The Black Eyed Peas long-haired band-mate, Taboo, dons the claw and mask of Street Fighter‘s Vega in the new movie Street Fighter: The Legend Of Chun-Li.
GIANT: How did you feel playing Vega in The Legend Of Chun-Li? Taboo: For me it was an honor coming from a martial arts background and being able to be a part of such a prestigious franchise, and just coming from a musical career with the Black Eye Peas and going into my first action film, it taught me a lot. I got to work with some of the best stunt coordinators, the cast was amazing and I’ve been a Street Fighter fan since I was a kid so to be part of the whole event humbled me. Coming off the success of the Black Eyed Peas, I had to start all over with this movie career and it made me hungry and motivated to pursue an acting career.
GIANT: How in-depth do you want to go with your movie career? Do you want to stick with action or are there other genres that you want to explore?
Taboo: I had been taking acting classes for ten years when we first started Black Eye Peas in 1995 and then we got a record deal and my career took off in music first. I always said to myself that I was going to go back to my first love, which is acting. I want to be able to test my skills not just in the action world but with drama. Whatever I feel comfortable with and challenging I’m going to go after.
GIANT: Did your own martial arts background make it easier to train for the role?
Taboo: I’ve been studying Jeet Kune Do and I would incorporate it into my dancing on stage with the Black Eyed Peas. I did this song called “Joints & Jam” in 1998 and we had a video that showcased my stances and my different techniques. I already had the fundamentals and the forms but for training I had to learn acrobatics and wire work. It was more of athleticism than anything and getting my form back. I actually trained with a K-1 fighter.
GIANT: How is the European tour going with the Black Eyed Peas? Taboo: It’s amazing. I’m so happy and so pleased to be back in full swing with my partners, will.i.am, Fergie and apl.de.ap. Our song Boom Boom Pow is a monster right now and its doing so well on the iTunes chart.
GIANT: How have you been impacted by the death of Michael Jackson and what are some of your most memorable MJ moments? Taboo: First and foremost, it was so special that will.i.am was able to work with Michael Jackson. To have my brother be here to tell me stories and to explain how special of a person Michael was and how kind-hearted he was. That let me know a lot about Michael Jackson as a person, not to mention as one of the greatest entertainers that ever lived. I grew up on Michael and his influences in my era and his memory will live long with me as an entertainer and in my group. Every time I hit the stage I always dedicate my performance to such a great inspiration.
Jeremy Clayton
Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li is on DVD now. Click here to read GIANT’s review.
