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"Where Is the Love?"
Single by The Black Eyed Peas featuring Justin Timberlake
from the album Elephunk
B-side	"Sumthin for That Ass"
Released	June 16, 2003
Format	CD single
Genre	Pop, alternative hip hop, pop rap
Length	4:46 (Album Version) 3:51 (Radio Edit)
Label	A&M/Interscope
Writer(s)	will.i.am, Taboo, Apl.de.ap, Ron Fair, Printz Board
Producer	will.i.am, Ron Fair
Certification	Platinum (RIANZ)
The Black Eyed Peas singles chronology
"Request Line" (2001) "Where Is the Love?" (2003) "Shut Up" (2003)

"Where Is the Love?" is the first single from the Black Eyed Peas' third album, Elephunk, released in 2003. It was the first single to feature the new member, Fergie. The single peaked at #8 in the USA, becoming The Black Eyed Peas' first Top 10 hit; the single also peaked at #1 in Australia and the UK. "Where Is the Love?" at the 2004 Grammy Awards, and two nominated for Record of the Year and Best Rap/Sung Collaboration.

Background and writing

Following the commercial failures of their previous albums and singles, there was doubt over whether the Black Eyed Peas would continue to record together. A&R executive Ron Fair approached them and suggested a crossover to a more mainstream pop sound. will.i.am in particular resisted the idea for fear that they would be seen as sellouts. However, after discussions and some writing sessions the idea was pursued.^[1]

Shortly after Christmas 2001, will.i.am created a loop and a guitar part that he liked. Taboo and Apl.de.ap also heard the track and were able to write similar lyrics over it. Justin Timberlake was allegedly introduced to the band by new band member Fergie, and got a chance to hear the track that will.i.am created. Impressed with the music, Timberlake helped write and sing the chorus.

Timberlake was in the midst of promotion of his solo album, Justified, and his label Jive Records was concerned about overexposure. The Peas were worried as that had been the original point of this song, to get some assistance from an established pop star. A compromise was reached eventually in which Jive gave clearance for the vocals of Timberlake to be released on the song. However, Timberlake would not appear in the song's music video nor would he be credited on the song as an artist.

Lyrics

The song was written by Will.I.Am, Taboo, apl.de.ap, Ron Fair, P. Board, G. Pajon Jr, M. Fratantuno, and J. Curtis, and co-produced by will.i.am and Ron Fair. In this anti-war pacifist anthem, The Black Eyed Peas lament on various worldwide problems. Many issues are discussed, which include but are not limited to terrorism, U.S. government hypocrisy, racism, war, intolerance and greed. Some view this song as an anthem against the War on Terror and the 2003 invasion of Iraq since it was released shortly after the invasion began^{[citation needed]}.

Reception

The song was rewarded with nominations at the 46th Grammy Awards in 2004 for Record of the Year and Best Rap/Sung Collaboration.

The song was the 25th best-selling single of the 2000s in the UK.^[2] It was also the biggest selling single of 2003 in the UK.

Track listings

Personnel

• Arranged by Ron Fair
• Engineered by Dylan Dresdow and Tal Herzberg
• Assistant by Christine Sirois
• Vocals by Justin Timberlake, Taboo and will.i.am
• Produced by Ron Fair

Charts, certifications and processions

Chart procession and succession

See also

• Opposition to the Iraq War

References