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How The Black Eyed Peas 2009 Hit "Boom Boom Pow" Became the Latest TikTok Trend

We're going back to 2009 folks

blackeyedpeas mobile
Interscope Records

Well, it’s not 3008 yet. And I guess no matter how much time passes or what we do to elevate ourselves on the cool scale we’ll always be 2000 and late. If you haven’t figured out which song we’re referring to by now, then you need this little music history lesson we’re about to give you on the latest TikTok trend. One of the most “quotable” songs ever, “Boom Boom Pow” by The Black Eyed Peas is experiencing a resurgence on the app—thanks to the talent and creativity of the many skilled TikTok creators who have created a new routine to the track.

As is the case with all of our TikTok trends articles, we’ll be taking you through the song history of “Boom Boom Pow,” showing you our favorite videos from the trend, and breaking down how you too can get involved in this challenge. In the words of BEP themselves, "let’s get it started in here."

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Boom Boom Pow History

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Interscope Records

Recorded for their fifth studio album The E.N.D., “Boom Boom Pow” was released as the lead single from the album on February 11th, 2009. The song features a vocal sample from the 1990 song "Reach Out" by British house duo Sweet Mercy, and topped the Billboard Hot 100 for 12 weeks, giving the Peas their No 1. single on that specific chart. In addition to the U.S., “Boom Boom Pow” also topped the charts in Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom, along with reaching the top ten in more than 20 countries. The single was voted number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart for the year 2009, and number seven on the decade-end chart for the 2000s.

Boom Boom Pow Music Video

The music video for “Boom Boom Pow” was shot in March 2009, and released the following month via MTV. Credited with being one of the main songs to help usher in the EDM/techno era of music in the early 2010s, the video for the song featured heavy futuristic and electronic themes that helped take you to the year 3008. It didn’t take long for the video to become popular on YouTube, and it should be noted that The Black Eyed Peas also nabbed the Best Short Form Music Video at the 2010 Grammys the following year.

Boom Boom Pow Live Performances

With “Boom Boom Pow” being the first single from their album and a massive success, BEP took the song to many live stages including the 2009 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, the 2009 American Music Awards, and an appearance on Grand Journal French TV in May 2009.

The TikTok Trend

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Interscope Records

Now this is a TikTok trend that requires set choreography, which you’ll see in the videos we’re about to post below. There’s a specific breakdown in the middle of the song where Taboo from the Peas goes “Here we go, here we go, satellite radio, Y'all gettin' hit wit' the (boom, boom),” which he repeats a couple more times for what we personally consider the most “hype” part of the song. Now, you will need a dance partner for this trend because one of the dance moves is going to require them to hold your leg. While it may already sound complicated, the routine itself isn’t that difficult once you learn. Below are some of our favorites.

You're doing this trend right? Cool! Make sure to keep up with us for more TikTok trends and content.

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