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'Dante Santiago', better known to Black Eyed Peas fans as the 5th Pea, is an American hip-hop singer, producer, and recording executive.

Contents

History

Artist/Executive

Music career

Bonus Tracks

Bonus Tracks

Bonus Tracks

History

Santiago's career began with becoming a member of the group called Atban Klann. Along with will.i.am, apl.de.ap, Mookie Mook (Burning Star) and DJ Motiv8, This crew caught the attention of Ruthless Records CEO Easy E. After Easy's death in 1995 of AIDS, the album Grass Roots was never released. Will.i.am, Apl De Ap and Dante along with new member, Taboo (rapper), decided to rename the group Black Eyed Peas. After being part of the first album, Dante decided to go solo, but remained strongly bonded to the group.

Artist/Executive

After being solo and joining the group Broshigeez (1999 to 2001). In late 2001, Will.i.am needed to 2 things from Mr Santiago, his voice and his knowledge of music, to help create the breakout album Elephunk. With singing on songs such as "Let's Get It Started", "Hey Mama", "Hands Up", "Latin Girls", "The Boogie That Be" and "Smells Like Phunk". The nick name, "The Voice" became Dante's signature title.
Then his executive skills came into play, with bringing in two huge factors on the record. After having problems finding a singer for Where's The Love, Dante spoke to Will about Justin Timberlake, which ended up being the perfect fit. Then, with the group needing a new girl singer, like (Kim Hill, Macy Gray and Estero). Will asked Dante if he knew any girls to sing on some songs and Dante suggested an old friend, named Stacy Ferguson also known as "Fergie". So with those suggestions and the great production of Will.i.am, Elephunk exploded. Which went on to sell over 10 million copies World Wide. Making the Black Eyed Peas a house hold name.
They repeated that success with the album ''Monkey Business''. Which went on to sell over 12 million copies World Wide. Dante was also featured on the song, "Dum Diddly" as well as "Feel It", "Disco Club", "My Style", "They Don't Want Music" and "Do What Ya Want". He's also toured with Black Eyed Peas as the opening act and featured artist in their show, doing songs such as Dum Diddly and Lets's Get It Started. You can also find him on the DVD "Black Eyed Peas-Live From Sidney To Vegas".
He still continues to tour with the Black Eyed Peas, making his debut on national television for the Live Earth concert at Wembley Stadium, London Perfoming "Let's Get It Started" with the Peas. He also has been a big part of Fergie's ''The Dutchess'' album which has sold so far over 4 million copies World Wide and Will.i.am's new solo record, "Songs About Girls". He also is Will.i.am's right hand man for his company Will.i.am Music Group, with the job titles of Creative A&R and Executive Producer.

Music career

Elephunk (Black Eyed Peas) 2003
#"Hands Up" – 3:35
#"Let's Get Retarded" – 3:35
#"Hey Mama" (Ft. Tippa Irie) – 3:34
#"Smells Like Funk" – 5:04
#"Latin Girls" (Ft. Debi Nova and Dante Santiago)– 6:17
#"The Boogie That Be" – 5:12

Bonus Tracks

★ "Let's Get It Started" - 3:39 (U.S. version)

★ "Rock My Shit" (UK version)

★ "The Elephunk Theme" (German version)
Must B 21 (Will.i.am) 2003
#"It's Okay" (with Triple Seven & Dante Santiago) - 3:39
#"Sumthing Special" (with Niu, Dante Santiago & Taboo (rapper)) - 3:55
#"We Got Chu" (with Planet Asia & FLII) - 3:52
#"Go!" - 3:54
Monkey Business (Black Eyed Peas) 2005
#"My Style" 4:28 (Featuring Justin Timberlake)
#"Dum Diddly" (Featuring Dante Santiago) 4:19
#"Feel It" 4:19
#"They Don't Want Music" (Featuring James Brown) 6:46
#"Disco Club" 3:48
#"Ba Bump" 3:56

Bonus Tracks

★ "Do What You Want" (Ireland, UK, Brazil, Australia, Germany, China)

★ "If You Want Love" (Ireland, UK)
Songs About Girls (Will.i.am) 2007
#"Impatient" (featuring Dante Santiago)

Bonus Tracks

★ "Damn Damn Damn"
50 First Dates (Fergie) 2005
#"True" (with will.i.am) (Japan Limited Edition bonus track) - 3:46
Timeless (Sergio Mendes) 2006
#"Mas que nada" 2:39
''The Big Bang'' (Busta Rhymes) 2006
#"I Love My Bitch" 3:47
Blow The Whistle (Too $hort) 2006
#"Keep Bouncin'" 4:09
The Dutchess (Fergie) 2006
#"Get Your Hands Up" (with The Black Eyed Peas) – 3:34