Black Eyed Peas: Will.i.am explains why group is coming back without Fergie

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Will.i.am has spoken out about the Black Eyed Peas’ latest comeback, which doesn’t involve their former star member Fergie.

The band released a new album titled Translation on 19 June.

It features the band’s current line-up – Will.i.am, Apl.de.ap, Taboo, and J Rey Soul – as well as guests including Shakira, French Montana, and Tyga.

Asked by Billboard whether Fergie, who was last featured on a Black Eyed Peas album in 2010, has heard the new release, Will.i.am told the publication that she is yet to listen.

“She hasn’t heard it. She’s going to hear it when everybody else hears it,” he said.

He added that he "[hopes] she likes it".

Will.i.am elaborated on the group’s relationship with their former band mate, and provided some insight into why Fergie isn’t featured on the new project.

“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,” he said.

“She knows where we’re at. We’re at the studio. And we love her."

He said that Fergie is "focusing on being a mom", adding: "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.”

Fergie has released two solo studio albums. The first, titled The Dutchess, came out in 2006.

The second, Double Dutchess, followed in 2017.