As reported earlier, Leona Lewis is currently hard at work on her 3rd studio album. Now the singer, who has reportedly teamed up with David Guetta, Ne-Yo and J.R. Rotem, has now brought producer Dallas Austin into the mix. Austin is known for his work with TLC (‘Creep‘), Blu Cantrell (‘Hit ‘Em Up Style’) and many others. {Source}

Let’s see if Lewis’ new found sass and Austin’s skill can create magic. Either way, it’s refreshing to see that she’s not putting her fate in the hands of the increasingly redundant Ryan Tedder.

Thoughts?

John Legend and The Roots have called on Common and Melanie Fiona for their new single. ‘Wake Up Everybody’ – a take on the Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes’ classic – is lifted off of their upcoming albim, ‘Wake Up!’, which stores on September 21st. Give it a listen below:

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Jay Sean is preparing for the release of the video for ‘2012 (Ft. Nicki Minaj)’, the 1st single from his untitled upcoming album which is projected for release on November 2nd. The clip was directed by Erik White, who is most notable for his work with Chris Brown (‘Kiss Kiss’, ‘Gimme That’, ‘Yo [Excuse Me Miss]’). Check out the special preview below:

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Soulful songstress Jazmine Sullivan will release her sophomore effort on September 28th, according to Amazon’s latest listings. Tentatively titled ‘Love Me Back’, the album – the follow-up to 2008’s ‘Fearless’, is preceded by the Missy Elliott produced single ‘Holding You Down’.

With no video in sight for ‘Holding You Down’, and promotional efforts still in their earliest stages, I can’t help but think that the date is subject to change. Regardless, I’m more than amped for the album. After Jazmine’s was unceremoniously shut-out at last year’s Grammy’s (five nominations, no wins), we are – as I’m sure she is too – eager to see her achieve the success she deserves. Roll on September….

Your thoughts?

Alesha Dixon is back. The former Misteeq singer, whose last album ‘The Alesha Show’ was a major success, returns to the scene with fiery new single ‘Drummer Boy’ –  the lead effort from her new LP ‘Unleashed’.

The track literally just premièred on BBC Radio 1. Take a listen below…

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You can now preview a selection of tracks from The Saturdays’ new EP ‘Headlines’. The Pop collective will release the record on August 24th, with current single ‘Missing You’ preceding.

Snippets after the jump…

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R&B royalty Mary J. Blige is set to expand her empire with a new sunglasses line. Named ‘Melodies by MJB’, the shades are set to hit retailers before the year is out. Peep Blige and her new artist Starshell modelling them above, in the line’s first promo shot.

It’s great to see certain stars not following trends (see: celebrity fragrances only), and instead also drawing up original ways of expanding their brand. Go Mary.

Your thoughts?

Check out the official album cover for Shontelle‘s sophomore effort ‘No Gravity’ (due August 24th). The LP is preceded by the atrocious ‘Licky’, and marginally better ‘Impossible’ – which has performed well on the Billboard Hot 100 (#13 and climbing).

While we bare no ill-will towards Shontelle (we’re not that kind of site), it’s hard to envision her album being certified anything other than triple wood. Folk just aren’t checking for her like that. This, no doubt, being largely to do with her sound and image being modelled on…well…a model (see: Rihanna). Like Fashionista Fenty, Shontelle’s vocal prowess leaves a lot to be desired, hence her label’s marketing of her as the next Rihanna (whose career, 5 years in, is still only as hot as her last single) is baffling to say the least.

In any case, the cover serves its purpose…

Your thoughts?

Pop rebel Pink has made no secret of her opinions on chart rival Christina Aguilera in the past. Today was no different, with the ‘So What’ singer taking to Twitter to air her latest views on Aguilera.

Check out what she had to say after the jump…

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Eminem and Rihanna performed their new #1 single, ‘Love The Way You Lie’, during the Los Angeles stop of the latter’s ‘Last Girl On Earth’ tour last evening. The rapper surprised the crowd of tone deaf fans when he joined the pretend singer on stage. Check out the fan footage below:

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In a recent interview with Kontrol magazine, Dirty Money’s Dawn Richard opened up about the demise of her former group Danity Kane. The 25 year old touched upon accusations of favouritism from Diddy within the group, their break-up, her apprehensions joining a new group, and more.

Extract after the jump…

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Kelly Rowland sizzles in this saucy new photoshoot for Entertainment Weekly. Ms. Kelly better get that promo! Love it!

{Picture credit: Kelly Rowland Web}

Your thoughts?