If you missed HBO’s East of Main Street back in May 2011, you can now watch the short documentaries online. The first one is about apl.de.ap of the Black Eyed Peas. You will learn a lot about apl.de.ap (aka Allan Pineda Lindo, Jr.). He’s overcome a lot of obstacles to succeed in the music business and in life. The kid from the Philippines was born to a Filipino mother and an African-American father. Raised by a single mother, he grew up in the poor parts of the Philippines with rare eye condition nystagmus, which made him legally blind. His vision problems led him to learn breakdancing in the street. He was put up for adoption at the age of 14 years old and moved to the US, where he met will.i.am. It took awhile to get the first album out with the Black Eyed Peas, but he’s always fused his heritage with his music. He continues to remember his roots and giving back to the community. It’s a touching story about a great role model for Asian Americans. Big ups to apl.de.ap of Black Eyed Peas.

After watching this documentary, we understand more of the meaning behind his songs like Mama Filipina, U Can Dream, and We Be Workin’.

East of Main Street: apl.de.ap of Black Eyed Peas