The Black Eyed Peas went on a crazy run during the 2000s but, as of late, they have not been attracting the same amount of mainstream attention. That's not to say that will.i.am, apl.de.ap, and Taboo haven't been putting in work. The group is focusing less on making pop music that will rise to the top of the charts, choosing to create more innovative sounds instead.
Part of the reason why they aren't as big as they once were has to do with the departure of Fergie from the group. Although she was a late addition to the band, she attracted tons of eyes to their music as the sole female member. She had stand-out sections on songs like "I Gotta Feeling" and "Where Is The Love?" before embarking on a solo career on the side.
BEP explained why she's no longer with them in a brand new interview with Billboard. will.i.am even said that she has not heard their new album yet.
"She hasn’t heard it. She’s going to hear it when everybody else hears it. I hope she likes it," he said. "We try to keep in touch. We reach out every once in a while and say our hellos and happy birthdays and Merry Christmas and Happy Easter."
As for whether or not there's bad blood between Fergie and the Peas, will.i.am said that there is no issue there.
"She knows where we’re at! We’re at the studio. And we love her, and she’s focusing on being a mom," he added. "That’s a hard job, and that’s what she really wants to do and we’re here for her, and she knows how to contact us for a retreat or a breakaway. It’s really the way Fergie designed it, so we’re respecting her design. We love Fergie, and we don’t want anything but awesomeness for her."
Do you want to see Fergie rejoin the group in the future?