FERGIE has credited Kanye West with popularising the hip-hop genre by making his music "gay-friendly".

The singer insists West has always pushed the boundaries of rap with his experimental music and super-stylish dress sense.

And Fergie is adamant the Stronger hitmaker has made a hugh difference in bringing hip-hop to the gay community.

She tells MTV.com, "Kanye West really did a great thing for hip-hop and made it very mixed and open."

She also reserves some credit her Black Eyed Peas band mates, will.i.am, apl.de.ap and Taboo, adding, " They're completely gay-friendly. Are you kidding me? Look at how they dress!"