AceShowbiz -

Contrary to earlier pronouncements made by American hip-hop songwriter Elijah Blake that he would collaborate with Britney Spears for her "surprising" new album, the pop icon denied that she was working with Blake, as told by her representative in an interview with Entertainment Weekly. Instead, she revealed that she's working with "new, inspiring producers" for her next album, particularly her longtime friend and collaborator will.i.am of Black Eyed Peas, and rising producer Hit-Boy.

The new album will be the follow-up to her seventh studio outing "Femme Fatale", released back in 2011, where Spears and will.i.am first worked together for the "Big Fat Bass" track. Spears returned the favor by appearing on The Black Eyed Peas' frontman's "Scream & Shout" single.

"I would love to work with Britney again," will.i.am said. "She has great energy in the studio; she's a sweetheart, a doll of an artist and just a kind, kind person. And when she's in the studio, nothing matters but the music. So that's a great experience to have and share with somebody that loves music."

Besides will.i.am, Spears has also enlisted the help of hip-hop producer Hit-Boy who has worked with the likes of Kanye West and Jay-Z for "Ni**as in Paris" and rising music star Kendrick Lamar for his "Backstreet Freestyle" track. The "Oops!...I Did It Again" singer first confirmed news of the collaboration via a Twitter Q&A she had with her fans last weekend, "Working hard. Collaborating with some new inspiring producers. Really focused on my music right now."

The album is reportedly still in the early planning stages and a release date is far from being determined. However, with Spears' judging stint in "The X Factor (US)" looking uncertain at this point, she might have more time to spend on her eighth studio set.