Michael Jackson records with Black Eyed Peas rapper Will.i.am

Michael Jackson has collaborated with rapper-producer Will.i.am of the Black Eyed Peas for an upcoming album that would be Jackson's first in five years.

The reclusive Jackson met with the rapper-producer at a recording studio in Ireland.

Jackson said in an interview with Access Hollywood set to air Thursday and Friday that he is a fan of Will.i.am, whose real name is William Adams. "I like what he is doing and thought it would be interesting to collaborate or just see how the chemistry worked," Jackson says.

"I think he's doing wonderful, innovative, positive, great music," Jackson said of the rapper-producer behind such hits as Let's Get it Started and My Humps.

Jackson, who hasn't released a record since 2001's Invincible, has also reportedly worked with 50 Cent's turntablist DJ Whoo Kid and producer Ron (Neff U) Feemster to make a more urban, gritty album.

"I am always writing a potpourri of music," he says. "I want to give the world escapism through the wonder of great music and to reach the masses."

Jackson, 48, said a new album would be released in 2007 by a record label based in Bahrain, the wealthy island nation in the Persian Gulf where Jackson now resides.

He will be making a rare public appearance at the World Music Awards on Nov. 15 at London's Earls Court Arena, where he will be presented with a Diamond Award, a prize for artists who sell more than 100 million albums.