The music group Black Eyed Peas finally got a replacement for their fourth bandmate, Fergie. In 2020, the band revealed their new fourth group member's identity as former "The Voice Of Philippines" finalist, J. Rey Soul.
The music band, Black Eyed Peas, inducted singer J. Rey Soul into the group in 2020, catapulting her from being a finalist on "The Voice Philippines" to a global music star.
Many have come to know the songstress as the woman who captivated the audience during their live performance at the MTV Video Music Award in August 2020.
Taboo, Jessica Reynoso, apl.de.ap, and will.i.am of The Black-Eyed Peas perform with Alex Sensation during Mega 96.3 FM Calibash 2020 | Photo: Getty Images
MEET J. REY SOUL
Gradually, her singing career progressed. However, J. Rey Soul's big break came when she joined the Black Eyed Peas band as an unofficial member, replacing ex-bandmate Fergie.
Since her debut with the band alongside Will.i.am, Taboo, and apl.de.ap, the songstress has impressed bandmates and fans alike. As a result, she earned a place as the fourth Black Eyed Peas bandmate and not just a "Fergie" replacement.
Will.i.am performing on stage in Del Mar, California in September 2019. | Photo: Getty Images
J. REY SOUL'S BLACK EYED PEAS DEBUT
Soul first joined the Peas in 2018, shortly after band member, apl.de.ap made her a part of his team during her stint on the Philippine edition of "The Voice." Her debut appearance with the team was as a guest star in their "Masters Of The Sun Vol. 1" project. That same year, she joined the group on a world tour.
Following a long stretch of no album release, the Peas made their big comeback in 2019, with the release of the album, "Masters Of The Sun Vol. 1."
Jessica Rey Soul later featured alongside Puerto Rico singer, Ozuma in the Peas hit single, "Mamacita." She also contributed her songwriting and singing prowess to the band's 2020 studio album, "Translation," with appearances from top-charting stars like Shakira, Tyga, Ozuma, Maluma, and Becky G.
Her remarkable performance on "Mamacita" crowned her a bonafide member of the group in the eyes of the public. However, her place in the team became official after the group dropped the "Translation" album in June 2020, and J. Rey Soul powerfully proved herself as the woman of the moment.
So far, the singer-songwriter has held virtual gigs like the "Macy's Fourth Of July Fireworks Spectacular," as well as "The Late Show With James Corden."
BANDMATES' REACTION TO HAVING HER ON BOARD
The group gave J. Rey Soul the heartwarming welcome she deserved. During an interview on Billboard, the new Peas member recounted how Apl and Will.i.am commended her contributions to the group.
Both artists confirmed that Soul was a reminder of themselves at a younger age, being a reflection of hard work, enthusiasm, and love of music.
Bandmate, Taboo, also came out with his feelings towards having a new addition to the team. Speaking to Billboard, he acknowledged the experience felt like the group was "giving birth to a new artist."
Following J. Rey Soul's introduction as a member of the group, the Black Eyed Peas finally disclosed the fate of their former lead singer, answering the long-anticipated question on everyone's lips.
WHY DID FERGIE LEAVE THE BAND?
Fergie, the former Black Eyed Peas singer, began drifting away from the American musical group in 2016 following the birth of her children. Eventually, she threw in the towel, and fans were shocked to see the singing quad become a trio once again after several years.
While many thought the band was heading south without its songstress, others lived with the pressing question of whether Fergie would ever return. The reason for her sudden disappearance from the Peas' stage also remained a mystery.
However, the band eventually disclosed that Fergie was done with the band for good, hence the replacement. Explaining her reasons, they divulged that the songstress was taking up a more challenging responsibility— motherhood.
THE BLACK EYED PEAS MUSIC BAND
Black Eyed Peas was founded by three iconic rappers, Will.i.am, apl.de.ap, and Taboo in Los Angeles, 1995. The group, which came up with some of the best selling tracks of all time, only achieved stardom in 2003, with the release of "Elephunk."
In 2003, the group welcomed Stacey Ferguson, "Fergie" as their singer and branched into other music genres other than their original alternative hip hop. The change led the band to some of their greatest achievements in music records.
Fergie left the group over a decade later. Will.i.am, Taboo and apl.de.ap tried performing without their lead singer, but soon realized they needed one after all.
Following a long stretch of no album release, the Peas made their big comeback in 2019, with the release of the album, "Masters Of The Sun Vol. 1." Several hit tracks followed the next year, including "Mamacita" and "Ritmo (Bad Boys For Life.)"
Their next album, "Translation," was released soon after, and publicly unveiled Jessica Rey Soul's membership of the iconic group.
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