The Black Eyed Peas’ leader is what he is, and that’s addicted to music

IT’S time to unpack the “phunk” trunk. After 18 months touring the globe, L.A.’s own Black Eyed Peas are back in town to help headline the annual New Year’s Eve blowout Giant Village, encompassing six downtown blocks around Wilshire Boulevard on Saturday. For the Peas and founding member Will.i.am, who lives in Los Feliz, it’s a triumphant homecoming. The group’s latest CD, “Monkey Business,” is nominated for four Grammys, and Will is already thinking about the band’s new album while he finishes up a hip-hop/bossa nova project with Brasil ’66 legend Sergio Mendes. But does the Pea pod-leader have time for a weekend of leisure?

A taste of Brazil

I’d love to spend a weekend in Brazil just before Carnaval, but if I was in L.A., I’d go out to dinner on Friday at Fogo de Chao, a great Brazilian rotisserie-style dinner place on La Cienega where they just keep bringing you out chicken, rice, beans and a lot of other stuff.

I might stop at one of my favorite clubs, LAX, where my friend from junior high, DJ AM, is a partner and DJ. After that, I’d go to a place where you can get food until about 4 a.m., Torung in Hollywood, where the Thai fried rice and shrimp cakes are great. Then I’d head back home to Los Feliz.

Go shopping, go Trojans

On Saturday, because I was out so late the night before, it would be lunchtime when I finally got up, and I’d go to a nice Mexican restaurant in the neighborhood, Mexico City on Hillhurst. I’d order beans, rice and some chicken, the same stuff as at the Brazilian place, but the spices are different.

Then I’d go shopping. First to Barracuda on Melrose, which is a very cool place for clothes, and then I’d check out my own line, i.am, at Fred Segal’s. I also like the Beverly Center, which has Traffic, and Politix for shoes.

I’d like to go see USC play in the Rose Bowl if it was on a weekend. I’m a big ‘SC fan, and I was a fan even in the years when they weren’t going to the Rose Bowl. Then I’d go back to my studio in Los Feliz and make some music.

Later, my girlfriend and I would eat at the Curry House downtown. I’d order chicken, rice and -- what else? -- curry. We’d later go to Universal CityWalk and catch a movie. On the way back, we’d buy a documentary at Virgin to watch at home.

Keeping it normal

On Sunday morning I’d go have breakfast at my mom’s in Sherman Oaks, then I’d go visit my grandma in East L.A. My aunt still lives there too. I grew up there in the projects.

So I’d hang out and visit for a while, then I’d probably go down to Laguna Beach and have some seafood and just people-watch and try to be normal down there, like back when I was broke. Just walk the beach and eat seafood.

I’d go back home in time for dinner at Baracoa on Glendale Boulevard. Later, I’d go listen to some music, not anywhere big, but just a coffee shop or small dive where locals perform. Poetry nights. Discovery spots. Get inspired and whatnot.

Then I’d be ready to go back to my studio and make some more of my own stuff. I’m addicted to music. Literally.

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-- Mark Sachs