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.
I’m really anticipating LeToya’s new CD; her first was, for me, one of last year’s best R&B offerings. The Darkchild production is definitely one of the things I’ll be checking for, as I’ve always wondered how she’d fare on one of his tracks. I’m hoping she gets the increased label support she deserves this time around, though. Capitol kinda dropped the ball after the release of ‘Torn’, with ‘She Don’t’ being a weak 2nd single choice. Still, with the last album being certified Platinum, the label are bound to know that they’re onto something with LeToya.

Are you anticipating LeToya’s new album?

With the 2007 BET Awards just days away, it has been revealed that Beyonce will be performing ‘Get Me Bodied’ at the annual show. Hailed by many as one the better tracks from her ‘B’Day’ album, no doubt she’ll give a great performance. According to her longtime dancer, Tyrell Washington, the Grammy-Award winning superstar will be joined onstage by a ‘special guest’. I’m kinda thrown off as to who the ‘guest’ may be…

Who do you think the ‘guest’ is?
Following the news, earlier this week, that Janet Jackson is currently recording a new album in Miami, Pharrell Williams has announced his involvement in the project. Williams, who has just finished work on both Britney and J.Lo’s new albums, told radio station Hot 97 that he is scheduled to go into the studio with Janet toward the end of July.

Janet’s new CD is shaping up to be pretty interesting. With likely contributions from Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, JD, Ne-Yo, and now Pharrell, the album will hopefully propel Janet to the top of the charts again. The ‘All for You’ singer is reportedly now signed to Island Def Jam.

Does Janet have what it takes to be successful again?

This new Mike Jones track ‘Bonnie & Clyde’ is slated to appear on his upcoming album ‘The American Dream’ (due July 10th). The track, which features LeToya Luckett, is decent mid-tempo number. However, I’m not really feeling Mike’s talk-singing in parts of the song. LeToya does great on the hook, though. She’s really keeping her name out there in the run-up to the release of her as-yet-untitled sophomore CD.

Hit or Miss?
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Some of you may remember Tiffany Evans from her roles in Tyler Perry movies ‘Madea’s Family Reunion’ and ‘Diary of a Mad Black Woman’. The 15 year old is set to release her debut album this year and ‘Promise Ring’ is the the lead single from the set. Interestingly, R&B star Ciara features on the track, singing backing vocals. I’m really liking the song and video; Tiffany has got a great voice and the choreography is on-point. It’s not often artists nowadays can both sing and dance, but Tiffany has both on lock. It’s great to see Ciara supporting an up-and-coming artist too.

What do you think of the song/video?

According to People.com, Eddie Murphy has been confirmed as the father of ‘Scary Spice’ Mel B’s 2 month-old daughter Angel Iris. Rep’s for Brown announced that she was informed of the DNA test results – which took place on June 11th – this Thursday. The news comes after months of denial by actor Murphy, who doubted paternity of the child. Brown and Murphy briefly dated last summer and split in December, when the ‘Nutty Professor’ actor revealed his paternity doubts live on a Dutch TV show. Thus far, Brown’s reps have yet to comment.
I’m guessing he feels like an idiot, and rightfully so. The way he put Mel out there was real disrespectful, so it’s only right that he’s getting his now. Isn’t this like his 6th kid?! Keep it strapped up, Eddie!

This is video for Common’s latest single ‘The People’. It turns out the song is the official first single from the rapper’s upcoming album ‘Finding Forever’ (due July 31st) – and not buzz single ‘The Game’. Though, I’m really liking the song, the video is kinda blah. Nonetheless, I’m still looking forward to ‘Finding Forever’ and hope it garners Common the recognition he deserves.

What do you think of the video?
Contrary to recent rumours, Cassie has not been dropped from Bad Boy. According to Diddy, the ‘Me & U’ singer is currently recording the follow-up to her 2006 self-titled album. Producers drafted in to contribute to the project include Kanye West and Pharrell Williams. The as-yet untitled CD will be released in September.
It’s well known that Cassie is lacking on the talent side of things, yet I’m quietly anxious to see what she comes with on this next album. I’m surprised she’s even releasing another album after the last one tanked majorly. Still, the CD had a few good tracks on it including ‘Me & U’ and ‘Long Way 2 Go’.

Will you be checking for Cassie’s new CD?

During her recent European promo blitz, Kelly Rowland performed current single ‘Like This’ on Dutch show Jensen. I’m liking this performance; both vocally and in stage presence, Kelly is improving with each performance.

What did you think of the performance?

In other Kelly news, there seems to be alot of confusion as to whether she’ll be performing on the Pre-Show or Main Show at the BET Awards. As of today, Kelly has been added to the list of Main Event performers on the BET website and *will* be hitting the main stage on June 26th.

Tidbits:

Kelly’s ‘Like This’ hit #4 on the Official UK singles chart this week.

Don’t miss out on your chance to win a copy of ‘Ms. Kelly’ in our Kelly Rowland album give-away. Click here to enter!

Another new track from Danity Kane’s Dawn has surfaced. Produced by Jim Johnsin – who also produced the group’s hit ‘Showstopper’ -‘Flawless’ is a major improvement over some of the other songs I’ve heard from her. I’m really feeling Dawn’s swagger on the track and the production is on-point too. Despite the influx of new solo material from Dawn, it has been confirmed that Danity are still together and are currently recording a new album.

What do you think of the track?
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The video for Yung Joc’s new single ‘Coffee Shop’ debuted on BET yesterday. Can’t say I’m feeling the track much, but the video is pretty funny. Kudos to Joc for the the positive message at the end. Rick Ross, Lloyd and DJ Drama make cameo appearances. ‘Coffee Shop’ is the lead single from Joc’s sophomore album ‘Hustlenomics’ – due August 28th via Bad Boy.

What do you think of the video?

Following her departure from the G-Unit, Olivia is slated to release her serially delayed album ‘Behind Closed Doors’ independently. This new Missy-Elliott produced track, ‘Cherry Pop’, is reportedly the first single from the set. I found myself liking this one upon first listen; it has an old-skool funk vibe to it. Missy did her thing on the production side of things and Olivia rides the beat nicely. I’m starting to think it was 50’s loss letting Oliva go, because her post-G-Unit material sounds great.

Hit or Miss?
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