William Adams is a prime exemplar of an artist with an unruly compassion to wobble the status quo in the course of his tune; he is also recognized as Black Eyed Peas’ front man Will.I.Am. This Grammy and Emmy award-winning singer painted a landscape for transformation-driven songs and artists to have a place in the industry. He has not only sold a million records, but also helped raise awareness about relevant issues regarding politics, poverty, and inequality. Will uses his music as an instrument to rally support for highly important charitable causes in the world.
The world first noticed Jamaican-American rapper and producer Will.i.am, when the RnB group he is fronting, Black Eyed Peas, came out as one of the most successful hip hop act of 2003. While his group started ascending the Billboard charts, Will produced and composed songs for other artists, and helped helm the careers of today’s most famous singers and acts. Despite basking in worldwide fame and music success, Will.i.am still opted to heed the call of altruism by joining the bandwagon of artists such as U2’s frontman, Bono, and REM’s lead singer, Michael Stripe in their humanitarian projects.
January 2008 marked Will.i.am’s strong political advocacy when he wrote and produced the song, “Yes, We Can”, to support the first African-American President of the US, President Barrack Obama. The song’s words were based on Barrack Obama’s inauguration speech, emphasizing the message of unity and oneness of the American people amidst the crisis that the country is experiencing. According to Will himself, he was so moved by the speech that it inspired him to change himself to better the world. That was when he decided to make Obama’s speech into a song.
The song spoke not only to the American populace, but to people all over the world. It was so powerful that when the time came for Will.i.am to produce a video for the song, a bevy of the most famous actors, singers and Hollywood personalities agreed to take part in the project like Scarlette Johansson, Kate Walsh, Adam Rodriguez, Kelly Hu, and Nicole Scherzinger. Jesse Dylan directed the said song’s video, which revolved around concept of shaking people’s indifference and convincing them to take part in changing the course of the country.
More than being an artist, Will.i.am is a prime mover of transformation. Through his interest in a significant scheme, he was able to demonstrate how music can touch people’s life to become a better person.
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