Will.I.Am: The Multitalented Icon

Will.I.Am's Impressive Net Worth

Will.I.Am, the man behind the megahits and the unmistakable voice, is an American rapper, songwriter, record producer, DJ, actor, and television personality with a net worth of $50 million. Born William Adams, Will.I.Am is the founding and lead member of the iconic hip-hop group the Black Eyed Peas. Beyond his musical success, he’s also been a judge and mentor on various television talent shows, including “The Voice UK” and “The Voice Kids.” His influence extends far beyond music, into tech investments, fashion, and more.

Growing up in Eastside Los Angeles, Will.I.Am started performing in eighth grade, and by the time he was 18, he was signed to Eazy-E’s label. By 1996, the Black Eyed Peas, initially known as the Black Eyed Pods, had formed a cohesive trio and released two albums in 1998 and 2000. However, their breakthrough came with the release of their third album, “Elephunk,” which catapulted them to global fame. With the addition of singer Fergie, the group evolved into a funky quartet with a sound that resonated worldwide. Beyond the Black Eyed Peas, Will.I.Am has released multiple solo albums and produced tracks for legendary artists like Michael Jackson, Justin Bieber, Britney Spears, U2, and Bone Thugs-n-Harmony.

Will.I.Am's Tech Empire

Early Investments That Paid Off

Will.I.Am isn’t just a musical icon—he’s also a savvy tech investor. Long before Silicon Valley became synonymous with innovation, Will.I.Am was making waves with his forward-thinking investments. His portfolio includes stakes in companies that have grown into tech giants, such as Tesla. He proudly claims he invested in Tesla back in 2006, even before Elon Musk took the helm. Other early investments include Pinterest, Dropbox, Twitter, OpenAI, and Anthropic.

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From Music to Tech Entrepreneur

Will.I.Am has formalized his involvement in the tech world through several ventures. In 2011, Intel appointed him as “director of creative innovation,” a role that allowed him to bridge the gap between art and technology. His startup, i.am+, successfully raised $117 million in 2017, further cementing his status as a tech visionary. Most recently, he founded and serves as CEO of FYI, an AI-driven productivity platform designed specifically for creative professionals.

Despite his impressive track record, Will.I.Am admits to one significant missed opportunity: declining Brian Chesky’s invitation to invest up to $200,000 in Airbnb’s early funding round. He attributes this decision to what he calls “luxury blindness,” explaining that his familiarity with premium hotel amenities made him skeptical of Airbnb’s business model, which lacked concierge services and room service. Following Airbnb’s successful 2020 IPO, that potential investment could have turned into millions.

Early Life and the Start of a Legacy

Born William James Adams Jr. on March 15, 1975, in Los Angeles, California, Will.I.Am grew up in the Estrada Courts housing projects in Eastside Los Angeles. Raised by his mother, Debra, he never met his father. To nurture his musical talent, his mom sent him to school in the more affluent West Los Angeles, where his passion for music flourished.

While attending John Marshall High School, Adams formed a lifelong friendship with Allan Pineda Lindo, better known as apl.de.ap, who would later become a founding member of the Black Eyed Peas. Together, they formed a rap group called Atbann Klann and began performing around Los Angeles. Signed to Ruthless Records in 1992, they recorded their first track, “Merry Muthafuckin Xmas,” under the name Will-1X. In 1995, Adams left Ruthless Records to form the group that would eventually become the Black Eyed Peas.

Will.I.Am's Musical Journey

The Black Eyed Peas signed with Interscope Records and released their debut single, “Joints and Jam,” in early 1998. This original lineup, featuring Adams, Lindo, and Jaime Gomez (Taboo), was successful enough to secure a renewed contract with Interscope. They followed up with their second album, “Bridging the Gap,” in 2000. During this time, Adams also worked on his own material, releasing his first solo album, “Lost Change,” in 2001, which earned critical acclaim.

It was during the creation of their third album, “Elephunk,” that the Peas realized female vocals could elevate their sound. They approached Nicole Scherzinger for the track “Shut Up,” but she was unavailable. Enter Stacy Ann Ferguson, better known as Fergie, who not only lent her voice to the track but also joined the group permanently. “Elephunk” became a global sensation, selling 8.5 million copies worldwide. Around this time, Adams released his second solo album, “Must B 21,” further showcasing his versatility.

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The Peas continued their success with their fourth album, “Monkey Business,” which earned them a Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group for the single “Don’t Phunk with My Heart.” Over the years, they released several more albums, including “The E.N.D.” (2009), “The Beginning” (2010), and “Masters of the Sun Vol. 1” (2018). Adams also released two more solo albums, “Songs About Girls” (2007) and “#willpower” (2013). As a producer, he’s worked with an impressive roster of artists, including Cheryl, Michael Jackson, Justin Bieber, Kesha, Britney Spears, Miley Cyrus, David Guetta, U2, Rihanna, Lady Gaga, Usher, Justin Timberlake, Nicki Minaj, and 2NE1.

Will.I.Am's Diverse Projects

Will.I.Am’s talents extend far beyond music. He’s ventured into acting, starring as the voice of Moto Moto in “Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa” (2008) and making his major film debut as John Wraith in “X-Men Origins: Wolverine” (2009). He’s also appeared in films like “Date Night” (2010) and the animated series “Rio” (2011) and “Rio 2” (2014). On television, he’s been a judge and mentor on the global phenomenon “The Voice,” appearing on various international versions, including “The Voice UK,” “The Voice Australia,” and “The Voice Kids.”

A fashion enthusiast, Will.I.Am studied at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising in Los Angeles before launching his own clothing line, i.am, in 2001. The line officially debuted at the 2005 Magic Apparel Trade Show in Las Vegas. In 2018, he collaborated with Brian David Johnson to release the book “WaR: Wizards and Robots.”

On the tech side, Will.I.Am founded the company i.am+ in 2013, acquiring Sensiya, a machine-learning technology start-up, in 2016. In 2017, i.am+ acquired Wink, a software and hardware brand for Smart Home hubs, for $38.7 million. Despite some financial challenges, including tax liens in 2019, Will.I.Am continues to innovate and push boundaries in the tech world.

A Glimpse into Will.I.Am's Personal Life

Will.I.Am is famously private about his personal life, but a few details have surfaced over the years. Rumors suggest he once dated singer Cheryl. He openly discusses his struggles with tinnitus and ADHD, which he manages alongside his busy career. Additionally, he follows a vegan diet, emphasizing wellness and health in his lifestyle.

Will.I.Am's Love for Custom Cars

Will.I.Am is as passionate about cars as he is about music and tech. He owns several one-of-a-kind custom vehicles that reflect his unique style. One of his most notable cars cost $700,000 and combines elements of a DeLorean and a Dodge Charger. Another standout is a custom 1958 Volkswagen Beetle with a matte paint job, a red leather interior, and grille work inspired by “Batman.” This masterpiece set him back a whopping $900,000.