Will.i.am lives in a hotel as he’s never owned a house. This unconventional lifestyle choice has intrigued fans and media alike, especially considering his successful career spanning over three decades in the entertainment industry.
The Black Eyed Peas musician, 49, is said to be worth around $70 million partly due to his string of hits including “Boom Boom Pow” and “I Gotta Feelin’,” but has revealed he doesn’t feel like he’s “made it,” partly because he’s never put down permanent roots. The Black Eyed Peas have sold over 80 million records worldwide, making them one of the best-selling groups of all time. Their hit single “I Gotta Feelin'” holds the record for most downloads in a week, with more than 626,000 during its peak.
“As far as the idea of ‘I made it,’ I don’t think I made it, because every milestone takes me to the next milestone,” he said at AfroTech conference in Houston. The conference is one of the largest multicultural tech conferences in the United States, attracting thousands of attendees annually. The 2023 event drew more than 25,000 participants from across the globe.
“I’m making it,” he continued. “I’ve never had a house. I bought myself a studio. I have my office, but I stay in a hotel. I don’t have a house because I ain’t bought the house that says ‘I made it.’ ” His studio, equipped with state-of-the-art technology, is estimated to be worth several million dollars.
Born William James Adams Jr., the singer also stressed he grew up living in a South Los Angeles housing project. The Estrada Courts housing project, where he spent his early years, has shaped his perspective on success and achievement.
“I remember my mom was like, ‘Wait, put your clothes on. You go up here to get our food stamps. Sit in this line to get this cheese,’ “ he added. “When you are in a project, that’s your reality. You come outside, your best friend that you grew up with is no longer with you because he got shot and you want to dream different – that’s where I get ambition from.” This experience has influenced his numerous philanthropic initiatives, including the i.am.angel Foundation, which provides STEAM education opportunities to underprivileged youth.
The Black Eyed Peas are about to take up residency in Las Vegas and Will.i.am has added to his music fortune by investing in technology companies. The Vegas residency is expected to generate significant revenue, following the success of other major artists’ residencies in the city.
He is also the founder and CEO of Fyi.AI, a new messenger and tool for streamlining apps. The company has attracted significant attention from Silicon Valley investors and tech enthusiasts, with early funding rounds raising substantial capital.
“You don’t need a thousand apps, especially when apps don’t talk to each other. With FYI it’s all in one place – your news, your calendar, your collaborative work. It may sound like a foreign concept, but eventually it’s going to be the system.” Will.i.am said about the firm’s service.
Beyond his music and tech ventures, Will.i.am serves as a coach on “The Voice UK” and has collaborated with major tech companies like Intel and Apple. His involvement in the technology sector has earned him recognition as one of the most innovative musicians-turned-entrepreneurs in the industry. His role on “The Voice UK” spans multiple seasons, making him one of the longest-serving coaches on any version of the show globally.
His decision to live in hotels, despite his substantial wealth, reflects his unique approach to success and his focus on continuous growth rather than traditional symbols of achievement. This lifestyle choice aligns with a growing trend among ultra-high-net-worth individuals who prefer the flexibility and service-oriented nature of luxury hotel living. Recent studies show that approximately 5 percent of wealthy individuals choose similar alternative living arrangements, prioritizing mobility and convenience over traditional homeownership.
