`The Time (Dirty Bit)` group are about to release their latest album, `The Beginning` - which was largely recorded while they were on tour across the world - and rapper Apl.de.ap said their travels have greatly influenced the record`s sound.

He said: "Going out, we try and check out the scene, the city and be inspired by other producers or other DJs, what kind of stuff they`re playing. So that`s how we keep fresh."

His bandmate, Taboo - who also stars in the band along with producer and vocalist will.i.am and singer Fergie - added the band are keen to "stay hungry", in order to retain their position as a top charting act.

Taboo added to MTV: "We have to stay hungry and keep wanting to push the envelope. Don`t be comfortable and settle. Will says once you start slacking off, there`s someone that`s hungrier than you."

Will.i.am has previously talked about how `The Beginning` was made on the road, meaning he sometimes had to improvise in order to hear some of the tracks he was making while recording them.

He said: "We had no speakers so I had to hijack the hotel television set and plug my computer into it. Some songs are 120 beats per minute and others are, like, 320."
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