Music icon and tech entrepreneur Will.i.am recently shared a surprising detail about his home life. The beloved talent doesn’t own a home and instead lives in hotels. Read more about this surprising fact inside.

According to Travel Noire, the Black Eyed Peas frontman made this revelation during his appearance at the AfroTech Conference in Houston. He attributes this unique approach to living to his success and personal milestones. Despite his estimated net worth of $50 million, Will.i.am views achievement as a journey, not a destination.

“I’ve never had a house,” he shared during the conference. “I bought myself a studio. I have my office, but I stay in a hotel. I don’t have a house because I ain’t bought the house that says, ‘I made it.’”

This mindset reflects his belief that every accomplishment propels him toward the next goal, rather than signifying a final endpoint. Will.i.am also noted that his upbringing has a lot to do with his decision making. He notes that until he’s able to purchase the home of his dreams, he’s comfortable living in hotels.

Growing up in the housing projects of South Central Los Angeles, Will.i.am’s perspective was shaped by challenging circumstances. He recalls his mother relying on food stamps and the tragic loss of friends to violence. These formative experiences instilled in him an ambitious drive to break away from those realities and create opportunities for others.

Though he’s achieved worldwide fame, Will.i.am maintains strong ties to his roots. He regularly returns to his old neighborhood, ensuring he remains connected and grounded. His commitment to giving back is evident in his advocacy for underserved communities. After witnessing devastation during tsunami relief efforts in Indonesia, he realized similar crises exist in underprivileged neighborhoods across the United States.

“There’s a tsunami in every hood, every day,” he said, highlighting systemic issues like poor zoning and limited access to healthy food.

Inspired by this realization, Will.i.am focuses on uplifting others, using his platform to address inequalities and foster change. The South Central native rejects conventional symbols of success and instead, exemplifies a forward-thinking, mission-driven approach to life. Will.i.am values impact over material possessions. Maybe, one day when he can imagine the home of his dream, he will find a traditional sense of stability.