The Dutchess is the debut studio album by American recording artist Fergie. It was released on September 13, 2006, by A&M Records and the will.i.am Music Group. Musically, "The Dutchess" is mainly a hip hop and R&B album that also has roots in reggae, dance and soul. The name is also a references to Sarah Ferguson, the real Duchess of York. They share a surname and nickname of Fergie. The title had media attention.