"Let's Get It Started " is a song by American group The Black Eyed Peas . It is a clean version of "Let's Get Retarded " from their third studio album, Elephunk (2003).[ 3] [ 4] The album version was originally only reworked for its use in promotion for the 2004 NBA playoffs on ABC in April 2004,[ 5] and the clean version was released as the fourth and final single from Elephunk on June 1, 2004, by A&M Records and Interscope Records , also appearing on a reissue of the album.[ 6]
"Let's Get It Started" peaked at number 21 on the US Billboard Hot 100 , reaching the top ten in Australia, Canada, Czech Republic, France and New Zealand. Critically acclaimed, it won Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group at the 47th Annual Grammy Awards (2005), and was also nominated for Record of the Year and Best Rap Song . The song's accompanying music video features the group energetically performing in a nighttime Los Angeles setting.
"Let's Get It Started" was remixed for The Black Eyed Peas' fifth studio album The E.N.D. (2009) as "Let's Get Re-Started", being included on its deluxe edition bonus disc. It was also featured on their remix album The E.N.D. Summer 2010 Canadian Invasion Tour: Remix Collection (2010). In early 2022, "Let's Get Retarded" was replaced with "Let's Get It Started" on the track listing of Elephunk on all digital and streaming platforms,[ 7] [ 8] however, it is still available with the purchase of the full Let's Get It Started – EP release in the iTunes Store .[ 9]
The music video takes place in a nighttime setting on a Los Angeles street. It features the Black Eyed Peas, particularly will.i.am , performing energetic dances while singing the song, while varying objects in the background (including a grand piano) smash against the ground in real time, slow and fast motion, and in reverse. The choruses feature the band on stage singing to a large crowd.
Canadian and European CD single, Australian CD 1 [ 10] [ 11] [ 12]
UK 12-inch single [ 13]
"Let's Get It Started" – 3:37
"The Way U Make Me Feel" – 4:19
"Let's Get Retarded" – 3:38
"Let's Get It Started" – 3:37
"Let's Get Retarded" – 3:38
"Bridging the Gaps" – 4:56
"Let's Get It Started" (video)
German mini-CD single [ 15]
"Let's Get It Started"
"The Way U Make Me Feel"
Australian CD2 and digital EP [ 9] [ 16]
"Let's Get It Started"
"The Way U Make Me Feel"
"Bridging the Gaps"
"Let's Get Retarded"
The Black Eyed Peas
Additional musicians
Production personnel
^ a b Elephunk (US CD album booklet). The Black Eyed Peas . A&M Records . 2003. B0000699-02.{{cite AV media notes }}
: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link )
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^ Peyser, Tony (January 12, 2004). "In a word, it's too easy to dis the disabled" . Los Angeles Times . Archived from the original on November 25, 2022. Retrieved September 6, 2024 .
^ Johnson, Bridget (October 7, 2004). " 'Tard and Feathered — How did "Let's Get Retarded" turn into "Let's Get It Started"?" . The Wall Street Journal . Archived from the original on February 15, 2016. Retrieved September 6, 2024 .
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^ Black Eyed Peas (March 31, 2022). "Let's Get It Started (Spike Mix)" . YouTube . Retrieved December 15, 2022 .
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^ Let's Get It Started (Canadian CD single liner notes). The Black Eyed Peas . A&M Records . 2004. 9863032.{{cite AV media notes }}
: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link )
^ Let's Get It Started (European CD single liner notes). The Black Eyed Peas. A&M Records. 2004. 0602498627389.{{cite AV media notes }}
: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link )
^ Let's Get It Started (Australian CD1 liner notes). The Black Eyed Peas. A&M Records. 2004. 9862738.{{cite AV media notes }}
: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link )
^ Let's Get It Started (UK 12-inch single sleeve). The Black Eyed Peas. A&M Records. 2004. 9863019.{{cite AV media notes }}
: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link )
^ Let's Get It Started (UK CD single liner notes). The Black Eyed Peas. A&M Records. 2004. 9863032.{{cite AV media notes }}
: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link )
^ Let's Get It Started (German mini-CD single liner notes). The Black Eyed Peas. A&M Records. 2004. 06024 9863124 (9).{{cite AV media notes }}
: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link )
^ Let's Get It Started (Australian CD2 liner notes). The Black Eyed Peas. A&M Records. 2004. 9862737.{{cite AV media notes }}
: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link )
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^ "Let's get it started – The Black Eyed Peas – CD single" (in French). France: Fnac . August 24, 2004. Retrieved December 27, 2022 .
^ "Let's get it started – The Black Eyed Peas – CD maxi single" (in French). France: Fnac . August 24, 2004. Retrieved December 27, 2022 .