Superstars collide as Black Eyed Peas legend Apl.De.Ap and 2NE1 K-Pop icon
Sandara Park join forces on brand new collaboration “2 Proud”, released yesterday on all digital streaming platforms.
Produced by long-time BEP music director Keith Harris, “2 Proud” is an instant earworm, an infectious slice of pop infused with gentle hip-hop perfectly primed for global playlists.
Speaking about the new music and working with Sandara, Apl.De.Ap said, “It’s been a long time coming for Sandara and I. Both of us grew up partly in the Philippines so to have been able to connect for the first time was a kind of magic. She was amazing on this track. We had made it during the pandemic but she was a star through everything. The song is a bit of a departure from a lot of what you’d expect from a Black Eyed Peas’ member, but I listen to a lot of different kinds of music. I hope you enjoy it too.”
Sandara remarked, “Apl.De.Ap and I have known each other for many years; we both have cherished memories of the Philippines, which bonds us. As a huge fan of his music, working on this project was filled with excitement and joy. Even though we had to do everything far off separately due to the pandemic, we finally made it and the song came out super great. I hope you also enjoy our first collaboration and one day, I wish we could perform it live in front of the fans.”
The track’s official video is directed by Ben Mor, who has also been behind the camera for Beyoncé, Coldplay and the Black Eyed Peas. The ‘50s vibe video sees Apl.De.Ap
lounging poolside, soaked in soft Californian sunshine, Sandara channelled via a TV set indicative of the era. The easy feel and delicate palette of the video complement the track’s lilting, featherweight production, highlighting the duo’s vocals as the standout elements.
The pair originally met in 2011 when 2NE1 collaborated with Apl.De.Ap ’s band member Will.i.am on new music and have kept in contact ever since. Sandara grew up in the Philippines and speaks fluent Tagalog; American-Filipino Apl.De.Ap is one of South East Asia’s biggest and most successful musical exports. As one third of pop supergroup Black Eyed Peas, over a career spanning 36 years, he has dominated global charts, secured multiple awards, and performed to billions of fans worldwide.
He also uses his considerable influence to make waves in other areas including agriculture and sustainability. Never forgetting his Filipino farming roots but always at the cutting edge of technology and culture, Apl.de.Ap is behind the major new green energy movement biochar. Founded in 2011, his Apl.de.Ap Foundation, International (APLFI) focuses on youth education, providing underrepresented youth around the world with greater opportunity, resources, and access to the latest in education, arts, and innovation.
With more new solo music from Apl.De.Ap rumoured to be on the horizon, and his regular schedule of major global tour dates as part of Black Eyed Peas, 2024 looks set to be one of the biggest years yet for this international music superstar.
Already a platinum-selling music star and actress in the Philippines, it was in 2009 when Sandara – alongside Bom, CL and Minzy – achieved worldwide acclaim as K-Pop’s original girl band sensation 2NE1, still one of the best-selling girl bands in the world.
In 2009, 2NE1’s debut song “Fire” showcased a sophisticated and powerful music genre with a groundbreaking style and performance, setting the group as pioneers of the hot icon. Within the group, she established her unique image through unconventional style and onstage manner.
Last year, she officially commenced her solo music career by releasing the mini-album “[SANDARA PARK].” Sampled from a famous Korean song of the same name, the title track “Festival” presents her vibrant and energetic vibes. The album includes diverse tracks collaborated with artists such as Heize, GRAY, and sunwoojunga (SWJA,) aiming to achieve completeness and diversity to appeal to all generations, thereby solidifying her unique character.