Pump It – The Black Eyed Peas

Released in 2006 as the fourth single from their album Monkey Business (2005), The Black Eyed Peas’ “Pump It” is an electrifying track that showcases the group’s signature blend of hip-hop, pop, and electronic dance music. Known for its pulsating beats, high-octane energy, and iconic sampling of Dick Dale’s “Misirlou,” which was famously used in Quentin Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction, “Pump It” became an instant hit. Its infectious rhythm, catchy lyrics, and explosive production helped solidify The Black Eyed Peas as one of the most influential musical acts of the 2000s.

Origins and Production
The core of “Pump It” lies in its prominent sample of the surf rock classic “Misirlou,” originally performed by Dick Dale. “Misirlou” is a fast-paced, guitar-driven instrumental track that became a cultural touchstone after being featured in Pulp Fiction. Its unmistakable guitar riff gives “Pump It” a sense of urgency and adrenaline, making it a perfect fit for The Black Eyed Peas’ energetic style.

The group, led by will.i.am, was inspired by the track’s raw intensity and decided to use it as the backbone for “Pump It.” In an interview, will.i.am mentioned that he wanted to create a song that would make people feel like they were ready to take on anything—a song that could “pump up” anyone who heard it. The result is a dynamic fusion of old-school surf rock and modern hip-hop, a blend that captures the essence of the group’s experimental approach to music.

Produced by will.i.am, the song features a heavy use of electronic elements, including synths and drum machines, which give it a contemporary feel while retaining the classic surf rock sound of “Misirlou.” The production is both minimal and maximal at the same time, with the track often feeling like it’s building toward something bigger while maintaining a consistent, propulsive beat.

Lyrical Themes and Structure
Lyrically, “Pump It” is all about energy, confidence, and seizing the moment. The Black Eyed Peas focus on themes of empowerment and excitement, encouraging listeners to turn up the volume, let loose, and live life to the fullest. The chorus, with its repeated refrain of “Pump it, louder!” serves as both an instruction and a rallying cry, inviting listeners to engage with the music and feel its power.

The verses feature will.i.am and apl.de.ap trading lines, delivering their signature rapid-fire rhymes with an air of swagger and bravado. The lyrics are straightforward, emphasizing the enjoyment of music and the power it has to unite people. There’s also a playful competitiveness in the verses, where the group challenges others to step up and bring their best energy, whether it’s on the dance floor or in life.

The structure of the song follows a typical pop format, with the verses leading into a booming chorus that repeats several times throughout the track. Fergie’s distinctive vocals bring a sultry element to the mix, particularly during the bridge, where her smooth delivery contrasts with the otherwise aggressive tone of the song. Her contribution adds a layer of versatility to the track, balancing the relentless beats with moments of melodic reprieve.

Music Video: A Visual Explosion
The official music video for “Pump It” amplifies the song’s energy and excitement with a visual spectacle that complements the track’s intensity. Directed by Francis Lawrence, the video features The Black Eyed Peas in a series of action-packed, high-octane scenarios that match the song’s fast pace and aggressive tone. The band is seen engaging in street fights, car chases, and explosive dance-offs, all while performing the song with a wild, carefree attitude.

The video’s setting, a dimly lit underground parking garage, adds a sense of edginess to the performance. The Black Eyed Peas are dressed in sleek, futuristic outfits, with the camera capturing their movements in sharp, fast cuts that mirror the intensity of the music. The choreography is equally dynamic, with the band members and background dancers performing high-energy moves that reflect the song’s upbeat tempo.

One of the most memorable aspects of the video is the use of slow-motion effects during key moments, particularly when the band members deliver their verses or engage in dramatic action sequences. This technique adds a cinematic quality to the video, making it feel like a scene from an action movie. In fact, the video’s overall aesthetic is reminiscent of Pulp Fiction and other action films, which aligns with the song’s sampling of “Misirlou.”

The music video was a hit on platforms like MTV and YouTube, further elevating the song’s popularity and helping it become a cultural phenomenon. Its combination of action, style, and music created a memorable visual experience that resonated with fans of both The Black Eyed Peas and mainstream pop culture.

Cultural Impact and Legacy
“Pump It” was a commercial success, charting in several countries and becoming a staple in the group’s live performances. Its infectious energy made it a favorite for sporting events, workout playlists, and parties, where its high tempo and driving beat helped create an atmosphere of excitement and celebration.

The song also became a popular choice for movies, commercials, and video games, further embedding it into the cultural consciousness. Its use of “Misirlou” not only paid homage to surf rock and Pulp Fiction but also introduced the iconic riff to a new generation of listeners who may not have been familiar with the original track.

For The Black Eyed Peas, “Pump It” marked another high point in their career, showcasing their ability to experiment with different genres and push the boundaries of pop music. The song’s blend of surf rock, hip-hop, and electronic music was a testament to the group’s versatility and creativity, allowing them to stand out in a crowded music landscape.

Conclusion
“Pump It” is more than just a song; it’s an adrenaline-fueled anthem that continues to resonate with fans more than a decade after its release. The Black Eyed Peas’ innovative fusion of surf rock and hip-hop, combined with their infectious energy and memorable music video, makes “Pump It” a standout track in their discography. Its legacy as a high-energy, feel-good song ensures that it will remain a fan favorite for years to come, a testament to the enduring appeal of The Black Eyed Peas and their ability to create music that transcends genres and generations.

Ha, ha, ha
Pump it
Ha, ha, ha
And pump it (louder)
Pump it (louder)
Pump it (louder)
Pump it (louder)
Turn up the radio
Blast your stereo
Right (ha, ha, ha)
Niggas wanna hate on us (who?)
Niggas be envious (who?)
And I know why they hating on us (why?)
‘Cause that’s so fabulous (what?)
I’ma be real on us (c’mon)
Nobody got nothing on us (no)
Girls be all on us
From London back down to the U.S. (S.S.)
We rockin’ this (contagious)
Monkey business (outrageous)
Just confess, your girl admits that we the shit
F-R-E-S-H we (fresh)
D-E-F, that’s right we def’ (rock)
We definite, B-E-P we reppin’ it
So
Turn me up (turn it up)
Turn me up (turn it up)
Turn me up
Come on baby, just
Pump it (louder)
Pump it (louder)
Pump it (louder)
Pump it (louder)
Pump it (louder)
Pump it (louder)
And say, “Oh-oh, oh-oh”
Say, “Oh-oh, oh-oh”
Yo, yo
Turn up the radio
Blast your stereo
Right now (huh)
This joint is fizzlin’
It’s sizzlin’
Right
Yo, check this out right here
Dude wanna hate on us (dude)
Dude need to ease on up (dude)
Dude wanna act on up
But dude get shut like flava shut (down)
Chick say she ain’t down
But chick backstage when we in town (ha)
She like man on drum (boom)
She wanna hit ‘n’ run (err)
Yeah, that’s the speed
That’s who we do
That’s who we be
B-L-A-C-K E-Y-E-D P to the E
Then the A to the S
When we play, you shake your ass
Shake it, shake it, shake it girl
Make sure you don’t break it, girl
‘Cause we gonna
Turn it up (turn it up)
Turn it up (turn it up)
Turn it up
Come on baby, just
Pump it (louder)
Pump it (louder)
Pump it (louder)
Pump it (louder)
Pump it (louder)
Pump it (louder)
And say, “Oh-oh, oh-oh”
Say, “Oh-oh, oh-oh”
Yo, yo
Turn up the radio
Blast your stereo
Right now (huh)
This joint is fizzlin’
It’s sizzlin’
Right
Damn (damn)
Damn (damn)
Damn (damn)
Damn (damn, oh)
Damn (damn, oh)
Apl.de.ap from the Philippines
Live and direct, rocking this scene
Breaking on down for the B-boys
And B-girls waiting to do they thing
Pump it, louder come on
Don’t stop, and keep it goin’
Do it, let’s get it on
Move it!
Come on, baby, do it (uhh)
La-da-dee-da-da-dee-da
On the stere-ere-ere-ere-o (huh)
Let those speakers blow your mind
(Blow my mind baby)
Just let it go, let it go
Here we go (huh)
La-da-dee-da-da-dee-da (come on, yeah)
On the radi-adi-adi-adi-o (huh)
The system’s gonna feel so fi-i-i-i-i-i-ine
(I’m fine, yeah, I’m fine and you?)
Pump it (louder)
Pump it (louder)
Pump it (louder)
Pump it (louder)
Pump it (louder)
Pump it (louder)
And say, “Oh-oh, oh-oh”
Say, “Oh-oh, oh-oh”
Yo, yo
Turn up the radio
Blast your stereo
Right now (uhh)
This joint is fizzlin’
It’s sizzlin’
Right