London Calling

It's embarrassing moments like this that remind Fergie she still has a lot to prove. After all, her success with the Peas made her a target of both tabloids and longtime fans of the group who were disenchanted with their mainstream makeover. ''She was the new member at the time when they had pop success,'' says singer-songwriter John Legend, who wrote and produced a ballad for The Dutchess, ''so some people attribute that success to them adding a cute white girl.'' But despite the haters, Fergie — and the Peas — remained committed to her plan to release a solo album that would showcase the full range of her talent. Fergie and will.i.am — who's releasing the disc through his eponymous imprint — have been working on the project on and off for the past three years. At one point, ''we lived together at a home studio in an estate in Malibu called Morning View,'' says Fergie. ''I think that's where I did my best work, because it's away from all the chaos and the hustle and bustle. I got to really dig deep and find those hidden jewels.''

Possibly featuring cameos by Ludacris, Rita Marley, and Trina (the final track listing is still up in the air), and largely produced by will.i.am and Polow Da Don (Pussycat Dolls), The Dutchess is an eclectic mix of hip-hop, pop, rock, R&B, and reggae. ''Not every song is as aggressive as 'London Bridge,''' she says. ''There's a lot of love songs. A lot of people don't know that I'm a singer, and a diehard romantic, and I get really girlie when I'm with my boyfriend.''

Last night, Fergie worked in the studio until 6 a.m., and tonight she'll do the same. With the album due to hit stores in less than a month, it remains a work in progress — evidence of just how important the project is to her. ''I don't think I'll ever be satisfied with the way it should sound,'' she says. ''I didn't have that year or two that other artists get to sit back and craft, but maybe that's the beauty of it — that it's not polished and it's a little more rough. Maybe that represents who I am.''

TAKE IT TO THE 'BRIDGE'

Love Fergie's new single? Download these:

''F--- THE PAIN AWAY'' PEACHES (2002)
Cheeky and overtly sexual, Peaches gets straight to the point over an old-school rap beat.

''MILKSHAKE'' KELIS (2003)
R&B's dairy queen gives a whole new meaning to a formerly wholesome frothy treat.

''HOLLABACK GIRL'' GWEN STEFANI (2004)
The No Doubt singer's cheerleading-style rap anthem made her a solo superstar.

''GALANG'' M.I.A. (2005)
The Sri Lankan rapper shouts out London in the hook of her street-smart debut single.