation.
Come out and follow the Peas, we give you what you need
Follow The Black Eyed Peas and we will provide you with what you truly require.
We proceed to give you, what (What, what)
We are committed to providing you with what you require.
A... [8x]
The chorus begins.
We givin' you what you want
We are providing you with what you want.
(We give you what you want) -- [3x]
Repeated chorus line.
And you proce-e-e-e-e-e-e-ed
And you proceed with confidence.
On fiendin' on what you need
You are now fixated on what you truly need.
(We give you what you need) -- [3x]
Repeated chorus line.
Yo, everybody's goal is to win
Everyone's goal is to succeed and win.
But others getting caught up within the line of commiting sins
Some people become trapped in committing sins and illegal activities.
And everybody seems to wanna rule
Everyone seems to want to become powerful and have control over others.
It's so ridicule we gotta find the right cure
This situation is so absurd that we must find a solution.
We approach to penetrate equivalent and strong
We will strive to overcome the situation with power and determination.
To wash out individual with evil forms
To remove evil and corrupt individuals from the situation.
Conquering battles in these fields of greed
Winning battles in the midst of greedy and corrupt situations.
Dark faces all around me makes it hard for me to see
The people around me are hard to read or understand because of their hidden agendas or intentions.
Who's got my back and who will backstab
It's hard to tell who is loyal to me and who would betray me.
I'm ready for foes and hoes who tries to grab
I am prepared to confront and face enemies or people who try to take advantage of me.
My currency, if I ain't got none
If I don't have money or currency,
The Crip to runs to the ones who got some
I will be forced to borrow money from people who have some.
The war billows to those who makes action
The battle will be won by those who take action and make moves.
The main caption is to bring satisfaction
The main objective is to bring satisfaction and happiness.
If you like that contend you see
If you agree with what you see and hear,
How you suppose to call yourself a real MC
Then, how can you consider yourself a real rapper?
So what's the definition of a true MC
A true rapper, what does that mean?
(Someone who rocks swell and put my soul at ease)
(Someone who creates great music that soothes and touches my soul)
Lyrics went entertaining capability
Lyrics that are enjoyable and entertaining to listen to.
(Now that's the realest, see, all around 360 degrees)
(That is the truest definition, in all aspects and perspectives of the word.)
I'm givin' you what you want, want
I am providing you with what you desire.
I'm givin' you what you want
I am giving you what you desire.
Na-na-na-na-na-na-na
Melodic sounds.
Na-na-na-na-na-na
Melodic sounds.
I'm givin' you what you want, want
I am providing you with what you want.
Na-na-na-na-na-na-na
Melodic sounds.
Hmm, hmm, hmm, hmm...
More melodic sounds.
Hey, witness grief through startin' material
Understand and learn from challenges and difficulties during the beginning stages.
You are blinded by lights, had an ego ratio
You are distracted by fame and have an unbalanced ego.
God bless you with the gift of only show
God has given you the talent of performing.
Business but you a careless professional
You may be good at your job but you lack care and attention to detail.
Is where your failing will show
This is where you will start to fail and reveal your weaknesses.
Over indos and end only cash flows
Your focus is on making money rather than on your craft or art.
Makin' it big, but yet, you never know
You may be successful in the industry but still uncertain about what the future holds.
You will pay in your dues bringin' on sorrow
You will eventually pay the price and feel upset about your actions.
Here today, easily gone tomorrow
You may be successful today but easily forgotten tomorrow.
Feel the pain and I never borrow
I feel the pain and struggles but I never borrow or ask for help.
From another man, instead I'm making grand
I am working hard and making my own success without relying on others.
Watch the Peas as we make a stand
Observe or follow The Black Eyed Peas as we take a firm position on this matter.
Chorus
The chorus repeats.
Lyrics © TUONO MUSIC
Written by: ALLAN PINEDA, JAIME GOMEZ, KEVIN PAUL FEYEN, MIKE FRATANTUNO, WILLIAM ADAMS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind