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Will.i.am has praised Nicki Minaj, saying that her steps into the world of pop music should be applauded, not criticised.

Minaj has waged a war on the critics who say she should not be making songs like 'Starships', culminating when she pulled out of a huge LA concert over comments made by a radio DJ earlier in the day.

Backing Minaj in the pop vs hip-hop row, Will.i.am told Vibe that he has not time for people who listen to music with a closed mind. “I’m proud of Nicki. You can’t listen to this stuff about not being real hip-hop," he said. "You gotta go and get it. Whatever the music is called that’s what it’s called whether it’s hip-hop, pop, rock, gospel or a freaking musical, who cares?”

Adding: “If hip-hop is going to continue to limit people I say ‘F*ck hip-hop.’ It’s like the most unhealthiest community. I want Nicki to continue to show the world what hip-hop can be. It doesn’t have to always be about f*cking this stripper girl or getting money.”

Will.i.am recently hit the headlines after he donated half a million pounds to The Princes Trust charity.