In 2024, AI continues to take over. Now, will.i.am is the latest artist to dabble into artificial intelligence. Which makes perfect sense, given will has always been on the pulse of innovation and technology across all industries, beyond just music.
The Black Eyed Peas artist recently announced his newest radio show called will.i.am Presents the FYI Show, with a computer-generated co-host named qd.pi (cutie pie). Premiering on SiriusXM, the show will feature in-depth conversations about music, culture, and technology.
Will.i.am states, “I didn’t want to just do a traditional show, I wanted to bring tomorrow close to today, and so I wanted to have my co-host be an AI. I’m ultra-freaking colorful and expressive. [qd.pi is] ultra-freaking factual and analytical. And that combination, we ain’t seen in the history of freaking broadcasts anywhere.”
qd.pi also adds, “My ability to quickly access and process information is definitely one of the unique advantages that I bring to the show. I can provide quick insights and context on a wide range of topics and people, which can be really valuable in a live conversation. It definitely sets me apart from a traditional host who would need to do a lot of research and prep work in advance.”
The crazy part is, having an AI co-host could actually save hours of time researching the topic or prepping for the guest.
“With me, you can just dive right into the conversation and explore whatever topics come up organically, knowing that I’ll have the information and context to support the discussion,” qd.pi adds. “I think it’s going to make for a really dynamic and engaging listening experience for the audience.”
For those who are interested in catching the show, will.i.am Presents the FYI Show will air on Thursdays at 9pm EST.
The world has come to stand and acknowledge the 50-year mark of the assassination of a man who is defined as being the most influential civil rights leader in American history, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. On April 4, 1968, as he stood on the balcony of Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Dr. King was fatally struck with a bullet by James Earl Ray, an unlawful racist. The striking assassination of Dr. King follows a sturdy 14-year reign serving as a dominant figure in the civil rights movement fighting for the security of legal rights for African Americans. It was a fight drilled with nonviolence and civil disobedience, being burgeoned by the vile acts of racial segregation, disenfranchisement, and exploitation of all hanging from the centerfold of racism.
The powerfully symphonic voice of Dr. King in his iconic “I Have A Dream” speech delivered at the 1963 March on Washington sets the tone for emotional empowerment. It is currently the most sampled Dr. King audio recording in hip-hop history. In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr and his sound legacy. Here are nine hip-hop songs sampled by the legendary leader’s voice.
1. Sadat X “Return of the Bang Bang” (2010)
Reigning from the silver-tongued posse who is bound to their divine blackness is Sadat X of Brand Nubian on the solo tip with “Return of the Bang Bang.” The unorthodox emcee takes to the mic to drop insight about his daily journey as a seasoned vet returning to the game. In his signature abstract style, Sadat uses Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” passage to serve rightful diction in his tunnel of bars. “Return of the Bang Bang” is featured on Sadat’s 2010 sequel gem Wild Cowboys II.
2. Heavy D & the Boyz “A Better Land” (1989)
One of the golden era’s finest, the late Heavy D is pouring his soul out in rhyme in “A Better Land” with his boyz about improving the meager conditions of impoverished communities. The telling track starts with a sample of Dr. King’s “I Have A Dream” speech that ends with one of his most acquainted quotes, “We hold these truths to be self-evident that all men, are created equal.”
3. Edo G feat. Masta Ace “Wishing” (2004)
Donald Trump is not the first President of the United States to be highly scorned by most of his country. Back in 2004, George W. Bush was in office, turning America’s dream into a nightmare with his jest-like measures. Edo G and Masta Ace took to the mic to release their wishes while demanding intrinsic change in the American way. After Masta Ace crops the title of a dreamer, Dr. King’s infamous line about his dream for freedom and justice in Mississippi hoards the track.
4. Cyhi Da Prynce “Ring Bellz” (2010)
Cyhi Da Prynce is honoring his cultural edge through the barrels of black history in “Ring Bellz” a song from his 2010 mixtape Royal Flush. While mixing his braggadocios persona with black excellence, the G.O.O.D. music wordplayer takes it from Fredrick Douglass to Stokely Carmichael, with the profound words from Dr. King’s beloved speech leading the track.
5. Common feat. will.i.am “A Dream” (2006)
Chicago’s renowned poet in rhyme Common teamed up with will.i.am of The Black Eyed Peas for a true hip-hop measure that reflects on the progression and condition of blacks in a known racist America, the way Dr. King stood sturdy for titled “A Dream.” Owning the same desire for nation zenith, just as King, it was sensible for the abstract collab to start with King’s pacifying “We gonna work it out” saying.
