The Black Eyed Peas celebrated Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday night (Jan. 15) with a politically charged performance of their latest release “Street Livin'” to The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.
The song, which derives from their Marvel graphic novel Masters of the Sun, was released last week and it delves into social issues including the prison industrial complex, immigration, gun violence and police brutality, among others. A gritty, black and white music video that accompanied the song found the group’s members with their mouths superimposed on characters in historical scenarios.
For their Late Show appearance BEP, who are currently one member short (Fergie is working to promote her sophomore solo album Double Dutchess), mimicked the dark and sullen mood of the “Street Livin'” video for their performance with will.i.am, apl.de.ap and Taboo rapping along as the lyrics and images from the video played in the background.
The performance was shot entirely in black and white and ended with a powerful image of the three Black Eyed Peas members standing strong with their fist raised up high in the air.
To see the politically charged performance, watch below.