Before Elephunk reshaped the sound and future of the Black Eyed Peas, there was a pivotal behind-the-scenes moment that could have changed pop music history. In a recent conversation revisiting the story behind their third studio album Elephunk, Will.i.am revealed that Fergie was originally on a completely different path. At the time, he was working on demo recordings with her and was actively trying to get her signed as a solo artist.
The plan? Signing Fergie to Star Trak, the influential label founded by Chad Hugo and Pharrell Williams. “I was making Fergie demos at the time and I was trying to get her signed to Star Trak,” Will explained. Everything seemed lined up, including a meeting with Pharrell at Record Plant. But that meeting never went the way Will expected. That’s when Jimmy Iovine stepped in. According to Will.i.am, Iovine immediately questioned the strategy. Why sign her to another label when she could become part of the Black Eyed Peas? Jimmy Iovine reportedly told Will:
“Wait a second. You’ve got a girl you’re making demos for, and you want to sign her to Star Trak with Pharrell? Why don’t you put her in the group and sign it to your label?” Will’s response was simple. He didn’t have a label. Iovine’s answer changed everything. “You do now,” he said, backing up his belief with experience. He even drew a direct comparison to one of music’s most legendary moments, reminding Will that he had produced Fleetwood Mac and witnessed firsthand how Stevie Nicks joining the band transformed their future. “This works. Trust me.”
That advice led to a defining decision. Fergie joined the Black Eyed Peas, and the group went on to release Elephunk in 2003, an album that introduced a new lineup, a new sound, and a global breakthrough. Songs like ‘Where Is The Love?’ and ‘Shut Up‘ marked the beginning of an era that would dominate radio, charts, and pop culture for years. Looking back, it’s wild to imagine how close Fergie came to signing with Star Trak instead. One conversation, one intervention, and one bold decision reshaped the trajectory of everyone involved. Sometimes, the best career move isn’t going solo. It’s joining the right family at the right moment. Check out the full video below to hear Will.i.am tell the story in his own words.
