The E.N.D., the band’s first set of original material since 2005’s Monkey Business, hits the streets June 9, with the first single, “Boom Boom Pow,” scheduled for release to radio and clubs much sooner.

And fans had better be ready to get busy, because frontman will.i.am says, “We wanted to make a record that would make people dance.”

Dates for the group’s upcoming tour in support of the album will be announced in the coming weeks.

Since releasing Business, the BEPs have kept busy with two world tours and various side projects, including Fergie’s The Dutchess and will.i.am’s Songs About Girls, plus Renegotiations: The Remixes and Live From Sydney to Vegas, a full-length live performance DVD.

Will.i.am also dipped his toe into the political pool during that time, writing the campaign composition “Yes We Can” and two post-election anthems, “It’s A New Day” and “America’s Song,” for President Barack Obama.

Hmm. Could a cabinet post be in the offing? Perhaps Secretary of the Funkterior?