The 2012 collaboration between will.i.am and Britney Spears, “Scream & Shout,” has officially surpassed one billion streams on Spotify, marking a significant milestone for the electro-house track. The song, a standout from will.i.am’s fourth studio album, #willpower (released in 2013), continues to resonate with listeners over a decade after its initial release. Its infectious chorus – “I wanna scream, and shout, and let it all out” – helped propel it to international success.
“Scream & Shout” wasn’t just a chart success; it also became a cultural moment. The song cleverly incorporates a nod to Spears’ earlier hit, “Gimme More” (2007), referencing the iconic lyric “It’s Britney, bitch.” The track’s impact was immediate, peaking at number three on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States and simultaneously becoming the first song to top the newly launched Dance/Electronic Songs chart, according to reports from 2012.
The song’s reach extended across the Atlantic, where it became will.i.am’s second consecutive number-one single on the UK Singles Chart. For Spears, “Scream & Shout” represented her sixth single to achieve this feat, and her first since “Everytime.” The song’s popularity also spawned several remixes featuring verses from artists like Lil Wayne, Hit-Boy, Diddy, and Waka Flocka Flame, further expanding its audience.
The success of “Scream & Shout” isn’t limited to audio streaming. In 2023, the accompanying music video crossed the one billion view mark on YouTube, demonstrating the song’s enduring visual appeal. The video features both will.i.am and Spears alongside a dynamic group of dancers.
A History of Collaboration
“Scream & Shout” wasn’t the first time will.i.am and Britney Spears joined forces in the studio. Their initial collaboration, “Big Fat Bass,” appeared on Spears’ 2011 album, Femme Fatale. Following the success of “Scream & Shout,” the duo continued their creative partnership with “It Should Be Simple,” featured on Spears’ 2013 album, Britney Jean. Will.i.am also served as the executive producer for Britney Jean, contributing to several tracks on the album. Their most recent collaboration, “Mind Your Business,” was released in 2023.
will.i.am’s #willpower album also showcased collaborations with other prominent artists, including Justin Bieber on the track “#thatPOWER” and Miley Cyrus on “Fall Down.” The album featured a diverse range of musicians, such as Nicole Scherzinger, Chris Brown, Juicy J, and Eva Simons.
Black Eyed Peas Join the Billion-Stream Club
The success of “Scream & Shout” adds to a growing list of billion-stream hits for will.i.am and the Black Eyed Peas. Earlier this year, the group’s 2009 smash hit, “I Gotta Feeling,” reached two billion streams on Spotify. Other Black Eyed Peas songs, including “Where Is The Love,” have also achieved the coveted billion-stream milestone.
The consistent success of these tracks highlights the enduring appeal of will.i.am’s production and the Black Eyed Peas’ innovative sound. The group’s ability to consistently deliver chart-topping hits has solidified their place in music history.
As streaming continues to dominate the music landscape, reaching one billion streams on a platform like Spotify represents a significant achievement for any artist. “Scream & Shout’s” continued popularity demonstrates the lasting impact of this collaboration between two pop music icons. The song’s energetic beat and memorable lyrics continue to attract recent listeners and keep it relevant in today’s music scene.
What does this milestone mean for future collaborations between will.i.am and Britney Spears? Only time will tell, but the success of “Scream & Shout” certainly lays the groundwork for potential future projects. Share your thoughts on this iconic track in the comments below!
