in ,

Eazy-E signed a pre-Fergie Black Eyed Peas to Ruthless Records

Share
Eazy-E signed a pre-Fergie Black Eyed Peas to Ruthless Records

Eazy-E signed a pre-Fergie Black Eyed Peas to his record label, Ruthless Records in 1992. At the time they group went by the moniker “Atban Klann.” A.T.B.A.N Klann (A Tribe Beyond a Nation) which consisted of Will 1X (), apl.de.ap, Mookie Mook, DJ Motiv8 (a.k.a. Monroe Walker), and Dante Santiago. Will 1X and apl.de.ap were first signed by when they were in high school after they caught the attention of Eazy-E manager Jerry Heller's nephew. They made their debut on Eazy-E's EP, 5150: Home 4 tha Sick on the record “Merry Muthaphuckkin' Xmas”.

Atban Klann's Grass Roots was supposed to be released on October 6, 1994, but the album was shelved shortly before its release. The duo (Will 1X and apl.de.ap) would stay under Ruthless Records until they were dropped from the label after Eazy-E's death in 1995.

will.i.am and apl.de.ap recruited Taboo and later on Fergie to form The and release hits like “Where Is the Love?,” “Boom Boom Pow” and “I Gotta Feeling.”

Purchase our 100 Hip-Hop Facts (1973-2000) Book

Read: Bone Thugs-N-Harmony is the only group to work with 2Pac, The Notorious B.I.G., Eazy-E, and Big Pun while they were still alive

Beastie Boys debut album "Licensed to Ill" was the first No. 1 rap album

The Beastie Boys debut album “Licensed to Ill” was the first No. 1 rap album

MC Lyte is the first female rapper to receive a gold single

MC Lyte was the first female rapper to receive a Gold single