The group, who released their sixth album 'The Beginning' in 2010, are due to start work on their next project later this year.

Will.i.am told Us magazine: "The record is in the beginning stages. We're at the point of time where we're at the beginning of this tour as far as the vision, where we're going and who we're touring with.

"But the train is moving! It's not moving so fast that people can't hop on it though."

Earlier this week it was revealed that the band are set to open a music academy in New York.

(by Jason Gregory)