Justin Bieber needs to go through "relationship drama" in order to be successful.

The 'Baby' singer - who is currently dating singer and actress Selena Gomez - has been working with will.i.am on his new album, and the Black Eyed Peas producer thinks heartache will lead him to long term success.

In an interview with Ryan Seacrest on his 102.7 KIIS FM radio show, he said: "Justin as an artist has to fight. Michael Jackson fought, Prince fought, the ones that stood around for a long time are the ones that are always fighting for something.

"He's gonna hurt. He's going to go through relationship drama [and that will make him successful].

"We know the ones that get comfortable and then their career is short, 'Oh I remember that one song he had, that was cool.'"

will.i.am is also keen to act as a mentor to Justin, 17, rather than just producing his tracks, and guide him to being able to write and produce all his own material.

He added: "I want to get Justin Bieber into writing his own music and producing his own songs.

Justin's new tracks are shaping up well, with him saying earlier this week, 'the album is great," when asked how hi work was going.

However, he also had to cancel some studio time yesterday (11.08.11), as he was ill.

He tweeted: "No studio today. Sick and staying home and watching movies. Chill night. Gotta rest up (sic)."