Apl.de.ap

Allan Pineda Lindo, known professionally as Apl.de.ap, was born on November 28, 1974, in Angeles City, Pampanga, Philippines. Raised by his mother with six siblings, his early life involved farming sweet potatoes, corn, sugar cane, and rice. At age 11, he moved to the United States for treatment for nystagmus, an eye condition, and was later adopted by Joe Ben Hudgens. In Los Angeles, he attended John Marshall High School where he met William Adams (will.i.am), future bandmate. His musical influences spanned from Stevie Wonder and The Beatles to Filipino rock group Asin, alongside early exposure to hip hop and breakdancing in Angeles City. In 2012, his vision was corrected through surgery for nystagmus and nearsightedness. Throughout his life, Apl.de.ap has faced personal challenges, including the loss of two younger brothers; Arnel, who died by suicide, and Joven Pineda Deala, who was murdered in 2009.

Apl.de.ap’s musical journey began in 1988 when he and will.i.am formed the trio Atban Klann, signing with Ruthless Records in 1992. After the passing of Eazy-E in 1995, the group reformed as Black Eyed Peas. With the addition of Taboo and later Fergie, the band released their critically acclaimed debut album, “Behind the Front” (1998), followed by “Bridging the Gap” (2000). Their breakthrough came with “Elephunk” (2003), which sold 8.5 million copies worldwide and featured hit singles like “Where Is the Love?” and “Shut Up.” This success continued with the album “Monkey Business” (2005), which achieved 10 million sales globally and earned them a Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group for “Don’t Phunk with My Heart.” The Black Eyed Peas continued their chart dominance with “The E.N.D.” (2009) and “The Beginning” (2010), achieving multiple number-one singles and performing at the Super Bowl XLV halftime show in 2011.

Beyond music, Apl.de.ap is deeply involved in humanitarian efforts. In 2008, he established the Apl Foundation International (Aplfi) to support communities and children in the Philippines and across Asia. A significant initiative, “We Can Be Anything,” launched in 2011 with the Ninoy and Cory Aquino Foundation (NCAF), aims to build 10,000 classrooms. He also campaigns against childhood blindness through his “Apl of My Eye” initiative, which has provided retinal detachment cameras to hospitals in Davao and Pampanga. His commitment to empowering Filipino talent extended to becoming a coach on “The Voice of the Philippines” and establishing his independent record label, BMBX Entertainment, in 2014, to nurture Southeast Asian artists. He has collaborated with Filipino choreographer Ryan Cayabyab for performances at the 2019 Southeast Asian Games and is actively involved in promoting Original Pilipino Music (OPM) globally, including his collaboration with Sandara Park on “2 Proud.”