Black Eyed Peas are one of the best-selling musical acts of all time. They absolutely dominated the 2000s, with a myriad of hits that fused hip hop, pop and electronic music. It cannot be overstated, however, how important Fergie was to the group's success.
Black Eyed Peas were a relatively unknown hip hop trio before Fergie joined in 2002. From there, the group embraced a more commercial sound, and became one of the most reliable producers of hits in any genre for the next decade. Fergie is no longer a member of Black Eyed Peas, though, and we're here to discuss why.
Fergie officially left Black Eyed Peas in 2018
Fergie's decision to go solo did not have anything to do with her solo career. The rapper dropped her debut album, The Dutchess, in 2006, and despite having multiple smash singles, Fergie continued to tour and record with Black Eyed Peas.
It's a good thing, too, because 2009's The E.N.D. proved to be the group's biggest album ever. The electronic-infused album spawned three number one singles, and Fergie was feature prominently on all of them. It wasn't until 2017 that rumors began to swirl that the rapper was leaving the group.
Billboard ran an article questioning Fergie's future with Black Eyed Peas, but co-founder will.i.am shut the rumors down, and assured fans that she would be sticking around. The article proved to have a bit more smoke than was initially perceived, though, as Fergie officially left the Peas in 2018.
Fergie has focused on family life and business
Fergie has not spoken at length about why she left the group, but will.i.am provided context during a 2020 interview with Billboard. He claimed that the rapper merely wanted to focus on raising her son and felt that it would be too difficult to maintain the Black Eyed Peas' busy touring schedule.
" focusing on being a mom," will.i.am confirmed. "That's a hard job, and that’s what she really wants to do and we’re here for her, and she knows how to contact us for a retreat or a breakaway." The other members of group assured fans that Fergie remains their "sister," and will always have a place if she wants to return.
Fergie released her second album, Double Dutchess, in 2017, but her musical output has diminished drastically in the 2020s. The rapper has, true to will.i.am's word, focused on her son and her business ventures like Wet 'n Wild nail polish and Ferguson Crest winery. She also returned for a performance at the 2022 MTV Music Awards alongside Jack Harlow, who sampled her for the number one single "First Class."