In celebration of the 20th anniversary of Monkey Business, The Black Eyed Peas and Vevo have released a brand-new episode of Footnotes, diving deep into the legacy and impact of their global hit single, “Pump It.” Originally released as the final single from their Grammy-nominated 2005 album, Monkey Business, “Pump It” has become one of the most iconic tracks in the group’s catalog. The episode offers fans a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the high-octane song and music video that defined a generation.
“Pump It,” certified platinum and charting in the Top 10 in over a dozen countries, remains a dancefloor staple and a symbol of The Black Eyed Peas’ genre-defying energy. In this new Footnotes episode, founding members will.i.am, Taboo, and Apl.de.Ap reflect on the song’s creation, the cultural threads woven into its music video, and the lasting impression it’s had on global audiences.
will.i.am shares the unexpected story of how the song’s signature sample — Dick Dale’s surf rock classic “Misirlou,” made famous in Pulp Fiction — came to be part of “Pump It.” The inspiration struck during a bullet train ride in Japan, where he stumbled upon the track and instantly imagined its electric riff fused with the Peas’ trademark sound. From there, the now-iconic “Pump it louder!” hook was born, turning a spontaneous discovery into a stadium-sized anthem.
The episode also explores the vibrant visual world of the 2006 music video, a cinematic spectacle filled with high-speed chases, stylized fight scenes, and nods to Fight Club and the slow-motion martial arts of John Woo films. Shot with a gritty, street-level intensity, the video reflects not only the energy of the song but also the group’s deep connection to Los Angeles culture — particularly its Filipino community and car scene. will.i.am highlights the significance of the Honda Civic featured in the video, representing both personal roots and the unique flavor of LA’s multicultural neighborhoods.
As they reminisce about the physically demanding shoot, Apl.de.Ap reveals that the group performed nearly all their own stunts — with the exception of Taboo, who was recovering from a broken tailbone at the time and had to sit out the action sequences. Despite the injury, the team’s chemistry and commitment to delivering a visual adrenaline rush shine through every frame.
They wrap up the episode by reflecting on how “Pump It” has become a mainstay of their live performances. According to the group, the track consistently elevates the crowd’s energy and encapsulates the explosive essence of a Black Eyed Peas show. Two decades later, “Pump It” continues to resonate, not just as a nostalgic hit, but as a timeless celebration of sound, movement, and cultural fusion.
With this special Footnotes episode, The Black Eyed Peas offer fans old and new an intimate look at the heartbeat of a hit that still pumps loud around the world.
Full Transcript Below:
0:00 “Pump It” is the opening track on The Black Eyed Peas ‘Monkey Business’ album, which dropped on June 7, 2005. It features a sample of Dick Dale’s surf-rock hit “Misirlou.”
0:23 will.i.am: Our crew started off in the Filipino community. If you know about Los Angeles culture, Filipinos, and the car scene, you know about Honda Civics. So in the “Pump It” video you see us driving in that Honda Civic, kicking it off. In our minds it was like “yo, Honda Civics are the s***.” Still to this day, Honda Civics are the s***.
0:55 Taboo: Will had bought all these CDs, and we were in Japan, on the bullet train from Tokyo. He’s in the back of the train, headphones on, playing these CDs. One of them had Dick Dale’s “Misirlou” on it. And suddenly, I hear him saying, “Louder… louder…” over and over again. Then he’s like, “Pump it… louder!”
1:20 Apl.de.Ap: This shoot was a fun time because the video was so action-packed and stunt-driven compared to most of our other music videos.
1:40 Taboo: I loved how we incorporated all the action, like that scene where Will is in this ‘Fight Club’ situation. And Apl is running on top of all the people and kicking them in a circle, a big reference to John Woo-style martial arts.
2:10 Taboo: This video really captures the theme of our energy, especially in our live shows. “Pump It” always sends the people into a frenzy. That’s the moment in our show that really elevates and takes us to the next level in live performances.
2:40 Apl.de.Ap: I actually did my own stunts for that scene. I really learned how to run sideways while in midair. Of course, they helped me go in a complete circle, but I kind of just laughed when I saw that initial direction.
3:10 There’s a reason Taboo is the only member who doesn’t perform stunts in the video. “I had broken my tailbone right before the shoot,” he recalled. “I was in so much pain, I had to sit on a donut cushion because I literally couldn’t sit down.”
