will.i.am says producing his solo album has been a "hurdle".

The recording artist and producer enjoyed a hugely successful career with the Black Eyed Peas, before branching out to record his own material.

will.i.am funded solo album '#willpower' himself because those around him weren't willing to take a risk on him away from the chart-topping group.

Will said: "When you're in a group like The Black Eyed Peas and you're successful, a lot of times the company that you're with wants you to do just that. And they don't see that you can be successful outside of that.

He added to the Belfast Telegraph: "So I had to do '#willpower' all by myself - fund it, pay for it. There's a lot at stake. You don't succeed, you mess up your group. Very few people succeed outside their group when their group is successful. So it's been a hurdle."

will has since enjoyed huge success with songs including 'Scream & Shout' and 'This Is Love'.