Black Eyed Peas

Black Eyed Peas

Back Eyed Peas star Taboo is glad he waited a few years to become a dad for the second time - because maturity has made him a better father.

The rapper became a dad to Josh, by a former girlfriend, in 1993 - when he was just 17 years old - but left much of the childcare up to his own mother. He married his current partner Jaymie Dizon in 2008 and they welcomed their first child, Jimmy Jalen, the following year - and Taboo admits he's finding fatherhood much easier now he's older.

He tells Usmagazine.com, "I was a little selfish when I was younger. I cared about myself, and I was out on the streets and letting my mom take care of Josh. I wasn't prepared mentally to be a parent.

"Now, I am 35 years old, I am successful, I have something to offer, and I'm capable of parenting now. Before, I didn't want to take care of a baby and change diapers, but now I am all about it."

The star reveals his relationship with Josh has changed over time - he's now become a "disciplinary figure" to the teen rather than a friend. He adds, "We grew up together, and most young parents will say that. We've always had more of a brotherly relationship than a father-son relationship, and that is my fault. I never saw myself like that, and now as I've gotten older, I've become more of a disciplinary figure.

"I realise now that I can't be friends with my son because then when it's time to put it down, he's going to think 'Why is my friend acting like that?'"