First thing’s first. The Black Eyed Peas are not breaking up. will.i.am, frontman and producer behind the multi-platinum group, wants to get that out of the way right from the start. “We’re not going anywhere,” he says, by way of introducing his new solo album, SONGS ABOUT GIRLS.
On his own, will.i.am has established himself as one of music’s top producers, he has collaborated on tracks with Justin Timberlake, John Legend, Kelis, Nas, The Game, Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson, Sergio Mendes, Carlos Santana, The Pussycat Dolls, Busta Rhymes and fellow Black Eyed Pea, Fergie. He has developed into a highly revered, sought-after musician, songwriter and producer. So when it came time to work on his solo material, will.i.am not only had a blank canvas on which to work, but a palette of A-list talent to team up with. But SONGS ABOUT GIRLS is not a cavalcade of other people’s talents. “I didn’t want to come out and say, ‘Hey, I’m a producer and here are all my friends,’” he explains. “I wanted to be my own man and do my own thing and really try out some ideas that have been bubbling in my head.” First single “I got if from my mama” is at radio now.
