As a founding force behind Black Eyed Peas and a restless solo creator, will.i.am helped shape the sound of the late 2000s and early 2010s—an era where hip-hop, electronic beats and glossy pop hooks collided on global charts.
Songs that once pulsed through radio countdowns and festival speakers still echo across playlists today, marking moments when pop music felt louder, brighter and unapologetically digital.
Where Is the Love? (2003)
Released during a turbulent political moment in the early 2000s, “Where Is the Love?” marked a turning point for the Black Eyed Peas. The song paired socially conscious lyrics with a polished pop hook, helping the group reach a massive global audience for the first time.
Featuring vocals from Justin Timberlake, the track addressed themes of war, discrimination, and media influence, giving the group a voice that extended beyond club music. It topped charts in multiple countries and remains one of the most recognizable protest songs of its era.
Scream & Shout (2012)
“Scream & Shout” became one of will.i.am’s most successful solo singles, driven by a minimalist electronic beat and a hypnotic chorus. The collaboration with Britney Spears produced a sleek, club-ready anthem that quickly climbed international charts.
Its iconic intro line and futuristic production style reflected the EDM boom of the early 2010s. The song dominated radio and nightlife playlists while reinforcing will.i.am’s reputation as a producer who could blend pop star charisma with dance-floor energy.
Check It Out (2010)
This vibrant collaboration with Nicki Minaj showcased will.i.am’s flair for playful pop experimentation. Sampling Video Killed the Radio Star, the track transformed a classic 1970s melody into a futuristic rap-pop anthem.
The colorful production and energetic verses helped highlight Minaj’s rising star power while reinforcing will.i.am’s reputation as a producer unafraid to remix pop history.
Boom Boom Pow (2009)
“Boom Boom Pow” sounded unlike almost anything on mainstream radio when it arrived. Built around robotic vocals, glitchy synths, and a minimalist electronic groove, the song pushed pop music deeper into the digital age.
The track spent twelve consecutive weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and helped define the sonic identity of the group’s album The E.N.D.. Its futuristic style signaled how electronic production would shape pop throughout the following decade.
The Time (Dirty Bit) (2010)
Sampling the famous chorus from (I’ve Had) The Time of My Life, the Black Eyed Peas turned a beloved movie ballad into a dance-floor anthem. The contrast between nostalgic melodies and pounding electronic beats gave the song a distinctive identity. It became another global hit for the group, dominating European charts and extending the success of their dance-pop era.
will.i.am performs at the Staples Center on March 29, 2010 (Source: Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
#thatPOWER (2013)
Featuring vocals from Justin Bieber, “#thatPOWER” blended motivational lyrics with sleek electronic production. The song highlighted will.i.am’s interest in futuristic sounds and digital culture, themes that frequently appeared in his solo work.
With its polished synth layers and uplifting hook, the track became a major international hit and reinforced his ability to craft radio-friendly pop beyond the Black Eyed Peas.
Pump It (2005)
Built around the iconic guitar riff from Misirlou, “Pump It” delivered relentless energy from the opening seconds. The song combined hip-hop rhythms with rock-influenced instrumentation, creating a sound that felt explosive and cinematic.
Over the years, the track has remained a staple in sports arenas, movie trailers, and action sequences, becoming one of the most recognizable songs in the group’s catalog.
Meet Me Halfway (2009)
While many of the group’s hits leaned heavily into dance-floor energy, “Meet Me Halfway” offered a more melodic and emotional approach. The atmospheric production and soaring vocals from Fergie helped the track stand out during the The E.N.D. era. Its cinematic sound and sweeping chorus made it a favorite among fans and a reminder of the group’s versatility beyond club anthems.
I Gotta Feeling (2009)
More than a hit single, “I Gotta Feeling” became a global cultural moment. The song’s explosive build-up and celebratory lyrics captured the feeling of anticipation before a great night out, turning it into a universal party anthem.
It topped charts worldwide, sold millions of digital copies, and remains one of the most streamed songs of its generation. For many listeners, the track represents the peak of will.i.am’s ability to combine futuristic production with simple, infectious optimism.
Imma Be (2009)
Part of the successful album The E.N.D., “Imma Be” showcased the group’s more experimental side. The song shifts tempo midway through, moving from a minimal hip-hop groove into an explosive electronic beat designed for clubs.
The single reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2010, becoming another major hit during one of the most dominant periods of the group’s career. Its unconventional structure and futuristic production reflect will.i.am’s creative style at its peak.
