Let's Get It Started

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"Let's Get It Started"
Image:Let's Get It Started - EP.JPG
Single by Black Eyed Peas
from the album Elephunk and Barbershop 2: Back in Business
Released	2004
Format	CD
Recorded	—
Genre	Hip hop
Length	3:37
Label	A&M
Chart positions
#2 (Australia, Canada) #6 (New Zealand) #7 (France) #11 (Ireland, Latvia, Netherlands, U.K.) #13 (Switzerland) #18 (Germany, Austria) #21 (U.S.) #22 (Belgium)
Black Eyed Peas singles chronology
"Hey Mama" (2004)	"Let's Get It Started" (2004)	"Don't Phunk with My Heart" (2005)
Audio sample
Play (in browser) (help·info)

"Let's Get It Started" is the edited radio version of the Black Eyed Peas song "Let's Get Retarded", which appears on their 2003 album Elephunk. The phrase "Let's Get Retarded" is a term used on the West Coast of the United States that means to go crazy on the dance floor, synonymous with "Go Dumb," and "Get Stupid." The colloquial meaning of "retarded", as used in this song, refers to being very carefree and having a good time - and (more often) meaning intoxicated or high, similar to the colloquial use of getting "blind", "wasted", or "smashed". The phrase is chanted at clubs and dances and used in everyday slang, but the word "Retarded" is offensive to people who see it as put-down of those who are mentally challenged. It was edited because many people find this usage offensive, making the song unsuitable for play on some radio stations and at sports games. The 2004 song is the fourth single from their 2003 album, Elephunk, and was also included on the Barbershop 2: Back in Business and Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle soundtracks. It gained popularity as the theme song for the 2004 NBA Playoffs on ABC. It was also featured in the film White Chicks.

[edit] Reincarnations

• A cover by lounge act Richard Cheese and Lounge Against the Machine appeared on the 2005 album Aperitif for Destruction.
• The song is featured in one of "Weird Al" Yankovic's polkas on his CD, Straight Outta Lynwood.
• The song was played by the Francis Howell North High School marching band at the Bands of America grand national championships in 2005.
• A version of this song translated into Simlish is the theme song for the Playstation 2 game The Urbz: Sims in the City

[edit] Music video

The Music video directed by Francis Lawrence consists of a nighttime setting, in an urban area. Fergie's phone says 'let's get it started'. The Black Eyed Peas, particularly will.i.am, are on a stage doing energetic dances while singing the song.