“#thatPOWER” is a song by will.i.am featuring Justin Bieber, taken from his fourth studio album, #willpower. A special version of the song is used for 2013 NBA Playoffs telecasts on ESPN and ABC and the last day of TV5's primetime sports block on IBC, AKTV.
Background[]
Will.i.am tweeted the cover art for the song on March 15.[1] The song was recorded on February 20, 2013 at Metropolis, when Bieber and will.i.am were in London for the 2013 BRIT Awards.[2]
The song interpolates Arty's “Kate”.
Release[]
The song made its radio premiere on Capital FM in the United Kingdom on March 15, 2013.[2]The same day it was released on YouTube and hit iTunes on March 18. [3]
Lyrics[]
And ooh, I'm alive, I'm alive, I'm alive
And ooh, I can fly, I can fly, I can fly
And ooh, I'm alive, I'm alive, I'm alive
And im loving every second minute hour bigger better stronger power
I got that power
I got that power
I got that power
Power power power
They call me will-A
Stay so cool, I'm chilley
I done made that malley
On my way to that valley
Used to have a piggy bank, but now I got that bigger bank.
Who who cares what the haters state
They hate on me cause we doing what they cant
I stay on that hussle, I flex that loose to muscle
Hate to bust your bubble
Im on that other level
Imma take it higher and high and high and higher
I stay and buy attire
Keep burning like that fire
And ooh, I'm alive, I'm alive, I'm alive
And ooh, I can fly, I can fly, I can fly
And ooh, I'm alive, I'm alive, I'm alive
And im loving every second minute hour bigger better stronger power
I got that power
I got that power
I got that power
Power power power
Yes yes yes y'all feeling funky fresh y'all
Work to be the best y'all
We're good under pressure y'all
Been through all that stress y'all
Get this off my chest y'all
Made it out in project where this project that's progress y'all
I beat it through my mama
I told her when I was younger
That I'ma be that number
One day I'll be that number 1
I take it higher and high and high and higher
I stay and buy attire
Keep burning like that fire
Whatever doesnt kill you, only makes you stronger
So I'ma get stronger
Call me like a veteran, veteran
I lock lock it down and go again
Call me like a veteran, veteran
I lock lock it down and go again
And ooh, I'm alive, I'm alive, I'm alive
And ooh, I can fly, I can fly, I can fly
And ooh, I'm alive, I'm alive, I'm alive
And im loving every second minute hour bigger better stronger power
I got that power
I got that power
I got that power
Power power power
And im loving every second minute hour bigger better stronger power
And im loving every second minute hour bigger better stronger power
Music video[]
On March 20, will.i.am tweeted about how exhausting rehearsals for the video were.[4] On March 25, Capital FM reported that will.i.am was seen taking part in the production of parts of the video for the song in Los Angeles.[5]
Will described the music video as “It's about technology and me and my futuristic crew are traveling the earth and placing this cube where Justin Bieber is now hologrammed and we have this next level futuristic synchroniced movement. It's not dance, it's like synchronised movement”[6]
The official video premiered on April 19, 2013. An alternate "second screen" music video is available through an unlisted YouTube link when the song is tagged via Shazam. The alternate video does not contain audio and is meant to be viewed alongside the original music video in order to spot the differences between the two.
A special version was shot with National Basketball Association (NBA) players, including LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Kevin Durant, Dwight Howard, Carmelo Anthony and Chris Bosh, to be used as the opening theme introduction for the 2013 NBA Playoffs television broadcasts on ABC and ESPN.[7] The video is also used at various commercial breaks throughout the broadcasts.
Charts[]
Billboard Hot 100[]
"#thatPOWER" debuted at #42 on the Billboard Hot 100, and spent 16 weeks on chart.
Awards and nominations[]
Year | Award | Nomination | Result |
---|---|---|---|
2013 | MP3 Music Awards | The MIC Award (Music / Industry / Choice) | Nominated |
MTV Italian Music Awards | Best Energetic Video | Won | |
MTV Video Music Awards | Best Choreography | Nominated |
Credits[]
Credits adapted from Tidal.[8]
- Producer: Damien Leroy / will.i.am
- Composer: Damien Leroy / Justin Bieber / William Adams
- Lyricist: Damien Leroy / Justin Bieber / William Adams
- Featured Artist: Justin Bieber
References[]
- ↑ "The art to my next single #thatPOWER yfrog.com/hw35fqkj". Twitter. March 15, 2013.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 "Will.i.am Premieres New Song '#ThatPower' Featuring Justin Bieber On Capital FM". Capital FM. March 15, 2013.
- ↑ Brandle, Lars (March 18, 2013). "Justin Bieber, Will.i.am Collab '#THATPOWER' Hits the Web". The Hollywood Reporter.
- ↑ "Thanks a trillion...I'm sore and drained from video rehearsal...#imEXCITED..."@MileyCyrus: @iamwill @justinbieber soooo dope #thatPOWER ❤❤❤"". Twitter. March 20, 2013.
- ↑ "Will.i.am Spotted Shooting '#ThatPower' Music Video In Los Angeles". Capital FM. March 25, 2013.
- ↑ Page, Robert (April 18, 2013). "Will.i.am Teases New Video with Justin Bieber". CETonline.com.
- ↑ Cafardo, Ben (April 18, 2013). "NBA Playoffs to Exclusively Tip Off on ABC & ESPN". ESPN MediaZone.
- ↑ "Credits / #willpower (Deluxe) / will.i.am – TIDAL". Tidal.