R&B singer LLOYD has parted ways with his longtime record label The Inc.- just a month after ASHANTI walked out of her contract at the music firm.

Ashanti left the label, run by music mogul Irv Gotti, in May (09) after years of reportedly frosty relations with The Inc. bosses.

And Lloyd has now followed her out the door after releasing three albums with the company – but insists the split was amicable.

He tells AllHipHop.com, “I’m ready for a change. There’s no bad blood. I just feel I need to take more control over my career and get a fresh start. Hopefully Irv can understand my position.”

Lloyd’s manager, Henry ‘Noonie’ Lee, adds: “Even though Lloyd is appreciative of the opportunity that has been afforded him by The Inc, he feels it’s time for him to move on and seek opportunities that will allow him to build and enhance his brand.” {Source}

Filed Under: Pharrell, Usher

What do you think of the pics?

Filed Under: Akon, Alexandra Burke, Pharrell

The self-titled ‘Louis Vuitton Don’ Kanye West has collaborated with the fashion house to produce his own line – for both men and women. Check out the report via NME:

The rapper showed up at the Vuitton show in Paris’ Jardins de Bagatelle on Friday (June 27) and told wwd.com ”I’m here for Louis” before revealing that he is working with the fashion giant on designed a men’s shoe line.

West, who was dressed entirely in his own clothing designs, also told the fashion site that he is working on a women’s wear collection which will debut this fall.

After all that free promo, it’s about time!

Any thoughts?

Filed Under: Pharrell

There seems to be no stopping Rihanna here in the UK. The singer’s monster hit ‘Umbrella’ spent its 8th consecutive week at #1 on the Official UK Singles Chart. Though, I’m growing tired of the song, there’s no denying that it’s an amazing achievement for the Bajan star. She’s really establishing herself as viable artist here.

Filed Under: Pharrell, Twista

R&B star LeToya Luckett is hard at work on the follow-up to her self-titled debut. According to our friends at Rap-Up.com, a November release date has been pencilled in for the currently-untitled disc, which will drop via Capitol Music Group. Most interesting, however, is the producer line up – which is set to include Dr Dre, Rodney ‘Darkchild’ Jerkins and Babyface.

Are you anticipating LeToya’s new album?

Filed Under: Pharrell

The video for Ne-Yo’s latest single ‘Do You’ debuted a few hours ago on BET. I’ve been waiting on Ne-Yo to bring ‘it’ in terms of video, yet – as is the case with this video – he doesn’t. It’s not that the video is poor, it’s just too standard – almost boring. I do like the song, however I’m left wondering if it was a good choice for the 2nd single. The way I see it, ‘Make It Work’ would have been the better option.

What do you think of the video?

Filed Under: Pharrell, Twista