The "I'm So 3008" Prophecy: Decoding The Black Eyed Peas' 'Boom Boom Pow' Lyrics 15 Years Later

The Black Eyed Peas' "Boom Boom Pow" is more than just a dance-pop anthem; it is a lyrical time capsule and, arguably, a self-fulfilling prophecy. Released in 2009, the song famously declared, "I'm so 3008, you so 2000 and late," a line that, as of late 2024, has taken on a startling new relevance, especially considering the group's ongoing projects and will.i.am's deep dive into artificial intelligence and futuristic technology. This track, which kicked off the revolutionary The E.N.D. album era, didn't just top charts—it laid a blueprint for the future of pop music and, perhaps, the future careers of its members.

The song's explosive, electro-hop sound was a massive cultural shift, solidifying the group's transition from conscious hip-hop to global dance-pop dominance. Today, over 15 years since its release, the core message of technological evolution and being ahead of the curve is more pertinent than ever, providing a fascinating lens through which to view the current activities of will.i.am, apl.de.ap, Taboo, and Fergie.

The Black Eyed Peas: Full Biography & 2024-2025 Updates

The Black Eyed Peas formed in Los Angeles in 1995 and evolved into one of the best-selling groups of all time. While Fergie was a core member during the Boom Boom Pow era, the current lineup consists of the founding trio and J. Rey Soul. Here is a look at the key figures from the song's iconic lineup and their most recent projects as of December 2025:

• Shania Twains Bold Statement Why The Star Chose Nude Photoshoots At 57 Qf9cg

• will.i.am (William James Adams Jr.)
  • Born: March 15, 1975, Los Angeles, California.
  • Role: Rapper, singer, songwriter, and primary producer.
  • 2024-2025 Projects: will.i.am has fully embraced his "3008" persona by becoming a major tech innovator. He has teamed up with AI co-hosts for interactive shows and is launching new AI business ventures, focusing on the intersection of music, culture, and technology. He continues to be a central figure in the Black Eyed Peas' ongoing work.
• apl.de.ap (Allan Pineda Lindo)
  • Born: November 28, 1974, Angeles City, Philippines.
  • Role: Rapper and producer.
  • 2024-2025 Projects: apl.de.ap is deeply involved in humanitarian and environmental work, particularly in the Philippines. In 2024, he launched a large-scale environmental project, including the "100 Million Coconut Trees for the Climate" campaign, demonstrating a commitment to sustainability and his roots. He also teased a Black Eyed Peas 2025 Las Vegas residency.
• Taboo (Jaime Luis Gomez)
  • Born: July 14, 1975, Los Angeles, California.
  • Role: Rapper, musician, and actor.
  • 2024-2025 Projects: Taboo continues to work with the Black Eyed Peas and is a vocal advocate for cancer awareness following his own battle with the disease. His solo work often focuses on his Native American heritage, and he remains an integral part of the group's performances and new music.
• Fergie (Stacy Ann Ferguson)
  • Born: March 27, 1975, Hacienda Heights, California.
  • Role: Singer (member from 2002–2016).
  • 2024-2025 Projects: Fergie has kept a relatively low profile since leaving the group but has continued working on solo projects. She made public appearances at various events, including a 90's Fest in 2024, and remains focused on her individual career.

Unpacking the Futuristic Vision: The 'I'm So 3008' Lyric

The most famous and prophetic line in "Boom Boom Pow" is undoubtedly Fergie's declaration: "I'm so 3008, you so 2000 and late." This single phrase is the lyrical core of the song and the entire The E.N.D. album concept, which stands for "The Energy Never Dies."

The line is a pure expression of swagger and future-forward thinking. It means the person speaking (in this case, Fergie and the group) is so cutting-edge, so far ahead of the current trend, that they are living a thousand years in the future. Their style, their sound, and their technology are a millennium ahead of the competition, who are dismissed as "2000 and late"—stuck in the past.

The use of "3008" rather than a closer year like "2015" or "2020" emphasizes a radical, almost sci-fi level of innovation. will.i.am, who produced the track, was reportedly inspired by the idea of making music that sounded like a computer, an idea that was highly experimental for 2009 pop radio. The heavily auto-tuned, robotic vocals and glitchy, synthesized beat are the sonic manifestation of the 3008 concept.

• The Untouchable Privacy 7 Secrets Of Rachel Mcadams And Jamie Lindens Life Beyond The Red Carpet E820e

The Prophecy Fulfilled: will.i.am's 2024 AI Ventures

The "3008" lyric is no longer just a boast; it has become a literal mission statement for will.i.am's post-Boom Boom Pow career. His 2024 projects are deeply rooted in the very future-tech he rapped about.

From Electro-Hop to AI Innovation

will.i.am has positioned himself as a major tech entrepreneur, bridging the gap between music and artificial intelligence. His recent work involves developing AI tools and platforms, and he has even appeared with an AI co-host, making him a pioneer in using advanced technology to create new forms of media and entertainment.

• The Tech Connection: The song's line "I'm on that next sh*t now / I'm on that next sh*t now" perfectly encapsulates his transition from music production to tech innovation.
• The Futuristic Sound: The heavily processed vocals and electronic production of "Boom Boom Pow" can be seen as an early experiment in the kind of human-machine interaction that is now central to his AI work.

This commitment to the "next sh*t" makes the 3008 line a fascinating case study in how an artist's lyrical themes can manifest in their real-world professional pursuits a decade and a half later. He is actively building the future he once sang about.

• The Unseen Story Jessica Simpsons Battle For Privacy And Body Image In A Digital Age Mlvqa

Lyrical Entities and Topical Authority

Beyond the core "3008" line, the lyrics are packed with phrases and references that establish topical authority within the electro-hop and dance-pop genres. The song's structure is a rotating showcase for each member, providing a distinct lyrical entity for each verse:

• The Core Hook: "Gotta get that, gotta get that / Boom, boom, boom, pow!" This phrase is a simple, rhythmic, and instantly memorable sound effect, prioritizing rhythm over traditional narrative.
• will.i.am's Verse: His lines often focus on the power of the beat and the music's infectious nature, establishing the track as a "new sound." He raps about the music being "so loud" and "so wow," emphasizing the visceral, physical impact of the song.
• apl.de.ap's Verse: apl.de.ap's contribution often grounds the track in a more traditional hip-hop structure, focusing on his flow and the energy he brings to the performance. His use of the word "swagger" and references to "jackin' my style" are classic hip-hop tropes, updated with an electronic twist.
• Taboo's Verse: Taboo's lines are energetic and celebratory, often using imagery of a party or a massive crowd reaction. He reinforces the theme of being a trendsetter and pushing boundaries.
• Fergie's Iconic Bridge/Chorus: "I'm so 3008, you so 2000 and late." This is the song's ultimate statement of superiority and futuristic identity, driving the entire narrative.

The entire track serves as a declaration of a new musical era, where the traditional boundaries of hip-hop, pop, and electronic music were dissolved into a single, massive, auto-tuned, and utterly futuristic dance track. Its legacy is not just in its chart performance—it was the first song to sell over 4 million digital copies in the US—but in how it perfectly predicted the sound and the technological trajectory of the next decade of pop music.