Rapper will.i.am, who grew up in Boyle Heights, announced Monday that Black Eyed Peas would return as performers at this year’s East L.A. Classic at SoFi Stadium.
The 49-year-old star shared the news via a video message to students during a morning assembly at Roosevelt High School. School officials confirmed the planned performance with Boyle Heights Beat.
“How many people remember the East L.A. Classic when we were at the Coliseum? If you remember, you know that was epic,” he said in a video shared with Boyle Heights Beat. “My whole heart was filled with joy… remembering my childhood, remembering my love for Boyle Heights.”
Will.i.am previously performed alongside fellow Black Eyed Pea members APL.DE.AP, Garfield alumnus Taboo and J. Rey Soul in the 2022 East L.A. Classic held at the L.A. Coliseum in South L.A.
This year’s game between Roosevelt and Garfield is set to take place at Inglewood’s SoFi Stadium on Oct. 25. It will be the 89th East L.A. Classic to take place since its start back in 1925.
JV football will take the field at 3:30 p.m. with girls flag football on at 6 ahead of the varsity game, which kicks off at 7:30 p.m. The Black Eyed Peas will be performing during varsity’s halftime.
“It’s [going to be] an honor to be rocking with my familia at SoFi Stadium,” will.i.am said. “East L.A., Boyle Heights, represent. Ciao.”
Tickets are available at Roosevelt and Garfield, or online for $40 via Ticketmaster. Different parking options are available for purchase here.
Youth reporters Chicuei Ehecatl and Joan Cordova contributed to the reporting of this article.
