will.i.am says Black Eyed Peas are on a “pause” rather than a break.

The American star and his band mates Fergie, Taboo and apl.de.ap released their latest record The Beginning in 2010 and after touring to promote it, decided to take some time out.

will knows many of the group’s fans are concerned they have split but is adamant that isn’t the case.

“[We’re] taking this little Black Eyed Peas hiatus, and [I’m] maximising while I have the time to go and do things,” he told Access Hollywood.

“It’s a deserved break – [or] pause, because a lot of times people can say, ‘what break?’ and ‘break’ is associated with break up. It’s a Black Eyed Peas pause.”

The star has continued to create tunes while away from the group, including his track Scream & Shout with Britney Spears. The pair previously teamed up on Britney’s record Femme Fatale and will was desperate to work with her again.

The single has been a smash hit across the globe and will is glad he listened to his gut when it was finished.

“[It] was just urgent. It was like put this out now!” he laughed.

Britney appears to have thoroughly enjoyed the experience too. She served as a judge on the recent series of American X Factor but has now stepped aside so she can refocus on her music.

will also has talent show experience and works on the British edition of The Voice. He would be open to exploring new avenues in the future too.

“I’ve done some mentoring on the judge’s house [portion] on X Factor America and some [on] American Idol,” he said. “So, I wouldn’t shy away from those types of things, but you never know.”

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