After a brief hiatus, will.i.am is back and ready to showcase his East LA roots in his latest single with fellow Black Eyed Peas member, Taboo. The song, appropriately titled “East LA,” is a celebration of the city that shaped the Grammy award-winning artist and pays homage to his Mexican-American heritage.
In a recent interview, will.i.am sat down to share his favorite spots in East LA, the inspiration behind the song, and why he decided to collaborate with Taboo on this project. He also discussed the resurgence of their hit song “Rock That Body,” which has gone viral on social media, as well as his thoughts on current immigration issues.
For will.i.am, East LA holds a special place in his heart. It’s where he grew up and where his love for music first blossomed. When asked about his favorite spots in the city, he excitedly listed off a few local eateries, such as El Tepeyac and King Taco, where he loves to grab a bite to eat with friends and family. He also mentioned the East LA Civic Center, which holds a special significance for him as it was the location of his first ever performance.
The inspiration behind “East LA” came from will.i.am’s desire to pay tribute to his roots and the city that shaped him. He wanted to create a song that would make people feel proud of where they come from and celebrate the diversity of East LA. He also wanted to showcase the vibrant culture and community that exists in the city.
When it came to choosing a collaborator for the song, will.i.am knew that Taboo was the perfect fit. The two have been making music together for over two decades and have a strong bond both on and off stage. Taboo’s own Mexican-American heritage and love for East LA made him the ideal partner for this project.
The release of “East LA” comes at a time when the Black Eyed Peas are experiencing a resurgence in popularity, thanks to the viral success of their song “Rock That Body.” The song, which was released over a decade ago, has been making the rounds on social media, with people creating their own dance videos to the catchy beat. For will.i.am, this is a testament to the timelessness of their music and the impact it continues to have on people.
In addition to their music, will.i.am has also been using his platform to speak out on important issues, such as immigration. As someone who grew up in a predominantly Latino community, he understands the struggles and challenges faced by immigrants. He believes that it’s important to have open and honest conversations about these issues and to work towards finding solutions that benefit everyone.
In “East LA,” will.i.am also pays tribute to the late Michael Jackson by sampling his iconic song “They Don’t Care About Us.” For will.i.am, this was a way to honor the King of Pop and his impact on the music industry. He hopes that by incorporating elements of Michael Jackson’s music, he can introduce a new generation to his timeless sound.
In conclusion, will.i.am’s new single “East LA” is a celebration of his roots and a love letter to the city that shaped him. Through this song, he hopes to inspire others to be proud of where they come from and to embrace their cultural heritage. With its infectious beat and powerful message, “East LA” is sure to be a hit and will undoubtedly solidify will.i.am’s place as one of the most influential artists of our time.
