Billboard is reporting that Mariah Carey is currently hard at work on her as-yet-untitled new album. The R&B diva is in the British Virgin Islands writing and recording for the follow-up to her 2005 comeback smash ‘The Emancipation of Mimi’- which has sold 10 million copies worldwide. Producers confirmed for the project include Bryan-Michael Cox and Jermaine Dupri – who were both instrumental in creating some of the big hits from the ‘Mimi’ album. The CD is expected to drop toward the end of the year.

I’m anxious to hear her new material. Although, I’m doubtful as to whether she can top her fantastic last album.
Our friends over at Rap-Up.com have posted what has been confirmed as the Official album cover for Kelly Rowland’s sophomore CD ‘Ms Kelly’. I’m liking it alot; from the pose to the overall look…it’s on-point. The album, which features production from the likes of Polow Da Don, Rockwilder and Scott Storch, drops June 26th.

What do you think?
As you may have noticed, new tracks from Ne-Yo’s sophomore CD ‘Because of You’ have been leaking pretty quickly. Having now listened to the album in full, I can say that he has definitely managed to avoid the ‘sophomore slump’ by delivering a pretty solid album. After listening to the earlier leaked tracks and snippets, I felt that Ne-Yo hadn’t really pushed himself creatively and was just dishing out more of the same. However, the album has proven me wrong as there are quite a few great songs that aren’t typically his style. Though I’m unsure whether this tops his fantasitc debut, ‘Because of You’ (due May 1st) is definitely worth a buy. Check out some of my highlights from the album (which I haven’t posted already)…

{Links Removed As Requested}

The video for Kelly Rowland’s new single ‘Like This’ will premier on MTV’s TRL this upcoming Monday (26th). Rowland will be there to showcase the vid herself. Insiders claim that the video is cyber-heavy and will feature a shower scene. Interesting. Be sure to check back here for the video.
It’s official: Foxy Brown has lost her damn mind. A warrant was issued for the arrest of the rapper after she failed to attend a court hearing regarding an assault charge.
Foxy is so ignorant. It’s one thing after the other with her. You’d think after the whole deafness situation that she would have mellowed out…obviously not. She’s done.
Bobby Brown has plans to become the next Flava Flav. The soon-to-be divorced singer is apparently shopping around a reality show that pits contestants against each other for his affections. This comes after his first reality show ‘Being Bobby Brown’ was cancelled upon the news of his divorce from his superstar- ex Whitney Houston.
Brown must be getting desperate to keep his name out there. It wasn’t long ago that he was photographed dining out with a mystery female; he has even spoken about currently dating someone, so why the show?
Pop Megastar Janet Jackson was honoured at the Ebony Pre-Oscar Celebration. She attended the event with her brother, Jackie Jackson. As has been the case recently, Janet looked beautiful.

Check out the pics:

Credit: Janet-World

A new song by Chilli, formerly of R&B girl group TLC, has hit the net called Straight Jack. She’s now signed to rapper Akons own label – Konvict Music; he promised her album will surprise alot of people. If this is any indication of what is to come then she should just go back to the studio. I’m not liking this one at all. Missy Elliott’s feature does nothing for the track either; I can’t stand that bogus Jamaican accent she puts on.
Anyway I’ll let you be the judge….
**