Net Worth Ranker
What Is Will.I.Am’s Net Worth?
As of March 2025, Will.I.Am’s net worth is estimated to be $50 million. This valuation reflects his multifaceted career spanning music, television, fashion, and technology investments. His primary sources of wealth stem from his involvement with the Black Eyed Peas, solo music endeavors, production credits, television appearances, and entrepreneurial ventures.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
William James Adams Jr., known professionally as Will.I.Am, was born on March 15, 1975, in Los Angeles, California. He was raised by his mother, Debra, in the Estrada Courts housing projects in East Los Angeles. To support his musical aspirations, his mother enrolled him in schools in West Los Angeles. At John Marshall High School, he formed a lasting friendship with Allan Pineda Lindo (apl.de.ap), who later became a core member of the Black Eyed Peas. Together, with other partners, they started performing as Atbann Klann, a rap group. By 1992, Atbann Klann signed with Ruthless Records under the name Will-1X, where Adams recorded “Merry Muthafuckin Xmas” before departing in 1995 to establish what would become the Black Eyed Peas.
The Black Eyed Peas: A Musical Powerhouse
The Black Eyed Peas officially signed with Interscope Records and released their debut single, “Joints and Jam,” in early 1998. The original lineup consisted of Will.I.Am, apl.de.ap, and Taboo (Jaime Gomez). Their debut album, “Behind the Front,” launched in June 1998, leading to a renewed contract with Interscope and the subsequent release of their second album, “Bridging the Gap,” in 2000.
The addition of Stacy Ann Ferguson (Fergie) as a permanent member was pivotal. Originally approached for the song “Shut Up” on their third album “Elephunk,” Fergie’s chemistry with the group was undeniable. “Elephunk,” released in 2003, reached #14 on the Billboard Top 200 and sold 8.5 million copies globally, establishing the Black Eyed Peas as a pop and hip-hop force. The album featured hit singles such as “Where Is the Love?” and “Hey Mama,” significantly boosting their global appeal and income.
Their fourth album, “Monkey Business,” released in 2005, was certified three times Platinum by the RIAA in the US. The single “Don’t Phunk with My Heart” earned them the Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group. “Monkey Business” further solidified their status, with extensive touring and licensing deals contributing substantially to their revenue.
Following a break, the Black Eyed Peas released “The E.N.D.” in 2009, which featured the chart-topping singles “Boom Boom Pow” and “I Gotta Feeling.” “The E.N.D.” became one of the best-selling albums of the year, with “I Gotta Feeling” breaking records as one of the most downloaded songs in history. The album’s commercial success led to extensive world tours, generating millions in revenue.
Further albums, “The Beginning” (2010) and “Masters of the Sun Vol. 1” (2018), added to their discography, though they did not reach the same commercial heights as “Elephunk” and “The E.N.D.” These albums still contributed to the overall financial success of the group, with continued touring and licensing opportunities.
Solo Music Career and Production Work
Parallel to his work with the Black Eyed Peas, Will.I.Am has maintained a solo music career. He released his first solo album, “Lost Change,” in 2001. His second album, “Must B 21,” followed in 2003. His third solo album, “Songs About Girls,” was released in 2007. The album featured collaborations with various artists but did not achieve the commercial success of the Black Eyed Peas’ albums.
In 2013, he released “#willpower,” which included the hit single “Scream & Shout” featuring Britney Spears. “#willpower” reached number 9 on the Billboard 200 and saw international success, bolstered by collaborations and extensive promotion. This project generated revenue through album sales, single downloads, and related licensing deals.
Will.I.Am has an extensive list of production credits for artists, including Michael Jackson, Justin Bieber, Britney Spears, U2, and Bone Thugs-n-Harmony. He has produced tracks for Michael Jackson’s final studio album, contributing to the album’s commercial success. His production work for Justin Bieber and Britney Spears has also added to his income through royalties and production fees. Producing for such high-profile artists significantly contributes to his overall earnings.
Television Career: “The Voice”
Will.I.Am has gained significant recognition as a judge and mentor on the television talent show franchise “The Voice.” He has appeared on “The Voice UK,” “The Voice Australia,” and “The Voice Kids.” These appearances generate income through appearance fees and potential bonuses related to the success of the contestants he mentors. His role on “The Voice” has expanded his brand recognition and appeal, further boosting his net worth.
His presence on “The Voice UK” and “The Voice Kids” has been particularly consistent, with multiple seasons of involvement. Each season likely involves a contract with specific financial terms, including per-episode fees and potential bonuses for winning contestants. His continued presence on these shows demonstrates his popularity and marketability as a television personality.
Fashion Ventures
Before his success with the Black Eyed Peas, Will.I.Am attended the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising in Los Angeles. In 2001, he designed his own signature clothing line, i.am, which officially debuted at the 2005 Magic Apparel Trade Show in Las Vegas. While specific sales figures are not publicly available, the launch of a clothing line indicates an attempt to diversify his income streams and leverage his personal brand.
Technology Investments
Will.I.Am founded the technology company i.am+ in 2013. In April 2016, i.am+ acquired the Tel Aviv machine-learning technology start-up Sensiya. This acquisition was aimed at enhancing i.am+’s capabilities in artificial intelligence and machine learning.
In July 2017, i.am+ acquired Wink, a software and hardware brand that offers products for a Smart Home hub platform, for a reported $38.7 million. This acquisition marked a significant investment in the Smart Home market. However, in late 2019, i.am+ faced multiple tax liens. The state of California alleged that the company owed more than $500,000 in delinquent taxes, and the US government filed a lien against the company alleging over $1 million in delinquent taxes and interest. These tax issues suggest financial challenges within i.am+ that may have impacted Will.I.Am’s overall net worth.
Film and Acting Roles
Will.I.Am has participated in several film and acting projects. He voiced the character Moto Moto in the animated film “Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa” (2008). He made his major film debut as John Wraith in “X-Men Origins: Wolverine” (2009). His other acting appearances include the film “Date Night” (2010), the series “Joan of Arcadia” (2005), and the animated films “Rio” (2011) and “Rio 2” (2014). These roles contribute to his income, though acting is not his primary source of wealth.
Personal Life and Preferences
Will.I.Am is known to maintain a private personal life. He has mentioned suffering from tinnitus and ADHD. He also follows a vegan diet. While these details don’t directly impact his net worth, they provide insights into his lifestyle and health management.
Custom Car Collection
Will.I.Am is known for owning unique custom cars. One of his notable vehicles cost $700,000 and is a hybrid of a DeLorean and a Dodge Charger, showcasing his taste for high-end, personalized automobiles. Another car, based on a 1958 Volkswagen Beetle body, features a matte paint job, red leather interior, customized wheels, and distinctive grille work inspired by “Batman,” costing $900,000. These high-value vehicles represent a significant personal investment and reflect his wealth.
