With so many acts of violence and hatred staining the globe this year, it’s hard not to ask, “Where Is the Love?” Thirteen years after the Elephunk hit, Black Eyed Peas reunited members and joined forces with artists, activists, and entertainers to remake its call for peace.
The original track features expresses the sentiments following 9/11, and features co-writer Justin Timberlake. It also reflects on the state of the government, LGBT rights, war, and racism. The different messages still resinate with PEABodies years later. “I remember when the attack in Paris happened, people would say, ‘We need ‘Where’s Is the Love?’ again.’ And then Belgium happened, and then Turkey, and then Orlando, and then Philando, and Alton before him, and then Dallas,” said BEP member will.i.am in a video with ATTN.
For 2016, the tempo has been upped a bit. Dozens of musicians fill up the new version of “Where Is the Love?,”including DJ Khaled, The Game, Usher, Jamie Foxx, Mary J. Blige, Jessie J., Tori Kelly, V. Bozeman, A$AP Rocky, French Montana, and more.
Producers found famous images and footage to accompany the visuals. For example, some depict protests in Ferguson and Baton Rouge, the Syrian refugee crisis and conflict, and attacks in Turkey. They range from acts of violence to acts of assistance. The video also has cameos from actors, directors, reality TV stars, athletes, moguls, recording artists, religious leaders, and loved ones of those affected by recent tragedies—all coming to together to question society.
The new version of “Where Is the Love?” is available for download, with all proceeds will going to i.am angel Foundation funds benefitting youth programs.
