In the next episode of CNBC Meets, presenter Tania Bryer meets global music icon will.i.am.
The Black Eyed Peas frontman is not just a musician with 33 million album sales, but an entrepreneur, innovator and philanthropist.
Will.i.am talks to Bryer about his childhood, growing up on a housing project in Boyle Heights in East Los Angeles.
Will.i.am's mother, Debra Cain, talks about her son's childhood without a father and the sacrifices she had to make, sending her son out of Boyle Heights to a public school in the more affluent West Los Angeles.
Will.i.am talks extensively about his music career with the Black Eyed Peas, as well as his philanthropic efforts and his i.am.angel Foundation.
CNBC Meets: will.i.am will air on Wednesday 11 September.
