Taboo (rapper)

Taboo (rapper)
Name	Taboo
Background	solo_singer
Birth name	Jaime Luis Gómez
Alias	Taboo Nawasha
Birth date	14 July 1975
Birth place	Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Genre	Hip hop, pop, Latin
Occupation	Rapper, singer, songwriter, actor, DJ
Years active	1995–present
Associated acts	The Black Eyed Peas, will.i.am, apl.de.ap, Fergie, Macy Gray, Kim Hill

Taboo (rapper). Jaime Luis Gómez, known professionally as Taboo, is an American rapper, singer, and songwriter best known as a founding member of the Grammy Award-winning pop-hip hop group The Black Eyed Peas. Of Shoshone and Mexican descent, he has been integral to the group's global success since its formation in Los Angeles in 1995. Beyond his work with the group, Taboo has pursued solo projects, acting roles, and advocacy for Indigenous communities.

Early life and background

Jaime Luis Gómez was born on July 14, 1975, in the Boyle Heights neighborhood of Los Angeles. He is of mixed heritage, with his mother being of Shoshone descent and his father being Mexican American. Gómez was raised primarily by his grandmother in Rosemead, an experience that deeply influenced his cultural identity. He attended Rosemead High School, where he developed an interest in music and dance, particularly breakdancing and the local hip hop scene. Before his music career took off, he worked at a McDonald's restaurant and as a telemarketer.

Musical career

Taboo co-founded The Black Eyed Peas in 1995 alongside will.i.am and apl.de.ap, with the group initially gaining attention in the Los Angeles underground hip hop circuit. The group's debut album, Behind the Front (1998), and its follow-up, Bridging the Gap (2000), established their eclectic sound. International superstardom arrived with the addition of singer Fergie and the release of Elephunk (2003) and Monkey Business (2005), featuring global hits like "Where Is the Love?" and "My Humps". Taboo contributed verses and stage presence throughout the group's ascent, including on later albums like The E.N.D. (2009) and The Beginning (2010). He released his solo single "Zumbao" in 2016 and his debut solo album, The Last of the Mohicans, in 2022. He has also collaborated with artists like Macy Gray and J. Rey Soul.

Artistry and influences

Taboo's musical style is rooted in hip hop but incorporates significant pop, Latin, and electronic influences, reflecting the broad appeal of The Black Eyed Peas. His rapping often features a rhythmic, percussive flow. He cites early influences from the West Coast hip hop scene, including artists like Digital Underground and Tone Lōc. His Shoshone heritage profoundly impacts his artistry, leading him to incorporate Indigenous themes and advocacy into his later work. As a performer, he is known for his energetic stage presence and distinctive style, often incorporating elements of breakdancing and urban fashion.

Personal life

Taboo married actress and model Jaymie Dizon in 2008; the couple has two children. He is a prominent advocate for Indigenous rights and health issues, particularly after being diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2014. After successful treatment, he became a spokesperson for the American Cancer Society and the National Cancer Institute. He has also worked with the Bureau of Indian Education and serves on the board of the National Urban Indian Family Coalition. In 2021, he published a memoir, Fallin' Up: My Story, detailing his life and career.

Discography

* With The Black Eyed Peas: Behind the Front (1998), Bridging the Gap (2000), Elephunk (2003), Monkey Business (2005), The E.N.D. (2009), The Beginning (2010), Masters of the Sun Vol. 1 (2018), Translation (2020), Elevation (2022). * Solo: The Last of the Mohicans (2022).

Awards and nominations

As a member of The Black Eyed Peas, Taboo has won multiple Grammy Awards, including Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group for "Let's Get It Started" and Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group for "I Gotta Feeling". The group has also received awards from the American Music Awards, Billboard Music Awards, and MTV Video Music Awards. Individually, he has been honored with the Visionary Award from the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development and recognition from the American Cancer Society for his advocacy work.

Category:American rappers Category:American male rappers Category:The Black Eyed Peas members Category:Musicians from Los Angeles Category:Shoshone people Category:Mexican-American rappers Category:1975 births Category:Living people