Will.i.am and Taboo, members of the Grammy award-winning group Black Eyed Peas, have returned to their roots in East Los Angeles and Boyle Heights with a heartfelt tribute to their hometown through their latest track titled “East LA.”
Both musicians, who grew up in these neighborhoods, express a deep love and nostalgia for the areas they consider home. Will.i.am, whose real name is William Adams, Jr., shares his fond memories of visiting Boyle Heights, stating, “I love going back to Boyle Heights. I’m here on Sundays, just cruising through. My mom is like, ‘What are you doing, Willie? You in East LA, huh? Yeah, mom.’”
Their friendship dates back to when they met at the age of 17, with both of their mothers having attended the same junior high. The duo has come to understand each other so well that they can finish each other’s sentences without conflict.
Although the Black Eyed Peas currently do not have a record label, Will.i.am and Taboo decided to collaborate once again, channeling their collective experiences and memories into “East LA.” Will.i.am added, “This neighborhood, my community means so much to not just me (but) my entire foundation, my family. We were on government assistance growing up. We went to Resurrection Church. We stood in the food lines. We survived together.”
The song features a sample of Santana’s iconic track “Maria Maria” and is accompanied by a vibrant music video showcasing local landmarks like the Sixth Street Bridge, King Taco, and the 710 Freeway.
In discussing the essence of their project, Will.i.am emphasized, “This isn’t like Hollywood. This is real. This is people who live there. Black and Brown, we get down.”
Estrada Courts, a low-income housing project adorned with murals, is also highlighted in the music video. Will.i.am recalls his upbringing in an apartment complex directly across from one of these striking murals.
The release of this track has brought joy to their mothers, who both expressed pride in their sons for representing East LA. Taboo recounted a touching message from his mother, emphasizing, “My memories of growing up in East LA start with music playing loud and watching the Chicano culture evolve and take over the streets. I never thought that my son would bring the music to my childhood neighborhood.”
Amidst their musical journey, both artists have also shown solidarity with their community during times of unrest.
Taboo mentioned participating in protests against immigration enforcement actions in downtown LA, stating, “I’m proud to be Mexican American. Why not stand in solidarity with those people with our people?”
While “East LA” was recorded in March, prior to recent immigration raids that began in June, Will.i.am believes the track is timely and speaks to the current sentiment in Los Angeles.
He remarked, “It’s plastered all over on local radio, Latin radio, urban radio and pop. It’s doing its thing now.”
The heartfelt tribute not only celebrates their roots but also serves as a reminder of the strong community ties that have shaped their lives and careers.
image source from：nbclosangeles
