BEP - "The Sum of the Parts . . . . . . . "

Written by MarsRam on June 8, 2009

For all the sincere fans out there, it must be disconcerting to read reports on some web sites that Will.i.am and Fergie are at odds with each other. Reports quote Will as saying that Fergie has become arrogant. That this jeopardizes the future of the Black Eyed Peas as a group – and so on and on. I know that this might all just be rumours. But one cannot escape the thought that, even if grossly exaggerated, there might still be an element of truth to it. That is very worrisome.

Having seen many, many interviews online, given by Fergie and Will, and Apl.de.ap and Taboo. And having seen them perform on numerous occasions, both as a group and as solo artistes. And having read a lot of articles about Fergie and the BEP; I have developed a deep affection for each and every one of them. Off-course, Fergie being the only female of the quartet, has acquired a special place in our hearts – which does not diminish in any way the affection we feel for the boys.

All serious fans, who have researched and followed the life stories of these four amazing people with any degree of objectivity, will agree if I say that Fergie owes her success in large measure to the BEP in general and to Will in particular. And I dare say that NOBODY will deny the fact that the BEP owes its rise to superstardom to the advent of Fergie as the fourth pea. She was the propellant that provided the impetus for that stupefying rise. I believe that each and every member of the BEP brings something invaluable to the group; be it Will the mastermind strategist, or Fergie the engine of raw Aries energy. And Apl and Tab? Let us not underestimate their value. They “bookend” the other two. Apl the eldest and Tab the youngest. They provide the glue, and ground the lightening; and as such, are probably indispensable to the whole. Think of the BEP as one entity, and not as four separate individuals – who still have the ability to go away and do their own things, yet are able to come together as if they had never left!

TO those who yearn for the pre-Fergie BEP: wake up! That was then and this is now. It’s called evolution. BEP is no longer a niche performer. Purists will disagree. Well, we are all hybrids now, including the leader of the so called “free world”.

TO Will.i.am: You are the leader. Each members’ burden must be yours now, if you are to lead.

TO Fergie: Control the Fire, stoke it and harness it. Be aware that it can also destroy. As can alcohol.

TO Apl.de.ap: Your depth and steady control is admirable. Keeping heads cool is your forte. Be the anchor.

TO Taboo: Please keep that love flowing. It can mend when everything else fails.

TO the BEP: The Rolling Stones have been around since 1961. Ron Wood, the youngest member, joined around 1975. You have an advantage. You were all born within less than one year of each other. You all grew up in the same cultural and geographical area, albeit Apl joined up somewhat later. You have so much going for you. The kind of music you produce today will not be the same that you produce in 20 years. As long as it is appropriate for the times.

DON’T EVEN THINK ABOUT SPLITTING UP! God Bless.