Pink Friday — the debut album from femcee Nicki Minaj — available Nov. 22.

Were you offended by Will.i.am’s Blackface performance during Sunday night’s MTV Video Music Awards Pre-Show? According to the Black Eyed Peas frontman, you shouldn’t be.

The Black Eyed Peas star provoked a storm of criticism after he was photographed during one of music’s biggest nights sporting a tight black leather costume and blackface makeup smeared on his face.
Blackface — which first gained popularity during the 19th century — typically promotes racist stereotypes toward African Americans. Within hours, critics were lining up on Twitter.com to slam Will for his appearance alongside femcee Nicki Minaj, with many even accusing him of racism.

However, the rapper quickly lashed out at naysayers, insisting there are bigger problems in the world than “a Black man wearing all Black.”

Responding to criticisms on his own Twitter page, Will wrote: “1st. just because I where (sic) all black including head mask as expression and emphasize my outfit, it shouldn’t be looked at as racial… Let go of the past. There are far more important things 2 bark about. (Jobs, health, education) not a black man wearing all black everything.”

The rapper later added: “Are you guys serious? My outfit set ‘Black people back 100 yrs’ choose your twits wisely. No education sets people back, no jobs, bad health.”

Kelis, who is currently in the middle of a messy divorce from rapper Nas, released a new song, called “Acapella,” online last week, suggesting plans for a comeback – and now she has announced an exciting new career move.

Kelis has revealed that she has signed to Interscope Records through will.i.am Music Group, and is working on new material with will.i.am, DJ Ammo, and David Guetta.

“2010 is around the corner and I can’t wait to put out new music and spend time with real music fans on tour again,” the “Milkshake” star said in a statement Tuesday.

Kelis was dropped by Jive Records in 2007.

Black Eyed Peas lyricist Will.i.Am is speaking out against reports that he and his entourage beat razor-tongued celebrity snitch Perez Hilton to a bloody pulp after the MuchMusic Awards in Toronto Sunday night.

Black Eyed Peas star will.i.am premiered his Barack Obama victory track, “It’s A New Day,” on The Oprah Winfrey Show on Friday.

“It’s A New Day,” the new will.i.am video celebrating President-elect Barack Obama’s victory in Tuesday’s election, will premiere on The Oprah Winfrey Show this afternoon, The Associated Press reports.

Check out this vid for Will.i.am’s latest effort, “One More Chance.”