The Black Eyed Peas have reunited for a greater cause.
About five years since they asserted their hiatus, the group has come together with an updated version of their hit single “Where Is the Love?” aimed at ending gun violence. In a statement, the group said the new rendition of the 2003 anthem “calls for calm, asking citizens of the world to stop the hate and violence that has resulted in many lives lost.”
The original track, which appeared on 2003’s Elephunk, debuted in light of the tragedy on September 11, 2001. With the re-imagined record, the group issues a call to action against the gun violence, racism, war, and poverty that plague the nation. In a video explaining the intent behind the remake, Will.i.am said, “I remember when the attack in Paris happened, people would say, ‘We need “Where Is The Love?’’ again.’ And then Belgium happened, and then Turkey, and then Orlando, and then Philando, and then Alton before him, and then Dallas… Everyone was calling on us, like, we need that song again.”
Arriving at an important time, “#WHERESTHELOVE” finds Justin Timberlake, who co-wrote the song, returning for his performance, while Diddy, Mary J. Blige, Jamie Foxx, Usher, DJ Khaled, Andra Day, A$AP Rocky, Tori Kelly, Ty Dolla $ign, Jessie J, Nicole Scherzinger, Jaden Smith, and more making appearances.
The music video for “WHERESTHELOVE” is available now on Apple Music and iTunes.
Proceeds from the charity single will go toward Will.i.am’s own i.am.angel foundation. The website Wheresthelove.com is also collecting funds for the families of the victims of gun violence, such as Alton Sterling, Philando Castile, Aylan Kurdi, and the officers who were killed in Dallas, among others.