Bad Boy Records artist Cheri Dennis is finally set release her long-delayed debut album, with the Yung Joc collaboration ‘Portrait’ as the CD’s first official single. Label head Diddy confirmed the news at the ‘Bad Boy Upfront’ event in New York this week. For those not familar with Cheri, the talented singer/songwriter has been signed to Diddy’s label for several years and her project has constantly been pushed back in favour of other artists- including Diddy himself. The hold-ups haven’t stopped Cheri from carving out her own way through the industry; she has written tracks for numerous artists including Olivia and Danity Kane. Dennis also sang the theme tune to MTV’s ‘Making The Band’ – ‘Oh La La’. The currently untitled album is slated for a summer release and will feature productions from Ryan Leslie, Byan Michael Cox and Rodney ‘Darkchild’ Jerkins.

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‘Cry’ is featured as a bonus track on the Japanese version of Rihanna’s upcoming album ‘Good Girl Gone Bad’. Though the song wouldn’t be out of place on the album’s main tracklist, it’s understandable why it was left off. The ballad is ‘ok’ at best and, though lyrically engaging, the song is pretty bland. I’ve definitely heard better ballads from the Bajan singer before.

Having been signed to Island Def Jam by the label’s newly appointed President of Urban Music, Jermaine Dupri, Jagged Edge are back. The R&B quartet have enlisted the help of Ashanti on the JD-produced ‘Put A Little’; the song will apparently feature on their upcoming new album. I’m liking the track alot; it’s reminiscent of their trademark slow jams. Ashanti really comes through on this one and her verse is the highlight of the song.

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I guess it’s just the affiliation with him. Being a female and being on his label and having a close business relationship. I guess that sparks the rumors. I’m guessing. Because there’s no other way. At first it was funny, like Ah this is so funny! Why would they think this? Really? Ew. Then it was like they’re still talking about this? This is getting a little frustrating now. Can they cut this out? Because it got really intense where people just weren’t letting up. Then it turned into a “beef” between me and Beyonce. I was like where are these people going with this? This is crazy.

This new clip is from one the songs on Mario’s upcoming third album ‘Go!’ – due July 31st. As with most of the material I’ve heard from the set, I’m really liking the Underdogs produced ‘Why’. Mario seems to have stepped up majorly from his previous efforts and ‘Go!’ is shaping up to be one great album. The only thing I don’t understand is why his label, J Records, opted to go with ‘How Do I Breathe’ as the lead single when there are much better tracks on the CD. Anyway, check out the song…

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The next single from Mya’s forever-delayed album ‘Liberation’ has surfaced. The JR Rotem produced ‘Walka Not A Talka is a whimsical uptempo track that would should do well in the clubs. I’m liking it, it’s a grower and takes a few listens to grasp. Snoop’s verse meshes well with the track too. I’m thinking this should have been the first single instead of ‘Lock U Down’ – which isn’t doing anything on the charts.

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