Apl de Ap and his band, The Black Eyed Peas, are ruling the music charts right now, and he is determined to not let such a grand opportunity pass him by. You already know his story: born Allan Pineda Lindo in the Philippines to a Filipino mother and African-American father, Apl moved to Los Angeles as a teenager with help from the Pearl S. Buck foundation. There, he met will.i.am and fell in love with hip-hop and break-dancing. The rest, as they say, is history. Now that the Peas are a firmly-established worldwide success, Apl is busy writing the next chapter of his story.

He’s talking to us today about Jeepney Music, his recently-launched record label that he hopes will highlight music and art by emerging artists from around the world. The name “Jeepney” refers to the minibus-like vehicle that’s become popularized as a mode of transportation in the Philippines. In the same way, Apl hopes the label will be about movement and access; a chance for often-overlooked artists to have a voice and platform for their creativity. For now, the focus is on Asia — the label will be home to traditional Filipino music, DJs, soul singers and dancers – though burgeoning music exec Apl says he’s hoping to expand the label to incorporate American acts as well. “With Jeepney,” he says, “we’re fostering a collaborative community where emerging artists can work together and inspire each other. That’s the most important part for me.”

Jeepney will also be giving back in a different way. Apl is working closely with the Ayala Foundation and the Pearl S. Buck Foundation to provide laptops for schools in the Philippines and scholarships for underprivileged children worldwide, and he’s recently launched a fundraising drive for those affected by the massive floods this summer in Asia.

Ever on the lookout to add more to his life, Apl is also fresh off recording an album of solo material. His debut single “U Can Dream” set the tone for his solo work, blending DJ beats with a laidback rap style, and lyrics recalling his past in the Philippines and how he’s making his life into something bigger and better. Less party-themed than his work with the Peas, Apl’s solo songs evoke something deeper. And though the Peas are booked solid on tours for the next three years, Apl is optimistic about one day touring on his own. “It would be a lot of pressure because I’ve got to do it all by myself, but I’m definitely planning on it,” he says.

Apl hopes the solo material will keep him fresh and connected with his fans, a relationship he’s honed from years of working the stage with the Peas. Next up is a world tour with the group – a production Apl says “will be bigger than ever” – then it’s back to the studio to record their next album. Apl’s individual time to shine may have to wait, but he’s content to share the spotlight with his bandmates, while working behind the scenes at his new label. From number one songs on the charts to his role as a mentor to young artists, it’s all been more than he could’ve ever hoped for growing up in the Philippines. Asked about his tremendous success thus far, Apl can only say, “I just feel really blessed.”

- Casey Bridgers