"Let's Get It Started" is a song by American group the Black Eyed Peas. It is a clean version of the original "Let's Get Retarded" from their third studio album, Elephunk (2003). The album version was originally only reworked for its use in promotion for the 2004 NBA playoffs on ABC in April 2004, 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; it also appears on a reissue of the album.
"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"; it is 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; however, it is still available with the purchase of the full Let's Get It Started – EP release in the iTunes Store.
Background The song grew out of a track from Busta Rhymes' old group Leaders of the New School. The track was from the album T.I.M.E.. The Arc of the United States, an advocacy group for people with intellectual disabilities, successfully lobbied The Black Eyed Peas’ recording company to change the original title of the song from "Let's Get Retarded" to "Let's Get It Started."
Music video The music video for "Let's Get It Started" 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.
Track listings
Canadian and European CD single, Australian CD 1 UK 12-inch single "Let's Get It Started" – 3:37 "The Way U Make Me Feel" – 4:19 "Let's Get Retarded" – 3:38
UK CD single "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 "Let's Get It Started" "The Way U Make Me Feel"
Australian CD2 and digital EP "Let's Get It Started" "The Way U Make Me Feel" "Bridging the Gaps" "Let's Get Retarded"
Personnel
The Black Eyed Peas will.i.am – vocals, production, engineering apl.de.ap – vocals Taboo – vocals Fergie – vocals
Additional musicians George Pajon – guitar Mike Fratantuno – bass Terence Yoshiaki – drums Dante Santiago – backing vocals Noelle Scaggs – backing vocals (single version) Keith Harris – additional drums (single version) Tim "Izo" Orindgreff – saxophone, flute (single version) Printz Board – trumpet (single version)
Production personnel Ron Fair – executive production Dylan Dresdow – additional vocal engineering Tony Maserati – mixing Brian Gardner – mastering Lee Groves – programming (single version) Mark "Spike" Stent – mixing (single version) Robert Haggett – assistant mixing (single version) David Treahearn – assistant mixing (single version)
Charts
Weekly charts + Chart (2004)Peakposition Canada (Nielsen SoundScan) 2 Canada CHR (Nielsen BDS) 1 Canada CHR/Pop Top 30 (Radio & Records) 1 Canada Hot AC Top 30 (Radio & Records) 14 Czech Republic (Rádio – Top 100) 6 Eurochart Hot 100 (Billboard) See last week column. 14 Greece (IFPI) 38 Romania (Romanian Top 100) 20 Chart (2020)Peakposition Chart (2024)Peakposition Kazakhstan Airplay (TopHit) 40
Monthly charts + Chart (2004)Peakposition Russia Airplay (TopHit) 72 Chart (2024)Peakposition Kazakhstan Airplay (TopHit) 51
Year-end charts + Chart (2004)PositionAustralia (ARIA)44Australian Urban (ARIA)19Belgium (Ultratop 50 Wallonia)98Brazil (Crowley)72France (SNEP)63Netherlands (Dutch Top 40)35Russia Airplay (TopHit)159Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade)52UK Singles (OCC)127US Billboard Hot 10088US Dance Radio Airplay (Billboard)32US Mainstream Top 40 (Billboard)23 Chart (2005)PositionUS Adult Top 40 (Billboard)79
Chart (2024)PositionKazakhstan Airplay (TopHit)113
Certifications
Release history + Region Date Format(s) Label(s) United States June 1, 2004 Digital download June 14, 2004 Contemporary hit radio Australia June 21, 2004 CD Universal Music United States June 22, 2004 Digital download Australia June 28, 2004 Maxi CD Universal Music United Kingdom Polydor Germany July 12, 2004 Maxi CD Universal Music France August 24, 2004 Polydor
References