GIRL LIKE ME – Black Eyed Peas & Shakira

Released on December 4, 2020, the Black Eyed Peas’ collaboration with Shakira on the track “GIRL LIKE ME” brings together a vibrant blend of pop, Latin, and dance influences. The song, which features on the Black Eyed Peas’ eighth studio album Translation, showcases the group’s evolving sound as they embrace Latin pop and reggaeton influences, a direction they’ve been exploring in recent years. With the global appeal of Shakira’s signature vocals and the Peas’ energetic style, “GIRL LIKE ME” stands out as a fun, danceable anthem celebrating powerful women and diverse cultural influences.

A Powerful Collaboration: The Black Eyed Peas and Shakira
The collaboration between the Black Eyed Peas and Shakira on “GIRL LIKE ME” was highly anticipated by fans of both artists. The Black Eyed Peas, known for their genre-blending music that spans pop, hip-hop, and dance, have been pioneers in creating songs that resonate across different musical landscapes. Since their early days with hits like “Where is the Love?” and “Boom Boom Pow,” the group has continuously reinvented themselves while maintaining their core identity as innovators in pop music.

Shakira, on the other hand, brings a unique Latin flair to the song. As one of the most successful Latin crossover artists in the world, Shakira’s contributions to the track are unmistakable. Her distinct voice, charisma, and ability to blend Latin and pop influences seamlessly elevate the song, giving it a unique identity that appeals to both English and Spanish-speaking audiences.

This collaboration feels natural, with both the Black Eyed Peas and Shakira having an extensive history of working with diverse musical influences. Their combined talents in “GIRL LIKE ME” create a track that feels vibrant, energetic, and culturally rich.

Lyrics Celebrating Empowerment and Individuality
At its heart, “GIRL LIKE ME” is a celebration of female empowerment and individuality. The lyrics express admiration for confident, independent women who are unapologetic about who they are. The chorus, sung by Shakira, highlights this sentiment as she sings, “I want a girl like Shakira / Esa latina está rica,” referencing the kind of woman who embodies strength, beauty, and authenticity.

Shakira’s presence on the track brings a sense of pride in Latin culture, and her Spanish verses add an extra layer of authenticity to the celebration of Latin women. The song speaks to the power of embracing one’s culture, roots, and identity while also celebrating the confidence of women who stand tall in their truth. The upbeat nature of the track, coupled with these empowering lyrics, gives the song an infectious energy that invites listeners to dance and celebrate along with it.

The Black Eyed Peas’ verses, delivered by will.i.am, apl.de.ap, and Taboo, add a playful and lighthearted touch to the song’s theme. They speak about their admiration for women who are not only beautiful but also intelligent, strong, and independent. The lyrics are a mixture of English and Spanish, further emphasizing the fusion of cultures that the song represents.

Musical Style: A Fusion of Pop, Dance, and Latin Rhythms
Musically, “GIRL LIKE ME” blends elements of pop, reggaeton, and dance, creating a high-energy track perfect for the dance floor. The song opens with a catchy guitar riff that gives way to a driving beat, setting the stage for Shakira’s vocals to take center stage. Her voice is playful and flirty in the verses, but it soars in the chorus, giving the song its infectious hook.

The production of the song, handled by will.i.am and co-producers, is slick and polished. It’s clear that the Black Eyed Peas were aiming for a sound that would appeal to a global audience, and they succeeded in creating a track that feels universal in its appeal. The song’s blend of Latin rhythms with modern dance beats makes it a perfect addition to the growing list of Latin-influenced pop hits that have dominated the charts in recent years.

The use of reggaeton-inspired beats is particularly effective in “GIRL LIKE ME,” giving the song a rhythmic pulse that makes it irresistible to dance to. The combination of the Black Eyed Peas’ electronic sound with Shakira’s Latin influence results in a track that feels both familiar and fresh, offering something for fans of both artists.

The Music Video: A Visual Celebration of Strength and Culture
The official music video for “GIRL LIKE ME” plays a crucial role in bringing the song’s message to life. Directed by Rich Lee, the video features a playful and vibrant aesthetic, with Shakira stealing the show through her captivating choreography and confident presence. In the video, she performs a variety of athletic dance moves, including skateboarding and aerobic routines, highlighting the physical strength and energy that the song celebrates.

Shakira’s choreography in the video, particularly her incorporation of traditional Latin dance moves, is a nod to her heritage and further emphasizes the song’s celebration of Latin culture. She dons a retro workout outfit, evoking an 80s-inspired look that contrasts with the modern production of the song, adding an element of fun and nostalgia to the visuals.

