apl.de.ap Biography

Fast Facts

• Moved to Los Angeles in the late 1980s when he was adopted at 14 years old with the help of the Pearl S
• Buck Foundation
• Did not speak any English at the time
• As a teenager, met William Adams, who later became known as will
• i
• am
• The two formed several music groups, but it was not until 1995 when they struck gold with the Black Eyed Peas
• In 1998 coined the stage name "apl
• de
• ap," which is a combination of birth name and place of birth
• Wrote the song "I Cry" as a tribute to his brother Arnel, who committed suicide
• Started various literary and musical projects in some Philippines schools; also serves as special ambassador to education in his homeland
• Is legally blind
• Has a rare lifetime condition called nystagmus that causes uncontrolled eye movement and loss of vision
• In order to perform dance moves, relies on memorization of the routines
• Launched the record label Jeepney Music in 2009