Formed in 1992, A.T.B.A.N. Klann was a hip-hop/rap group consisting of rappers Will 1X, apl.de.ap, and Mooky Mook, and DJ and producer DJ Motiv8. The group was signed to Ruthless Records under Eazy-E. The group used many featured artists, including primary backing vocalist Dante Santiago on multiple songs, lead female singer Dandilion, and rapper Mr. Shaw, who was in a group with Taboo (who would later join Will and apl in Black Eyed Peas), called Pablo. Additionally, Huck Finn and Longevity collaborated on the album. The group made their debut on the song, "Merry Muthafuckin' Xmas", as a featured artist. In 1993, they began recording their album, Grass Roots. They released one single leading up the album, "Puddles Of H20", in 1994. It was released on vinyl and CD. The vinyl included 1 double sided LP, which featured "Puddles Of H20" on Side A, and "Let Me Get Down" on Side B. The CD included both tracks as well. The album was almost entierly produced by DJ Motiv8 and Will 1X, with the exception of 2 tracks which were produced by Madness 4 Real. 

The album was shelved due to the death of Eazy-E and the group being dropped to the label. In 1995, Will 1X, apl.de.ap, DJ Motiv8, and featured vocalist from the Grass Roots album Dante Santiago formed Black Eyed Peas with Taboo from Mr. Shaw's group, Pablo, and singer Kim Hill who featured on 3 tracks from the group's first album, and 9 tracks from the second album. Will 1X changed his stage name to will.i.am. DJ Motiv8 was the group's DJ, and he brought in guitarist Kevin Feyen, bassist Mike Fratantuno, keyboardist Brian Lapin, and drummer Terrence Yoshiaki. The Black Eyed Peas would not be where they are today without the amazing talents of DJ Motiv8, who taught will.i.am and apl.de.ap how to produce music.