The Beginning will be released in several physical formats – a standard CD, a deluxe CD that includes 3 bonus songs, a full album vinyl and a combo two-disc set of 20 songs that includes The Beginning & The Best of THE E.N.D. – and digitally at all online retailers.

While the title of The E.N.D. was a play on words (standing for "The Energy Never Dies"), the new album's title, The Beginning, "refers to what is actually happening in the world right now," says will.i.am. "The Beginning is symbolic of adopting new technologies, such as augmented reality, 3D, and 360 video. It's also about being experimental and taking songs we've liked from the past and playing around with sick, crazy beats."

In keeping with that manifesto, the first single from The Beginning is "The Time (The Dirty Bit)," which is built around a sample from the classic 1987 theme from Dirty Dancing, "(I've Had) The Time of My Life," recorded by Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes. "The song is a celebration of this amazing time in our lives," says vocalist Fergie. "We've been on tour all over the world, and looking out at stadiums full of people who came out to see us – that's as big as it gets. After the shows, we go out to the clubs and meet the fans; those are moments that we have to remember." "Plus the fact that we get to experience it with each other," adds vocalist apl.de.ap, "that's the best feeling ever."

"You never know what's going to happen, so you want to make the best of every day," says will.i.am. "We wanted to capture that feeling and release a song that celebrates with the fans because it wouldn't have happened without them." "This album is the beginning of a new era of Pea world domination – fasten your seat belts pea-ple enjoy the ride," declares Taboo.