In 2003, the Black Eyed Peas released their biggest and most meaningful song to this day on their Elephunk album. Titled “Where Is The Love”, the song also won two Grammy awards in 2004, including “Record of the Year.
Thirteen years later, we’re in a tumultuous era of racial violence, police brutality, and civil unrest across the United States. As the music is slowly, but surely reflecting the issues that are plaguing the country, songs like “Where Is The Love”, which also featured Justin Timberlake, are needed now more than ever before. And the Platinum selling group has given us a remake of this classic record.
The group has gotten back together to recreate their hit, “Where Is The Love”, but not without some help. BEP has managed to call on a star studded cast over 50 artists from various genres of pop culture to demand peace and racial unity, and it is just as poignant as it was in ’03. The artists featured include a wide variety of rappers, actors, and singers, and other celebrities like Jamie Foxx, The Game, Diddy, Mary J. Blige, Russell Westbrook, Jaden Smith, French Montana, Norman Lear, Kris and Kendall Jenner, LL Cool J, Wiz Khalifa, Snoop Dogg, Winnie Harlo, and many, many, more. Justin Timberlake also returns to do to his passionate hook and DJ Khaled’s interlude is one of the finest moments on the record that will give you goosebumps.
In an interview with ATTN, will.i.am explains why they felt that now was the time to redo the song.
“I remember when the Paris attack happened, people would say, we need ‘Where Is The Love?’ again,” will.i.am explains. “And then Belgium happened. And then Turkey, and then Orlando, and then Philando, and Alton before him, and then Dallas. Everyone was calling on us, like, ‘we need that song again.'”
He goes on to say that he hopes that their remake inspires millennials to be aware and concerned about what is happening across the country.
“I hope this song inspires the millennial to go all out,” said will.i.am. “Scream from the tallest mountain. Care like your freedom depends on it. Pay attention like that is at risk.”
The song and video is now available on iTunes and Apple Music and the proceeds will go to will.i.am’s i.am.angel foundation. It is a 24 hour exclusive and will be available everywhere real soon.
Watch the original and the their interview with ATTN here.