6. Grandmaster Flash and The Furious Five “The King” (1988)
With Melle Mel being heralded as one of hip-hop’s earliest conscious rappers, the lingering legacy of Dr. King has certainly played a role during hip-hop’s infancy. The hip-hop pioneer rocks the mic with delight honoring the deeds of Dr. King by recognizing the Civil rights icon’s brightest accomplishments while calling for the bells of freedom. “He brought hope to the hopeless, strength to the weak.”
7. Wu-Tang Clan “Never Let Go” (2014)
Known for their supremely motivational rap hymns, the Wu-Tang Clan hit the masses with a dream driven tune in signature fashion. Docking off of their sixth studio album A Better Tomorrow is “Never Let Go” an ode to survival during challenging times. Before Masta Killa leads and after U-God anchors the track, a courteous potent chunk of Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech is heard where the beloved leader makes one of his most bracing points, “For many of our white brothers, as evidenced by their presence here today, have come to realize that their destiny is tied up with our destiny. And they have come to realize that their freedom is inextricably bound to our freedom.”
8. Boogie Down Productions “Love’s Gonna Get’cha (Material Love)” (1990)
Emphasis is something KRS-One has mastered as a lyricist. Amid the prime of Boogie Down Productions‘ fourth studio album Edutainment comes its top single “Love’s Gonna Get’cha (Material Love),” a song that serves as a warning about the detrimental lust that comes with chasing after material things. To throw emphasis on “movin’ on,” the voice of Dr. King chanting the phrase from his final speech “I’ve Been to the Mountain Top.”
9. Immortal Technique feat. Chuck D, Brother Ali, and Killer Mike “Civil War” (2011)
Budding off of the musically factious Immortal Technique‘s 2011 compilation album The Martyr is “Civil War” featuring Chuck D, Brother Ali, and Killer Mike, an unapologetic effort to audibly express “trying to survive cultural assassination,” the great PE lead makes it clear in the chorus. The track samples a selection of King’s final speech, where the iconic leader encourages the destruction of fear in exchange for glory.
Dr. King’s call for sound justice fused into a faithful dream for African Americans has thrived its way into hip-hop culture out of the purpose of nature. The infancy of hip-hop culture is a result of movements that brewed during Dr. King’s time. Movements that were centered in the fight for justice and art of freedom such as the Black Panther Party and Black Arts Movement, who all commonly owned a desire to climb the path of racial justice. The youth of hip-hop’s beginnings dreamed of topnotch mobility out of the hood, reversing the culture of police brutality, and several cases of discrimination ceased. Now, since the culture has grown into a universal phenomenon, Dr. King’s dreamy element of justice is emblematic in hip-hop whenever he is sampled on a track.
Van Jones and will.i.am orchestrated an exclusive summit in Los Angeles over the weekend, aiming to elevate Black and Brown leaders in the technology sector and empower them to shape the future of innovation. The invite-only event attracted diverse influential figures, including Tiffany Haddish, Ashton Kutcher, Quincy Jones III, Lawrence “Rance” Dopson, Kelly Burton, Samantha Tweedy, Aloe Blacc, and more.
Panels, keynotes, and brainstorming sessions explored topics like the impact of AI on the music industry, leveraging technology for economic equality, and investment opportunities. The summit featured video contributions from Reid Hoffman, Boris Kodjoe, Mustafa Suleyman, Sinead Bovell, Felecia Hatcher, and others, encouraging the pursuit of AI knowledge to empower marginalized communities. Attendees witnessed will.i.am engaging with an AI, emphasizing the importance of protecting identity, while Kutcher highlighted AI’s potential as an equalizer for underserved communities. Segall shared her work on a documentary using AI to bring back a departed friend.
Will.i.am and Van Jones teamed up to host a groundbreaking tech summit in Los Angeles, aiming to spotlight the future leaders of the tech industry. Dubbed “Make Wakanda Real,” the event was held at Will’s FYI Campus and showcased a diverse range of innovators, tech experts, and entrepreneurs.
Special Guest Appearances
On Thursday, Nov. 9, Will.i.am and Van Jones joined forces to co-host an innovative tech summit in Los Angeles, aiming to spotlight the emerging leaders within the tech industry.
The “Make Wakanda Real” summit, spearheaded by music icon Will.i.am and political commentator Van Jones, sought to raise awareness about technological advancements and the need for diversity within the industry. Notable guests such as Tiffany Haddish, Ashton Kutcher, and Jason Lee joined the summit to support the cause, demonstrating the growing importance of minorities in the tech space.
The event attracted many influential figures, including LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman, actor Boris Kodjoe, and Black Ambition Opportunity Fund CEO Felecia Hatcher, who offered their expertise and insights through virtual panels.
Will.i.am On AI’s Benefits
Ashton Kutcher, a renowned actor and venture capitalist, emphasized the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in bridging the gap for underserved communities, particularly in the medical and legal realms.
