He isn't being arrogant, but will.i.am admits his Grammy nomination for producer of the year was not entirely unexpected. "I'm not surprised, because I've worked hard," he says. "I'm just surprised that other producers didn't get nominated." So would he be willing to give up his spots to let one of them in? "Oh, no, not at all," will.i.am recently told Billboard with a laugh. "I'm just sayin'."

The Black Eyed Peas leader (real name William Adams) had quite a bit to say during this year's Grammy eligibility period. Besides shepherding the group's quadruple-platinum 2005 album "Monkey Business" -- whose hit "My Humps" received a nod for best pop performance by a duo or group with vocal -- he also logged time producing Grammy nomination leader Mary J. Blige, Justin Timberlake, Busta Rhymes, Sergio Mendes and Peas singer Fergie's solo debut.

"I think they're acknowledging the spectrum of genres and different kinds of people I work with," says will.i.am, who's nominated for five Grammys. He's hardly taking it easy, either. In addition to working on the next Peas album, which he expects to have out in fourth-quarter 2007, will.i.am recently produced tracks for Ciara, Nas, the Game, Too $hort and Latin star Juanes. He also handled a remix of "Rain Fall Down" for the Rolling Stones and helmed a remake of Heart's '70s classic "Barracuda" by Fergie for the next "Shrek" movie.

"I always ask the same question no matter what artist it is -- 'What do you want to accomplish?'" will.i.am says of his production philosophy. "I look at myself as an architect more than anything. I'm building something with these people. There's art in architecture, you know."

LINKS:
will.i.am Working On Jackson Comeback Album
Black Eyed Peas Finishing Up 'Fun' New Album
Black Eyed Peas Win Big At American Music Awards
Nas Drafts Kanye, will.i.am, Marley For New 'Hip-Hop'
Will's Work: Solo CD, Tracks With Game, Nas, Snoop

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