When William was sixteen years old, he started rapping in late 1991 under the name "Will-1X" after being discovered by Compton rapper and former N.W.A. leader Eazy-E and signed a deal to Eazy's Ruthless Records. will.i.am's first rap song was "Merry Muthafuckin' Xmas" from Eazy-E's 1992 EP 5150: Home 4 tha Sick. Shortly after Eazy-E's death in 1995, Will left Ruthless to start a group that would later be called the Black Eyed Peas with fellow rappers Taboo and apl.de.ap.
After the addition of singer-songwriter Fergie, the group shot into mainstream pop consciousness with a set of hit singles in the mid-00s, popularity that continues to this day. The Black Eyed Peas' producer is Sergio Mendes, an internationally successful Brazilian musician and jazz aficionado. In September 2007, will.i.am took a major step into a solo career identity by joining with his record label, Universal Music Group (UMG), on a pilot scheme to reward certain file-sharing with cash incentives, including will.i.am tracks from his then upcoming release Songs About Girls.
In total, he has released four solo albums: Lost Change (2001), Must B 21 (2003), Songs About Girls (2007), and #willpower (2013). Although often facing mixed critical reviews, he's experienced significant commercial success, including a set of popular singles. His solo performances, featuring collaborations with a wide group of artists including Justin Bieber, Chris Brown, Phife Dawg, Snoop Dogg, and Nicole Scherzinger, are perhaps best summed up in the international top 20 mega-hit "Scream & Shout".
Will.i.am was also recently cast as John Wraith in the film X-Men Origins: Wolverine, a prequel to the X-Men movie series. And if one enjoyed Madagascar 2's chunky hippo, Moto Moto, then one should know that the deep voice belonged will.i.am., who came in after he was ''pimped'' out to the directors by his friend and sometimes collaborator Justin Timberlake.
Before joining the Black Eyed Peas, Will.i.am attended the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising in Los Angeles. In 2001, he began designing his own signature clothing line, i.am, which made its official debut in 2005 at the Magic apparel trade show in Las Vegas. In 2007, Will.i.am teamed up with Blue Holdings to design a premium denim collection, i.am Antik, that had its debut on the Project Show in Las Vegas. He has also designed clothing for the Black Eyed Peas.
In January 2008, will.i.am helped write a song, "Yes We Can", in support of the 2008 U.S. presidential campaign of Barack Obama, which in turn became a music video directed by Jesse Dylan. The lyrics of the song are composed almost entirely of excerpts from Obama's speech on January 8, 2008, following the New Hampshire presidential primary election. The video features appearances from numerous celebrities like Scarlett Johansson, Tatyana Ali, John Legend, Herbie Hancock, Kate Walsh, Kareem Abdul Jabbar, Adam Rodriguez, Kelly Hu, Hill Harper, Amber Valletta, Eric Balfour, Aisha Tyler, Nicole Scherzinger, Nick Cannon, Bryan Greenberg, Common and first appeared on the website for Dipdive, and within a week of its appearance racked up three million views, and over four million views on Youtube.
On February 29, 2008, a second video titled "We Are The Ones" was released on Dipdive and YouTube. It included cameo appearances from Jessica Alba, Ryan Phillippe, Kerry Washington, John Leguizamo, Regina King, Tyrese Gibson, Eric Mabius, Tichina Arnold, Adrienne Palicki, comedian George Lopez, and singers Macy Gray, Zoe Kravitz and Black Eyed Peas’ Taboo. The video features everyone chanting "O-BA-MA" as a portrayal as their hopes and wishes for Obama and his presidential campaign.
In 2013, will.i.am released his album "#thatpower".
Surfboard
will.i.am Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
This new genre hip-hop samba, soul
Bossa nova, urban classical
Pumping sonic from your audio
From El Sudando to São Paulo
W, I with double L i am and I will
Show and tell y'all
So read it on the L and read it well
If you black we broke it up as well
Cause we rock ya and we rock ya well
Cause we rock ya and we rock ya well
Cause we rock ya and we rock ya well
Cause we rock ya and we rock ya well
Cause we rock ya and we rock ya well
Cause we rock ya and we rock ya well
Cause we rock ya and we rock ya well
Cause we rock ya and we rock ya well
All my people break dancing on my left
Shaka shaka sha
Take it to the middle and get hot
All my dancing capoeiring to my right
Zhaka, zhaka zha
Take it to the floor 'n' don't stop
If your samba in the back zhaka zhaka zha
Take it to the floor get loose
If your up against the wall with subduse
Zhaka, zhaka zha
Come on get doing what you do
Do what you do, Do what you know
Don't hold it back just let it go
Make it silent like a silent O
Rhythmically we Africano
More liylicly on piano
It's Maestro Sergi-add-a O
It's Maestro Sergi-add-a O
It's Maestro Sergi-add-a O
It's Maestro Sergi-add-a O
It's Maestro Sergi-add-a O
It's Maestro Sergi-add-a O
It's Maestro Sergi-add-a O
It's Maestro Sergi-add-a O
It's Maestro Sergi-add-a O
We make this butter like butter on
Pop Pop the pop the popcorn
And you can't stop us once we on
Cause once we on i know your on
It's the S-E-R the I the O
WillIAm is in control i think you know
(Check it)
All my people break dancing on my left
Shaka shaka sha
Take it to the middle and get hot
All my dancing capoeiring to my right
Zhaka, zhaka zha
Take it to the floor 'n' don't stop
If your samba in the back zhaka zhaka zha
Take it to the floor get loose
If your up against the wall with subduse
Zhaka, zhaka zha
Come on get doing what you do
The lyrics to will.i.am's song "Surfboard" showcase a fusion of different genres and cultural influences. The song combines elements of hip-hop, samba, soul, bossa nova, and urban classical music. It celebrates the diversity and vibrancy of music from different regions, highlighting the connections between El Sudando and São Paulo.
