Representing the combined efforts of Philippines-born Apl.de.ap and African American songwriter Will.I.Am, Atban Klann was one of Southern California's hardest-hitting groups of the 1990s. The group, which Will.I.Am formed with Apl.de.ap shortly after leaving the dance troupe Tribal Nation, was quickly signed by the L.A.-based Ruthless label. Although they recorded one album, evenly divided between tracks accompanied by computer programming and cuts recorded with a live band, it went unreleased. The group's hopes continued to fade after the death of label owner Eazy-E in 1995. They disbanded shortly afterwards, with Will.I.Am going on to form a similar group, the Black Eyed Peas. ~ Craig Harris, Rovi
