The music world and the world of children’s entertainment collided when Taboo, the legendary rapper of the Black Eyed Peas, lent his voice to the beloved Nickelodeon character Quickatoo in the new season of Dora the Explorer. We caught up with Taboo and his daughter Jett, who also voices a character in the show, to talk about their experience working on Dora, as well as Taboo’s upcoming projects, including a new Marvel project.
The Power of Representation
Taboo’s involvement with Dora stems from his desire to inspire and represent his community. “As a native Mexican, it’s amazing to be part of a brand that has been going on for so many years, and having the longevity it’s had,” he explained. “Especially because of my background, being native and Mexican, and having such an iconic figure, a little matriarch like Dora, inspiring our communities and the people that look just like us on the big screen and TV series. That’s a big blessing for us. We can advocate for heroes that look just like us and inspire our kids, let alone my daughter.”
A Family Affair
Working on Dora has been a special experience for Taboo and Jett, who have been making voices and characters at home for years. “It was a natural thing,” Taboo said. “I’m telling you, dude, if we’re in the studio, I was just like, ‘Jett, let go.’ Just being fearless. A lot of times, when you have a director telling you, ‘Okay, now give it to me big. Now, be small in this part. Now, I want you to laugh.’ She’s never laughed on cue before, so it’s like getting the right laughter, getting the right tone, getting the right ‘ritmo!’ Making sure she understands the inflection and the tonality of each line and the dialogue.”
Creating Music for Dora
Taboo also had the opportunity to write an original song for the show, titled “Melodía.” “When I presented it to Richie, Richie was like, ‘Yo, why don’t we take this ‘Melodía’ bop, as you say, and carve out an episode that speaks to the song you wrote, but also speaks to Dora’s love and appreciation for Papi because you’re daughter is also going to be part of this episode and she’s part of the song with you.’ I was like, ‘Perfect.’ It’s a perfect collaboration.”
A New Marvel Project
While we can’t reveal too much just yet, Taboo did tease a new Marvel project that he’s working on. “I’m actually in the process of writing a new book with that company,” he revealed. “I don’t want to say it because we’re doing Nickelodeon right now you can say it but, yes. In 2025, I’ll have a new book dropping with that company. And I also have a podcast that I created that’s called Taboo’s Comics and Kicks. We discuss comic books, the ones that I’ve written and some that I’m a fan of, and a lot of storytelling. Toys and action figures because that goes along hand-in-hand with comic books. And, also, kicks because I’m a sneaker head.”
More to Come
When he’s not working on Dora or his Marvel project, Taboo can be found discussing comic books and more on his podcast. With his passion for storytelling and his dedication to representing his community, it’s clear that Taboo is just getting started. Stay tuned for more updates on his projects and be sure to check out the new season of Dora the Explorer, which begins streaming on Paramount+ on July 2, 2025.
Dora’s New Season
The new season of Dora the Explorer premieres on July 2, 2025, on Paramount+. Don’t miss it!
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