Will.i.am says that his failed 2007 solo album taught him lessons that saved the success of the Black Eyed Peas.

The rapper’s 2007 record ‘Songs About Girls’ was a commercial flop, selling very few copies and receiving only lukewarm reviews, but Will.i.am still doesn’t regret the record, saying that it helped him gain focus with the Black Eyed Peas.

"It would have changed everything within the Black Eyed Peas if that album had been successful,” he said.

"Because that album did not succeed, it taught me what to do with the Peas and what not to do."

Another positive thing to come from the album was Will.i.am’s first opportunity to work with Cheryl Cole. The two are now regular collaborators.

He said: "The one good thing that came out of that album was Cheryl. She's great company to be around, she works hard, she loves music and she's not all diva'd out. Cheryl is really down to earth."

Watch the pair’s video for ‘Heartbreaker’ below: