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SINGAPORE : Top of the world, baby. That's where the Black Eyed Peas are right now.
Last month, they made history for having the longest successive stay at the top the Billboard Hot 100 charts with their singles "Boom Boom Pow" and "I Gotta Feeling" - 22 weeks and counting. The previous record was held by Usher who spent a total of 19 weeks at No 1 in 2004.
"To beat Elvis' record, Michael Jackson's record, The Beatles' record, The Rolling Stones' record - that's crazy, dude," said the Peas' obviously pleased founding member Will.i.am at the time.
"We didn't expect that kind of success," said fellow founding member Apl.de.ap over the phone from Los Angeles. "You know, when we made 'Boom Boom Pow' for the clubs, we didn't expect it to be such a big hit. It's a blessing and it's pretty overwhelming at the same time."
The parent album 'The E.N.D.' (aka The Energy Never Dies) has been sitting in the Top 10 since its release in June; and when we spoke, Apl and the rest of the Peas - Will, Taboo and Fergie - were in the middle of shooting the video for the next single "Meet Me Halfway", which he said was "dope".
"This is a very different type of video ... 'Boom Boom Pow' was very futuristic and 'I Gotta Feeling' had a party vibe, but this is more artistic video. It's very arty."
Keeping The Peas In Asia
Speaking of things different, Apl said their upcoming F1 Rocks concert in Singapore will be very different from anything seen so far.
"This time round, we've got a big production with our show," he said. "The stage is incredible: We have crazy visuals and lasers, and we're actually doing routines this time around! It's very exciting for us! This is the first time we're doing something like this. It's going to be our biggest show."
For the record, Apl said Singapore is a must when the Black Eyed Peas tour Asia. "When we do Asia, we always go there first," he said. "Singapore is a great place! It's a melting pot of ethnicity and you guys rock out! You guys love the music and the culture, and everybody is so nice.
"But we have to remember to be careful not to throw any trash on the ground!" he laughed.
When asked about his most memorable show, though, Apl said without hesitation: "Not to be biased, but first the show in the Philippines! The first time we went back to the Philippines to do a show, the President was there in the front row with the army!"
He added: "You'd never see that anywhere else! It's not like Obama would come to a Black Eyed Peas concert in the US!"
It was also an emotional moment for Apl. Born Allan Pineda Lindo in the Philippines in 1974, he travelled to America and was adopted by a sponsor when he was 14. He's been living there since, but Apl said his home country still has a special place in his heart.
"I didn't get to see my family for a decade and when I came back, my family was there and it was ... too much. It was an unbelieveable moment."
And, yes, they'll be going there this time round, too. "I'll be mad if we don't go! I might have to throw a fit!" he laughed.
"But in Asia, I feel at home. It's funny because in every Asian country they'd sing along to the songs, and it's like - wow!"
Senior Citizens Keeping Active
It's this support that drives the group on, said Apl.
"That's what keeps your sanity going! It's tiring when you work in the studio, preparing and travelling everyday. But when you do a show, you forget all that tiredness. It's like, 'This is why I was doing all that work'. It's just fun. And it's also a good workout, jumping around on stage - that's your cardio for the day!"
And the energy isn't dying for the Peas, even though the industry might not be working as well as it used to. "People are being discouraged instead of riding the waves of the technology," he explained. "(But) you've got to use those tools around you: Connecting with the fans through websites or sometimes giving free songs. That's how you keep the energy going."
If they could, said Apl, the Peas want to keep the energy going for a long time. "We like doing shows and touring - that's what gave us longevity in the game so I would never give that up."
Even when he's 64 and less agile? "Yeah, I won't be doing that much dance moves, I guess! But, like, with a cane, I'll be like, 'I still got it!' It could just be one dope move, but I'm still going to try to do some s**t!"
The only downside? "I might be too old to get on stage and you might not want to watch me no more! Or that Singapore won't want us back!"
We highly doubt that, Apl. We respect our elders here in Asia.
Catch Apl and the rest of the Black Eyed Peas before they have to start using canes at F1 Rocks, Sept 26 at Fort Canning Park.
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