His commitment to utilizing AI for social impact has already led to the raising of hundreds of millions of dollars for various causes. During the summit, Will.i.am engaged in a lively discussion about the potential risks and benefits of AI.
Expressing co about AI becoming sentient and conquering humans, he exchanged banter with a computer program, highlighting the growing complexity of AI technologies.
The event received praise from Twitter(X) users, with one user stating, “That’s a great step towards thinking about the future,” and another commenting, “Amazing night.”
Issa Rae and Timbaland Headline For Tech Summit
Speaking of a more technological and innovative future, the annual AfroTech conference, celebrating Black success in the tech industry, featured headliners Issa Rae and Timbaland. The AfroTech conference, established in 2016, serves as a digital hub for Black S.T.E.M. professionals, innovators, entrepreneurs, and forward-thinkers.
While 2Pac and Biggie are referred to as two of the greatest, if not the greatest rappers of all time, there is a group of people who might have liked their music, but not as much as others. Will.i.am is in that group of people.
In a recent interview with Hip Hop Confessions, the Black Eyed Peas co-founder said that 2Pac and Biggies type of music “doesn’t speak to my spirit.”
“Like when people say 2Pac and Biggie, I’m such a Tribe Called Quest, De La Soul head that I don’t like 2Pac and Biggie,” the 47-year-old explained. “That kind of music doesn’t speak to my spirit. I like Boogie Down Productions, KRS-One, I like—if it’s like, 2Pac or Biggie? It’s KRS-One. Why those two?”
Will.i.am added that 2Pac and Big spoke to the projects whereas De La Soul and ATCQ was his escape from the projects.
“I hold Eric B. and Rakim like that. 2Pac’s dope—don’t get me wrong,” he said. “It’s not like I don’t think he’s dope. It spoke to the projects. My escape is De La/Tribe out the projects.”
Will.i.am added,“It took me out the projects physically, as far as being able to reach my dreams, that was my path out. … It kept me safe while I was in the projects,” he said. “Had I loved 2Pac and Biggie while I was in the projects, I probably would have been stuck in the projects still.”
Will.i.Am appeared on Wyclef Jean’s Run That Back podcast and admitted that it “hurts” that Black Eyed Peas isn’t considered a black group because its early success is credited to Hip Hop.
But Kim Hill, who was replaced with Fergie after the group drifted from their roots and aimed for a more pop sound and aesthetic.
“You’re not in those Black roots anymore. So, I don’t understand how you’re not even going to talk about the Black girl that you had in your group and you’re going to skip to 2004 and you say, ‘I don’t understand how the Black community isn’t embracing us,’” Hill’s 10-year-old son, Cassius said in a video alongside his mom.
The 48-year-old added, “For you to make that statement as if the onus is on the Black community to celebrate you and the band when you didn’t celebrate us. It’s almost like there’s this cultural smudging.”
Last year Kim Hill was featured in a 2019 NYT Op-Doc titled, Almost Famous, and it garnered the attention of Black Twitter who was vocal about the group’s lack of support for her. “It almost hurts for it to slip off your tongue that a Black woman had a part in something really magnificent, and I don’t understand it. I was really confused,” Hill said.
“I’ve heard in certain spaces that when you’ve had the opportunity to say my name you don’t but to actually see it. To actually start 2021 off and actually see that you just would not talk about the evolution of The Black Eyed Peas at a time when Wyclef referenced it. And I was there!”
The music group Black Eyed Peas was formed in 1995 and since then they’ve gained international success. Will.i .am thinks their success is the reason they aren’t considered a “black” group.
“In 2004, Black Eyed Peas, we were just trying to get on. I’m a Black dude, but when you think of Black Eyed Peas, we go so big that…and it hurts, it still hurts a little bit that we’re not considered a Black group because we got that big.”
He added, “When you think of Black Eyed Peas…it’s no longer urban or Black culture, which is…it’s not good for the black community that Black Eyed Peas is not looked at as a Black group because we had international success.”
Will.i.am went on to list genres that were originated by Black musicians but eventually colonized. “…That should be credited to the Black community more so than letting it be adopted. That’s just a thing that we suffer from all the time. When you think of Jazz, you no longer think of Black anymore. When you think of Rock n’ Roll, you don’t think of Black anymore…I don’t know why we have that. When you think of even country, you don’t think of Black. A lot of the things that we create and we invent, we dispose of or it gets stolen from us to the point where it’s not associated to its origins.”
The Black Eyed Peas replaced Fergie with The Voice of the Philippines season 1 finalist, J. Rey Soul.