The Black Eyed Peas also feature prominently in the video, with their sleek, futuristic outfits complementing Shakira’s retro style. The juxtaposition of the Peas’ more modern look with Shakira’s classic vibe mirrors the blending of musical styles in the song. The visual dynamic between the artists creates a cohesive and entertaining experience that enhances the overall impact of the song.

The video’s vibrant colors, fast-paced editing, and energetic choreography all contribute to making it an engaging visual accompaniment to the song. It captures the joyful and celebratory spirit of “GIRL LIKE ME,” making it a perfect complement to the music.

Cultural Impact and Reception
Upon its release, “GIRL LIKE ME” received praise for its infectious beat, empowering lyrics, and the collaboration between two of the most influential acts in pop music. Fans were thrilled to see Shakira working with the Black Eyed Peas, and the song quickly gained traction on streaming platforms and social media.

The track became a popular anthem for those who appreciated its celebration of strong, confident women, and it resonated particularly with Latin audiences, thanks to Shakira’s involvement and the song’s bilingual lyrics. The music video, with its vibrant visuals and catchy choreography, also helped propel the song’s success, with fans recreating Shakira’s dance moves on platforms like TikTok.

Conclusion: A Joyful Celebration of Culture and Empowerment
“GIRL LIKE ME” by the Black Eyed Peas and Shakira is more than just a catchy pop song—it’s a celebration of culture, individuality, and empowerment. With its infectious beat, playful lyrics, and vibrant visuals, the song showcases the best of both the Black Eyed Peas’ and Shakira’s talents. It’s a track that encourages listeners to dance, have fun, and embrace their unique identity, making it a standout in both artists’ catalogs.

The song’s fusion of pop, reggaeton, and dance influences creates a sound that is both nostalgic and modern, appealing to a wide audience. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the Black Eyed Peas, a Shakira enthusiast, or someone who simply loves a good dance track, “GIRL LIKE ME” is a song that delivers on all fronts, proving once again that these artists are masters of creating music that transcends borders and brings people together.

Lyrics:

Ayy, yeah
Ayy, ayy

So they tell me that you lookin’ for a girl like me
So they tell me that you lookin’ for a girl like me
Ah-ah-ah, you’re lookin’ for
A girl like me

La-La-Latinas (Eh)
I want a girl like Shakira, eh
Esa latina está rica (Ah)
I want a familia chica que sepa vivir y que viva la vida
I need a bien bonita (Wuh)
Elegante señorita (Wuh)
Girl, I want you and I need ya
All of my life, yup, baby, let’s team up
I want a girl that shine like glitter (Ping)
A girl that don’t need no filter
The real for real
A girl that’s a natural killa (Prr)
I wanna girl that’s a heater (Hot)
Caliente, off the meter (Hot)
Yo quiero, mira, yo quiero
Una chica que no me diga mentiras

So they tell me that you lookin’ for a girl like me
So they tell me that you lookin’ for a girl like me
Ah-ah-ah, you’re lookin’ for
A girl like me
Oye, mami, estoy buscando una chica así
Oye, mami, estoy buscando una chica así
Ah-ah-ah, you’re lookin’ for
A girl like me

Me llevas en tu mente
Soy adictiva como el azúcar
Me buscas permanentemente
¿No ves que solo quiero jugar?

Latinas, latinas
La-La-Latinas, la-la-latinas

Sacúdelo como, Shaki
Baby, drop it low on top me
Electric field, so shock me
Your hips don’t lie, they rock me
Baby, come get me, you got me
Oye, mami, ven aquí
You know I’m liking what I see
Muévelo, muévelo, muévelo así
Yo quiero una mujer
Una princesa no tiene pa’ ver
Esa chick with no boundaries like that fue what ev’
Buena en la cama, she good in the bed
A girl that be using her head (Her head)
To use the cabeza, the best
I want a girl who’s a diva
No quiero otra, sí, eso es

So they tell me that you lookin’ for a girl like me
So they tell me that you lookin’ for a girl like me
Ah-ah-ah, you’re lookin’ for
A girl like me

When I come it shines like glitter
Baby, you know I need no filter
For real, I’m real
You know I’m real
Like that my lips are so glossy
Like how my neck is so bossy
Baby, if you do it my way
Just for the hell of it, I’ll let you love me

Latinas, latinas
Sha-Sha-Shakira, Sha-Sha-Shakira

I like latinas
Ones who look like Selena
Shake your bunda like Anitta
Morena estás más fina
I like dominicanas
Boricuas and colombianas
In East L.A. I like the chicans
And they want a piece of the big manzana, eh

So they tell me that you lookin’ for a girl like me
Oye, mami, estoy buscando una chica así
Ah-ah-ah, you’re lookin’ for
A girl like me

Me llevas en tu mente
Soy adictiva como el azúcar
Me buscas permanentemente
¿No ves que solo quiero jugar?