Legendary hitmakers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis are bringing their musical legacy to a global hunger relief effort tied to 100 Billion Meals, the nonprofit cofounded by Tony Robbins. According to Billboard, the duo is producing a new fundraising song titled “The Next Verse,” set to be recorded live on Tuesday, December 16, at the iHeart Theater in Burbank, California.
The project brings together a wide-ranging lineup of artists across genres and generations. Confirmed participants include Janet Jackson, Dr. Dre, Sheila E., Darryl McDaniels of Run-D.M.C., Aloe Blacc, Duran Duran, Pitbull, Andrea Bocelli, Sammy Hagar, Leona Lewis, and The War and Treaty. The finished song and its accompanying video are scheduled to premiere globally on December 25, followed by nationwide airplay on iHeartRadio stations and releases on major streaming platforms.
Unlike traditional charity singles, “The Next Verse” is designed as an interactive collaboration that extends beyond the studio. Jimmy Jam explained that the intention was to make the experience participatory, allowing people to contribute verses or videos through modern platforms such as TikTok, helping listeners feel directly involved in the mission.
Tony Robbins framed the project as a response to a crisis he believes can be solved. In a statement, he emphasized that hunger remains one of the world’s most fixable challenges and stressed that no child should have to worry about where their next meal will come from.
Musically, the song takes inspiration from Bill Withers’ “Lean on Me,” focusing on simplicity and a universal message. Jam described the composition as intentionally minimal, built around a small melodic structure meant to resonate across cultures and communities.
Additional songwriters contributing to the project include Sammy Hagar, members of Duran Duran, Jack Antonoff, Amy Allen, Desmond Child, Jon Bon Jovi, and Tina Jones, the daughter of Quincy Jones. Since launching three years ago, 100 Billion Meals has delivered more than 62 billion meals worldwide through partnerships with organizations including Feeding America, UNICEF, and Food 4 Education.
