Hitmaker Will.i.Am firmly believes that the UK has overtaken the USA in terms of the importance of the music industry and recognition of talent.

Speaking to London's Evening Standard newspaper, the 'Boom Boom Pow' sensation explained that he paid out of his own pocket for the 'Scream & Shout' music video because Great Britain showed a great interest in the track and he wanted to keep up with the growing industry there:

"I paid for the video myself. The UK was like, 'We want something now, hurry up, it's hot''. It used to be America, but right now the UK leads the world. The American [record] company was hesitant because 'This Is Love' didn't really work in America."

"I don't do OPM [other people's money]. It takes too long. These ideas that I've had, if I'm thinking them then somebody else is about to do it. Right now you have got to go fast on things."

The UK release of 'Scream & Shout', which also features Britney Spears, has been brought forward to December 9.

Watch the official video for 'Scream & Shout' below: