What do you think?
Rate this book
Fallin' Up: My Story
Taboo, Grammy Award–winning performing artist and founding member of the Black Eyed Peas, shares the inspiring story of his rise from the mean streets of East L.A. to the heights of international fame.
Few bands can ever hope to achieve the sort of global success that the record-breaking Black Eyed Peas have attained, selling more than 30 million albums since their formation in 1995. From their album The E.N.D., which debuted at #1 on the Billboard charts, to The Beginning, the Black Eyed Peas continue to dominate the music scene. The group recently broke the all-time record for longest successive stay at the #1 position on Billboard ’s Hot 100 list, and their song “I Gotta Feeling” became the first single to surpass six million digital downloads in the United States. But in this revealing autobiography—the first book to emerge from the group—founding member Taboo reminds us that great accomplishments are often rooted in humble beginnings.
Born in East L.A. in an area notorious for street gangs and poverty, Taboo was haunted by that environment, which seemed certain to shape his destiny. Yet, steered by his dreams to be a performer and assisted by fate, the young Taboo was thrown a rope when he discovered the world of hip-hop, where talent and love of the music itself transcended all. Supported by his one true champion, his grandmother Aurora, Taboo chased his dreams with a relentless tenacity. He refused to surrender, regardless of what life threw at him— including becoming a father at age eighteen.
But even after the Black Eyed Peas beat seemingly insurmountable odds and achieved stardom, it wasn’t all Grammys and platinum albums. Taboo delivers a searingly honest account of his collision with fame’s demons, including his almost career-ending struggle with drug addiction and alcoholism. He takes us deep into a world few of us can even a show-business heaven that became a self-made hell. But inspired by the love of his family and tapping anew into the wellspring of self-belief that had sustained him in the past, Taboo learns to keep his demons at bay, his addictions in check.
Full of intimate glances into the highest reaches of the music industry—including a visit to Sting’s castle, hanging out with Bono and U2, and, at forty-one thousand feet, the high-flyingest karaoke ever— Fallin’ Up takes readers on a revealing, personal journey through stardom—and one man’s triumph over adversity times two.
Few bands can ever hope to achieve the sort of global success that the record-breaking Black Eyed Peas have attained, selling more than 30 million albums since their formation in 1995. From their album The E.N.D., which debuted at #1 on the Billboard charts, to The Beginning, the Black Eyed Peas continue to dominate the music scene. The group recently broke the all-time record for longest successive stay at the #1 position on Billboard ’s Hot 100 list, and their song “I Gotta Feeling” became the first single to surpass six million digital downloads in the United States. But in this revealing autobiography—the first book to emerge from the group—founding member Taboo reminds us that great accomplishments are often rooted in humble beginnings.
Born in East L.A. in an area notorious for street gangs and poverty, Taboo was haunted by that environment, which seemed certain to shape his destiny. Yet, steered by his dreams to be a performer and assisted by fate, the young Taboo was thrown a rope when he discovered the world of hip-hop, where talent and love of the music itself transcended all. Supported by his one true champion, his grandmother Aurora, Taboo chased his dreams with a relentless tenacity. He refused to surrender, regardless of what life threw at him— including becoming a father at age eighteen.
But even after the Black Eyed Peas beat seemingly insurmountable odds and achieved stardom, it wasn’t all Grammys and platinum albums. Taboo delivers a searingly honest account of his collision with fame’s demons, including his almost career-ending struggle with drug addiction and alcoholism. He takes us deep into a world few of us can even a show-business heaven that became a self-made hell. But inspired by the love of his family and tapping anew into the wellspring of self-belief that had sustained him in the past, Taboo learns to keep his demons at bay, his addictions in check.
Full of intimate glances into the highest reaches of the music industry—including a visit to Sting’s castle, hanging out with Bono and U2, and, at forty-one thousand feet, the high-flyingest karaoke ever— Fallin’ Up takes readers on a revealing, personal journey through stardom—and one man’s triumph over adversity times two.
- GenresBiographyNonfictionMusic
352 pages, Hardcover
First published February 8, 2011
3 people are currently reading
73 people want to read
About the author
Taboo
54 books4 followersJaime Luis Gómez, better known by his stage name Taboo, is an American rapper and actor best known as a member of the hip-hop group The Black Eyed Peas.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
November 19, 2011
I picked this one up in a library a few months ago, I thought it was really good. Taboo is a member of the BEP, tells his story of drug/alcohol abuse, his rise to fame, and his arrest, and what made him turn his life around. Inspiring story, and how AA can help someone who is determined to help himself. made me a huge fan of taboo, more so than fergie or the other BEP
January 6, 2021
Like Nikki Sixx, Taboo's grandmother played a huge role in his life. She exposed him to culture of the mariachi's and encouraged his creativity as: a pirate, a luchador and a dancer. But as he grows up, he leans toward hiphop. While he worked a job that many wouldn't (shoveling after Disney parade horses), he just didn't work hard in other areas. He had a chance to be an EMT, but he chose to do a Godawful rap for his final presentation, so he didn't graduate. Even given chances with groups, he couldn't cut it as a rapper and he was asked to maybe just be a hype man. Were it not for Will.I.AM, he wouldn't be where he is today, because he took him with him. Taboo's most significant contribution was getting JT to contribute the hook to Where Is The Love. Just an Okay book.
September 8, 2019
A very inspiring book by an inspiring person. I wish Taboo would make a second book on his journey with cancer. I am a huge fan of his and wish him the best success, happiness, and health for him and his family. :)
May 8, 2011
Look for it in an upcoming Silly Show-Biz Book Club piece. Very sincere, very silly.
July 2, 2011
Stragely good even though not my typical genre. I only gave it 4 stars, not because I couldn't put it down, but because of language. It's not for everyone.
August 3, 2012
A fabbook, way, way better than I was expecting. Honest, well written and interesting. (I am BEP fan though.)
January 8, 2013
I think this book is great as the author too.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews