will.i.am, cofounder of the Black Eyed Peas, recently celebrated his 50th birthday in March by releasing a new love song dedicated to his Boyle Heights hometown.
Teaming up with longtime collaborator and fellow Eastside native Taboo, the timely single titled “East L.A.” drops on Epic Records this Friday. The release comes as an act of solidarity for a community that has been significantly affected by this summer’s ICE raids.
“I felt it was urgent to lift up the community during the ongoing raids and unjust execution of ICE,” will.i.am expressed in an interview with Boyle Heights Beat. Born William Adams at LAC+USC Medical Center and raised in the Estrada Courts housing project, the artist’s ties to the neighborhood run deep.
In a fusion of sounds, the song incorporates a remix of Santana’s 1999 hit “Maria Maria,” combined with a mariachi guitar trio and infectious cumbia beat. This musical backdrop serves as a tribute to a resilient community that has faced gang violence, economic challenges, environmental racism, and gentrification. Immigration raids are nothing new for residents of the neighborhood.
“If you’re 40 plus, you remember la migra in the ‘80s and ‘90s,” will.i.am noted, emphasizing the repeated struggles of the community. “We came out of that and now we’re back, but it will pass. My ancestors experienced some version of what Latinos are experiencing now. This one is for the community.”
The inspiration for “East L.A.” stems from will.i.am’s long-standing commitment to uplift the neighborhood where he grew up. In 2009, while on his path to international fame, he established the i.am Angel Foundation, which provides STEAM programs and College Track initiatives for thousands of LAUSD students.
Recently, will.i.am observed how federal law enforcement raids have instilled fear and anxiety among local kids in his program, many of whom are residents of the community.
“I could see the stress from kids in our program and a lot of them are residents,” he remarked, reflecting on the current climate. “Masked men are apprehending people that are documented and putting them in unmarked cars. It’s insane and confusing to a lot of families.”
The lyrics of “East L.A.” are rich with Spanglish and cholo slang, referencing significant landmarks including the iconic Art Deco Sears building on Olympic Boulevard, historical Whittier Boulevard, and the intertwined 5, 710, 10, and “60 pinche” freeways that define the area.
Accompanied by a captivating music video directed by will.i.am and Sterling Hampton IV, the visuals were filmed at many local landmarks. Key elements include murals like Frank Fierro’s 1970s “Orale Raza” painted on the very Estrada Courts building where will.i.am spent his childhood. The video also prominently features the black and gold LAFC jerseys worn by will.i.am and Taboo.
The track and its accompanying video aim to capture a specific period and cultural backdrop from the artists’ lives, filled with nostalgic nods to the cholo lifestyle.
“I wanted to go back to the neighborhood that built me,” will.i.am said, recognizing the importance of shooting in neutral gang territories like Hollenbeck Park and the Sixth Street Bridge. “I get emotional thinking about how hard it was, how beautiful it was. It was like a village. We would go get free cheese and powdered milk together at Resurrection Church, we went to the welfare office together. When you had nothing, the people around you were everything.”
The music video was unveiled initially at will.i.am’s creative tech company FYI in Hollywood.
At the event, will.i.am gave shout outs to long-standing Boyle Heights establishments such as El Tepeyac and Al & Bea’s, employing local vendors like Lupita’s Mexican Cuisine and traditional Mexican ice cream makers Nieves de Garrafa Don Joaquin.
“This is going to be something new for Black Eyed Peas fans,” said Taboo, who was born Jimmy Gomez and openly raps about his experiences as a pocho. “This is telling the story of our intrinsic Boyle Heights and East L.A. culture. It’s the genesis of our 30-year brotherhood. We’ve come full circle.”
In a message of solidarity for those living in fear of ICE, Taboo made it clear he stands with them.
“I stand in solidarity and empathize with you,” he stated, emphasizing his commitment. “I lead with love, but will fight for you.”
image source from：boyleheightsbeat
