The Black Eyed Peas‘ will.i.am has joined up with Mercedes-AMG to create his own custom sports car called the “WILL.I.AMG.”
Nicknamed “The Flip,” the new modified vehicle’s design pays homage to the Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupé, and will also give kids from disadvantaged backgrounds the chance to help build it.
‘I grew up in a ghetto,” will.i.am told Designboom. “I grew up with Hip Hop. I watched legendary Hip Hop artists rap about Mercedes, so it was always a dream to own a Mercedes.
“For a lot of inner-city kids, owning a Mercedes is a symbol of progress and advancing out of struggle. Now I’ve reached my goal and pushed even higher by re-imagining and creating my own vision of an AMG model.”
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The rapper/producer referred to the G-Class and SLS Gullwing when designing The Flip, giving the car’s hood a boxy frame similar to the G-Wagon, and adding two large doors at the rear. will.i.am didn’t dare mess with what’s under the hood, though.
“I didn’t touch the engine, because AMG really does make the best engines,” the willpower rhymer said. “The story of the founders of AMG truly inspires me and it is energizing to collaborate with like-minded people who also seek continuous improvement.”
The front of the car will also sport a new signature logo that looks like a bear to represent will.i.am’s “BEAR WITNESS” collection, which will drop exclusive apparel and unique accessories on May 6 at 12 noon ET via will.i.am’s website.
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The proceeds will be donated back to the lyricist’s “i.am Angel Foundation,” which strives to give undervalued children educational opportunities. The Flip will be unveiled in its final form during the Formula 1 Grand Prix USA in Miami from May 6-8.
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Following the release of the car, will.i.am will also release a six-part documentary series called Drive that details the process of creating the unique Mercedes. The film will premiere at Cannes during the 2022 festival.
