Music

Watch will.i.am's new video for the Mick Jagger, Jennifer Lopez accompanied "T.H.E (The Hardest Ever)"

by Tyler Munro

will.i.am’s newest video sparks a modern adaptation of an age-old question: if the Black Eyed Peas go on hiatus, but its voice keeps releasing similar sounding singles, did it actually happen?

Technically, yes, but as “The Hardest Ever” shows us, the hip-hop (?) quartet’s parts are easily replaceable. Not only that, but “T.H.E” highlights will.i.am’s propensity to adapt the pop-cultural Zeitgeist in all its most irritating forms. The song, and video, are a snapshot of 2011’s lowest common denominator. Like Fiat’s recent range of commercials, it continues Jennifer Lopez’s unlikely (and unwanted) post-divorce comeback. Like SuperHeavy, it features Mick Jagger as nobody wants to see or hear him. And, like last February’s Super Bowl performance, it should prove almost entirely unavoidable.

Our suggestion? Get it out of the way early. Watch the video above, and since it’s just premiered, take time to hone your snark.