The Black Eyed Peas Break Up

I have seen this coming for a while now, but they have made it official- The Black Eyed Peas are breaking up. Apparently, they feel it would be best if they go their separate ways and work on individual solo careers. I heard some news that it had to do with Will.I.Am's ego. Will.I.Am is the front man of the group, and he handles most of the production.

To give a very brief history of the group; they were signed to Ruthless Records in the early 90s, before Eazy-E died (the c.e.o of ruthless records), but they didn't get to release an album on their because of the untimely death of eazy. By then, there was no "Fergie" in the group. Stacy 'Fergie' Furgusion actually joined the group in 2002, when they were looking for a singer to handle the hook for the song, Shut Up, which went on to become a smash hit. After that, Fergie became inducted into the group, and they went from just back-pack rappers, to Pop Icons. They have collectively sold in excess of 56 million copies worldwide since the release of Elephunk in 2003.

Read the story about the break-up below-

The group broke the news from the stage during a gig at Alton Towers in Staffordshire earlier this week. As the band came onstage, Fergie told the crowd that the theme park show was "very special" as it's the "last time we're going to be in England for a long time." "We want you to know that we love you and thank you for the support you've given from the beginning," the singer continued as loud boos rang out in the crowd. She then explained that the break would be similar to their 2005 to 2009 hiatus, but allayed fears that they had split for good by concluding: "This isn't going to be the last time you'll see us." (NME)


I guess this is just a way to soften the blow on the fans; my gut feeling tells me they are done for good. I know Fergie would be good on her own as she has enjoyed solo commercial success- Her The Dutchess album sold in excess of 3 million copies in Th U.S alone. You can't say the same for the rest. They are dynamite together, but Fergie has always been the spark. After the success of Fergie's solo, will.i.am released his solo effort the following year in 2007, and his Songs About Girls didn't even sell Gold (500,000 copies). I know he is a terrific producer, but i don't think he can make it major on his own. And the rest two? I don't know...don't get me wrong, i am not hating on them, i am just stating the obvious fact; Taboo and Apl.de.ap would really be left hanging.

The rumor of their break-up has been on the low for a while now. Sometime last summer, a rumor was out there that Fergie was seriously considering breaking out of the group. Read the news below-

Fergie can't stand Will.I.Am and that is one of the main reasons she wants to leave the band, a source close to them told RadarOnline.com exclusively. The other reason is she's decided she wants to have a baby! "Fergie is saying she wants out of the band and the second half of the tour isn't confirmed for early next year," the source said. "Things have gotten really bad with Will.i.Am. And it's not just Fergie who is clashing with him. So is the rest of the band. His ego is out of control." (Radar Online)

I guess time will tell, but for now, it is official; the group/band has been disbanded. This would be a serious loss to a money making brand. They built of a cult following over the years, and this is the loss of some serious investment. Elephunk  (2003) sold 8.5 million copies worldwide; Monkey Business (Dig) (2005) sold 10 million copies worldwide, and THE E.N.D. (Energy Never Dies) (2009) has sold 11 million copies worldwide. There current album, The Beginning isn't doing as good as the rest, but it is still guaranteed to sell millions.