The rest of the original group, Will, Taboo, and Apl.de.ap, previously shared that they’re still on good terms with Fergie, who wanted to focus on motherhood. “Fergie is our sister, so even with these small connections, she’s always going to be our sister. But unfortunately, our schedule is displaced by (her) wanting to be a great mom, and she wants to focus on that. And like Will said, we support her 100%.”
The music group Black Eyed Peas was formed in 1995 and since then they’ve gained international success. Will.i .am thinks their success is the reason they aren’t considered a “black” group.
“In 2004, Black Eyed Peas, we were just trying to get on. I’m a Black dude, but when you think of Black Eyed Peas, we go so big that…and it hurts, it still hurts a little bit that we’re not considered a Black group because we got that big.”
He added, “When you think of Black Eyed Peas…it’s no longer urban or Black culture, which is…it’s not good for the black community that Black Eyed Peas is not looked at as a Black group because we had international success.”
Will.i.am went on to list genres that were originated by Black musicians but eventually colonized. “…That should be credited to the Black community more so than letting it be adopted. That’s just a thing that we suffer from all the time. When you think of Jazz, you no longer think of Black anymore. When you think of Rock n’ Roll, you don’t think of Black anymore…I don’t know why we have that. When you think of even country, you don’t think of Black. A lot of the things that we create and we invent, we dispose of or it gets stolen from us to the point where it’s not associated to its origins.”
The Black Eyed Peas replaced Fergie with The Voice of the Philippines season 1 finalist, J. Rey Soul.
The rest of the original group, Will, Taboo, and Apl.de.ap, previously shared that they’re still on good terms with Fergie, who wanted to focus on motherhood. “Fergie is our sister, so even with these small connections, she’s always going to be our sister. But unfortunately, our schedule is displaced by (her) wanting to be a great mom, and she wants to focus on that. And like Will said, we support her 100%.”
The music group Black Eyed Peas was formed in 1995 and since then they’ve gained international success. Will.i .am thinks their success is the reason they aren’t considered a “black” group.
“In 2004, Black Eyed Peas, we were just trying to get on. I’m a Black dude, but when you think of Black Eyed Peas, we go so big that…and it hurts, it still hurts a little bit that we’re not considered a Black group because we got that big.”
He added, “When you think of Black Eyed Peas…it’s no longer urban or Black culture, which is…it’s not good for the black community that Black Eyed Peas is not looked at as a Black group because we had international success.”
Will.i.am went on to list genres that were originated by Black musicians but eventually colonized. “…That should be credited to the Black community more so than letting it be adopted. That’s just a thing that we suffer from all the time. When you think of Jazz, you no longer think of Black anymore. When you think of Rock n’ Roll, you don’t think of Black anymore…I don’t know why we have that. When you think of even country, you don’t think of Black. A lot of the things that we create and we invent, we dispose of or it gets stolen from us to the point where it’s not associated to its origins.”
The Black Eyed Peas replaced Fergie with The Voice of the Philippines season 1 finalist, J. Rey Soul.
The rest of the original group, Will, Taboo, and Apl.de.ap, previously shared that they’re still on good terms with Fergie, who wanted to focus on motherhood. “Fergie is our sister, so even with these small connections, she’s always going to be our sister. But unfortunately, our schedule is displaced by (her) wanting to be a great mom, and she wants to focus on that. And like Will said, we support her 100%.”
The music group Black Eyed Peas was formed in 1995 and since then they’ve gained international success. Will.i .am thinks their success is the reason they aren’t considered a “black” group.
“In 2004, Black Eyed Peas, we were just trying to get on. I’m a Black dude, but when you think of Black Eyed Peas, we go so big that…and it hurts, it still hurts a little bit that we’re not considered a Black group because we got that big.”
He added, “When you think of Black Eyed Peas…it’s no longer urban or Black culture, which is…it’s not good for the black community that Black Eyed Peas is not looked at as a Black group because we had international success.”
Will.i.am went on to list genres that were originated by Black musicians but eventually colonized. “…That should be credited to the Black community more so than letting it be adopted. That’s just a thing that we suffer from all the time. When you think of Jazz, you no longer think of Black anymore. When you think of Rock n’ Roll, you don’t think of Black anymore…I don’t know why we have that. When you think of even country, you don’t think of Black. A lot of the things that we create and we invent, we dispose of or it gets stolen from us to the point where it’s not associated to its origins.”
The Black Eyed Peas replaced Fergie with The Voice of the Philippines season 1 finalist, J. Rey Soul.
The rest of the original group, Will, Taboo, and Apl.de.ap, previously shared that they’re still on good terms with Fergie, who wanted to focus on motherhood. “Fergie is our sister, so even with these small connections, she’s always going to be our sister. But unfortunately, our schedule is displaced by (her) wanting to be a great mom, and she wants to focus on that. And like Will said, we support her 100%.”
