Who is Taboo?

Written by igorgustav on November 22, 2010

Jaime Luis Gómez (born July 14, 1975) better known by his stage name Taboo,[2] is anAmerican rapper and actor best known as a member of the hip-hop group The Black Eyed Peas.

Personal background

Taboo has a mixed background of Mexican and Shoshone descent. [3][4] He was born in Boyle Heights, California, and raised in Los Angeles, attended Rosemead High School, Home of the Panthers (Class of 1993), and was educated at the Garvey Intermediate. Two days before his 33rd birthday, Taboo married Jaymie Dizon in Pasadena, California on July 12, 2008. will.i.am and apl.de.ap served as groomsmen.[5] The couple had their first child, a boy, named Jimmy Jalen Gomez on July 19, 2009. He has a son from a previous relationship named Joshua,[6] who was born May 12, 1993.[7][8]

The Black Eyed Peas

He joined The Black Eyed Peas in 1995. Groupmates apl.de.ap and will.i.am were originally in a group called Atban Klann, but changed the name after changing record labels. In 2001,Stacy Ferguson joined and completed the band's current lineup. Taboo is known for his capoeira-inspired dance moves (he is a practitioner of Jeet Kune Do concepts and a black belt in Ninjutsu) and an eclectic style of dress.[9]

Solo work

As of 2008, Taboo is in the process of creating a solo album, T.A.B.O.O.[10] Taboo has said that he hopes to collaborate with artists such as Frankie J, E-40, Pitbull, Transit Venus and Kumbia Kings. Shakira, Blu Cantrell, and Juanes have been rumored to be featured artists on his solo effort, even though it may be a small effort. "Revolucion" can be heard on his official website.[11]

Music he has co-written and performed has been featured on many movie soundtracks, includingCoach Carter, Legally Blonde, Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle, and Barbershop 2.

Other collaborations

He collaborated in the past with Ryan Key of Yellowcard on the song "Gotta Get It Now". He also collaborated with race rapper David Rolas for the song "Morena", and rapper Fudge Dog on the song "Get It". In late 2007, Taboo also collaborated with merengue star Juan Luis Guerra on a remix of his hit song "La Llave de Mi Corazón". In addition, he created a remix to the song "La Paga" byJuanes.Taboo worked with George Pajon Jr. and Andy Vargas perform the Obama song "Yes We Can" (Si Se Puede).[12] He performed together with Juanes, in the kick-off concert of South Africa Worldcup 2010, singing La Paga.

Acting

Taboo's first acting role was in the film Dirty[13] with Wyclef Jean, playing the part of Ramírez. He then appeared in the 2007 independent film Cosmic Radio, which also stars Michael Madsen, Wes Studi,Irene Bedard, Daryl Hanna, Ricardo Chavira, and other well-known actors. He played the character Vega in the 2009 film Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li.[14] Taboo has also appeared as a judge on the reality show MTV's Top Pop Group.