Black Eyed Peas Recruit New Member

They've transcended their vigilant hip-hop roots and have become a global phenomenon, the likes of which the music world has rarely seen. Ever-curious and ever-confident, that group is The Black Eyed Peas, and after energizing crowds 'round the globe with the monster-stomp of Elephunk, it's time for the quartet, William, Fergie, apl.de.ap and Taboo to get down to business, Monkey Business, that is.

Now the group is adding one more monkey to the bunch, with new member, Shawn-Q. "We saw something extra, fresh & funky about Shawn-Q, we had no choice but to let him be down with us," says Will-i-am. Shawn-Q, 25, was born and raised in Newark, New Jersey, and a professional Artist and Designer when he first met Fergie. "He was working on decorating my house in LA, and he was so funny and interesting, we just clicked," says the also newly now turned veteran member.

"I had a 9 to 5 and everything, but I love to dance and I always wanted to perform," says Shawn-Q during an interview, "...so Ferg let me perform for the fellas, and I just killed it, you know, do what I do. So I flew out to one of there concerts, and I was so nervous, because it was going to be the first time the fans would see me. The played 'Let's get it started' and I kicked a verse real quick, and everyone loved it. It just felt good to be on stage with a group of people that have the same passion as me,"says Shawn-Q.

The group will go on tour with there new member this Fall.

[hey, I can dream, can't I?]