The lyrics also emphasize will.i.am's confidence in this fusion of genres, stating that it will never fail. He encourages listeners to read and understand the fusion, particularly addressing the black community to break down barriers. The repetition of the line "Cause we rock ya and we rock ya well" serves as a reminder that this innovative mix of music is meant to energize and captivate the audience.
The second part of the song focuses on dancing and movement. It urges people to break dance, capoeira, or samba, calling out specific moves like shaka shaka sha and zhaka zhaka zha. These instructions encourage listeners to embrace their own style and freely express themselves through dance. The lyrics emphasize the joy and passion of dancing, suggesting that people should let go and abandon any inhibitions on the dance floor.
Throughout the song, there is a playful and rhythmic flow, fueled by will.i.am's signature style. The inclusion of the name "Sergio" and references to musicians further highlights the collaborative spirit and the importance of individual talents in creating this unique sound.
Line by Line Meaning
S-e-r-g-i-o you know? William shape and move
I am referencing Sergio and William, showing that I have a strong musical influence and can easily adapt and evolve my style.
This new genre hip-hop samba, soul
I am introducing a unique fusion of hip-hop, samba, and soul, creating a fresh and innovative genre.
Bossa nova, urban classical
I am incorporating elements of bossa nova and urban classical music into my sound, adding sophistication and diversity.
Pumping sonic from your audio
My music is energetic and dynamic, creating a strong impact on your auditory experience.
From El Sudando to São Paulo
My music transcends geographical boundaries, reaching audiences from El Sudando to São Paulo and beyond.
W, I with double L i am and I will
I am emphasizing my name, will.i.am, and asserting that I have the talent and determination to succeed.
Show and tell y'all
I am ready to showcase and explain my unique musical style to all of you.
That this fusion will never fail
I believe that the fusion of different musical genres in my music will always be successful.
So read it on the L and read it well
Take a close look and pay attention to the details of my music, as it holds significant meaning.
If you black we broke it up as well
I am breaking barriers and stereotypes by including diverse influences in my music, regardless of race or ethnicity.
Cause we rock ya and we rock ya well
I am confident in my ability to entertain and captivate audiences with my music, making them feel energized and satisfied.
All my people break dancing on my left
I have a group of people break dancing on my left, showcasing their talent and adding excitement to the performance.
Shaka shaka sha
Expressing the rhythmic and energetic movements of the break dancers through onomatopoeic sounds.
Take it to the middle and get hot
Encouraging the break dancers to bring their performance to the center of attention and intensify it.
All my dancing capoeiring to my right
I have a group of people performing capoeira, a Brazilian martial art, on my right, blending dance and martial arts.
Zhaka, zhaka zha
Expressing the dynamic and rhythmic movements of capoeira through onomatopoeic sounds.
Take it to the floor 'n' don't stop
Encouraging the capoeira performers to continue their energetic and captivating movements on the floor without any interruption.
If your samba in the back zhaka zhaka zha
If you are engaging in samba dancing in the background, express it through the lively and rhythmic sounds of zhaka zhaka zha.
Take it to the floor get loose
Take your samba dancing to the floor and let yourself loosen up, expressing the freedom and joy of the dance.
If your up against the wall with subduse
If you find yourself against the wall, feeling subdued or restricted, break free and join in the energetic atmosphere.
Come on get doing what you do
Encouraging everyone to embrace their individual talents and freely express themselves in their own unique way.
Do what you do, Do what you know
Reminding people to stay true to themselves and stick to what they are familiar with, as it will bring out their best abilities.
Don't hold it back just let it go
Urging individuals not to suppress their talents or creativity, but instead release them and let them shine.
Make it silent like a silent O
Creating a contrast by emphasizing the importance of silence and stillness, as it adds depth and impact to the music.
Rhythmically we Africano
Highlighting the rhythmic and African-inspired elements in the music, acknowledging the influence of African culture.
More liylicly on piano
I am indicating that the lyrics are more poetic and lyrical, similar to a piano composition, inviting listeners to appreciate the artistry.
It's Maestro Sergi-add-a O
Acknowledging the role of Sergio as the maestro or conductor, bringing together all the musical elements to create a harmonious composition.
We make this butter like butter on
I am explaining that we create music that is smooth and seamless, like spreading butter on a surface.
Pop Pop the pop the popcorn
Using onomatopoeic sounds to describe the process of making popcorn, symbolizing the excitement and entertainment value of our music.
And you can't stop us once we on
Asserting that once we start performing, our energy and talent are unstoppable, captivating the audience and leaving a lasting impression.
Cause once we on i know your on
When we are on stage and fully immersed in our performance, we know that the audience is also fully engaged and immersed in the experience.
It's the S-E-R the I the O
Spelling out Sergio's name with emphasis, acknowledging his significant contribution to the music.
WillIAm is in control i think you know
Asserting that I, will.i.am, am in control of the music and confidently stating that the audience already knows this fact.
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing, CORCOVADO MUSIC CORPORATION
Written by: ANTONIO CARLOS JOBIM
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
chrisgurl30
This whole song is fire.
skdlauren
Love this♥
Babysnoop
This is hip-hop 💯
Green_Goddess
🔥🔥🔥
Shayvon Vaughan
My JAMMMMMM
Anthony Salazar
That piano is fuckin dope af
Michelle Shaw
I would do capoeira to this
Kazuya
capoeira? that's funny
Fábio Valente Oficial - Samba & Bossa Nova 9 Album
Sunset - Bossa Nova - Composer Brazilian Fabio Valente
Enjoy New Generation Bossa Nova too, Thanks!!!
Michael Martin
Slaaaay