The Black Eyed Peas Analysis

An American hip hop group called The Black-Eyed Peas have always showcased music that has been firmly rooted in hip-hop, but they also have discovered interests in other musical forms as well. Their song “Where is the Love?” is just one prime example of how The Black-Eyed Peas changed their sound to appeal to a broader audience. “Where is the Love?”, released in June of 2003, was the lead single on The Black Eyed- Peas’ album Elephunk and also topped the charts in thirteen countries. This heart touching hip hop song was accompanied with a video that was directed by William Adams, a member of The Black-Eyed Peas. Before this video was released, The Black-Eyed Peas already had produced two other albums, but this specific album was the most successful.

Thus, their message has reached a larger spectrum of individuals in the world. The lyrics of this song, and the messages shown in the music do not show a clear representation of their purpose. This music video was shot in East Los Angeles during one of America’s uncomfortable times and features The Black-Eyed Peas as well as numerous young children and other individuals. “Where is the Love?” targets all individuals, who listen to The Black-Eyed Peas all for the same reason, if the world would come together and accept one another for who we are then maybe we would understand the real purpose for life. That purpose being to love each other regardless of our race, and come together to realize that we were all created equal. Young children and adults from different ethnicities all have the same question throughout the music video “Where is the Love?”. During the visual representation, the children and adults are also asking “The Father” for guidance in a world where love is absent. “Father” in the music video can be interpreted as God or as another form of holy

The graffiti on the wall is of an African American, and proposes the idea that this specific race has fallen victim to racism in the world. The mural also implies that African American are less significant than whites, because it was paired with part of the lyrics that states: “And to discriminate only generates hate and when you hate then you’re only bound to get irate”. One of the members from the Black- Eyed Peas is shown standing in front of this graffiti mural and therefore reopens the idea that racial inequality is projected against African Americans. The man in the mural is posed in a way that suggests power and resembles the famous “The World Needs You” poster. This demonstrates that African Americans are also just as important in American society. This music video, as well as the lyrics, appeal to the curious side of most individuals making the viewer/listener wonder why people are asking this question and about the existence of love. Throughout the whole video the simple question “Where is the Love?” is often asked, engaging the viewer in the thought process about the absence of love in the world. This, in turn, forces them to examine the places around them in search of