will.i.am, a multi-faceted entertainer and creative innovator, is best known as the front man and producer of the multi-platinum award-winning group, The Black Eyed Peas. His songs and imagery have entertained and inspired millions, and the power of his words resonated deeply in his song "Yes We Can" that mobilized an entire generation to action during the 2008 presidential campaign. As a musician, producer, director, fashion designer and advocate for causes, he is an enthusiastic user of technologies in both his professional and personal lives.
Never far from a laptop, and with mobile phone always in hand, will is truly a pacesetter in our wired world. In recognition of his ability to harness technology to enhance entertainment, creativity and communication, Intel Corporation appointed will as Director of Creative Innovation in January, 2011. In this unique role, he collaborates with Intel scientists, programmers and marketing team members on a company-wide basis regarding content, technology and hardware strategies.
To date, the seven-time Grammy Award winner has sold more than 30 million albums and in excess of 21 million singles as an iTunes top-selling artist with The Black Eyed Peas. In 2008, will expanded the scope of his musical career to team up with Academy Award-winning composer Hans Zimmer on his first film soundtrack project, "Madagascar 2: Escape To Africa." will composed and wrote the lyrics for four new original songs, as well the instrumental scores for the movie, and also had his first feature film starring role as the voice of the animated character Moto Moto. For "Rio" will had a starring role as Pedro, and also composed an original song, "Hot Wings" for the film. Adept at working on both sides of a camera, will's first live action motion picture role was in "X-Men Origins: Wolverine."
In February, 2011 will made his directorial debut as the creator, director and producer of television commercials for the launch of Chatter.com.
Originally created and posted by will to get the word out prior to Super Tuesday during the 2008 presidential election, "Yes We Can" became a historic phenomenon and was ranked as one of the best ad campaigns of year by top news outlets. After posting "Yes We Can" on Dipdive.com, will.i.am's digital creative and lifestyle engine, the video went viral across the internet. Demonstrating that music, brands and causes can be intertwined to entertain and inform, "Yes We Can" was recognized by a newly created Emmy Award category for "Best New Approaches in Daytime Entertainment" in 2008.
With a commitment to inspire kids to stay in school and go to college to become the leaders of tomorrow, will advocates regarding the importance and power of a good education through his foundation, the i.am scholarship. The i.am scholarship provides future leaders and innovators with comprehensive financial assistance to complete post-secondary education, as well as internship and professional opportunities at Dipdive.com. will is a supporter of the FIRST Robotics Competition, an international annual event for high school students that fosters interest in science and engineering.
Recognized and honored by numerous industry organizations, will.i.am is the recipient of multiple Grammy Awards, a Latin Grammy Award, an Emmy Award, two NAACP Image Awards, the BMI President's Award and a 2008 Webby Award.
