Faith Evans has released the tracklisting for her new album, ‘Something About Faith’. The record, which hits stores on October 5th, features guest appearances by Keyshia Cole, Kelly Price and Mary Mary among others. Peep the full lineup below:

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After the tumultuous week that Fantasia has endured, the American Idol appears to be bouncing back in time to promote her third studio album ‘Back to Me’.

The LP, which hits stores next week (August 24th), is set to be supported by a series of high-profile promotional appearances, J Records informed us via press release.

Check out where you’ll be seeing the 25 year old below…

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Peep Chilli posing it up in the September issue of ‘Today’s Black Woman’. The TLC star, who is currently gearing up for season two of her hit VH1 reality show ‘What Chilli Wants’, looks stunning in this Robert Ector shot shoot.

Season two of ‘What Chilli Wants’ premières in November.

Your thoughts?

R&B singer Lloyd is back. After inking a deal with Zone4/Interscope, the former INC star is currently readying his fourth studio album ‘King of Hearts’ for release next February. In the meanwhile, he serves up the LP’s lead single ‘Lay It Down’ – which surfaced a few moments ago.

Take a listen to the Polow Da Don produced cut below. It’s a must lol…

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It has no doubt been a whirlwind week in the world of Fantasia; so much so that the fact she is set to release her ‘Back to Me’ LP in less than two weeks has easily been overshadowed. Hence, the surfacing of new song ‘The Thrill Is Gone’ today is particularly apt.

Take a listen the Old Skool-inspired, Cee-Lo assisted cut after the jump…

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Fresh out the hospital following an apparent overdose of aspirin and sleep aids, Fantasia was spotted with former boyfriend Antwaun Cook. The duo were reportedly filming scenes for the 2nd season of the R&B singer’s reality show. The swirling allegations surrounding their relationship and mounting media attention contributed to Fantasia’s emotional stress. {Source}

What do you think of the pic?

The recording process for Britney Spears‘ new album appears to be gathering steam. The Pop superstar was spotted heading into a Los Angeles recording studio yesterday (August 11) for, what is said to have been, an intense recording session. Mother of two, Spears was accompanied by father Jamie, her A&R Teresa Whites (who flew in for the session), as well manager Adam Leber. {Source}

Sigh. Until I see a speck of that spark Ms. Spears used to possess, I can’t see any reason to be excited. It’s been almost three years since her media-orchestrated comeback, and yet there’s no sign of her being able to perform to an acceptable standard (and no, walking up and down the stage in a mechanical-daze doesn’t count). For us to be in such a critical age (see: singers needing to sing live and perform well for any kind of credibility), it’s particularly baffling to see Britney getting the kind of ‘pass’ she does. If the Mariah’s, Christina’s and co (who comparatively can perform to a much higher standard), are being urged to “do better”, I see no reason why – despite lacking in every which way – Ms. Spears seems to have folk spellbound. Here’s hoping she can redeem herself (for real) this go round.

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Your thoughts?

This week’s Best You Never Heard feature returns this week with little known gems by Danity Kane, Destiny’s Child, Johnta Austin, and Mary J. Blige.

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Danity Kane – Lights Out

Lifted from Danity Kane’s 2008 sophomore smash ‘Welcome to the Dollhouse’, ‘Lights Out’ served as one of the LP’s many highlights. Penned by band-member Dawn, and produced by newcomers Flex&Hated, the song served up a delicious slice of Urban-Pop – which no doubt have made a dent on the charts had it been released as a single. From its production, to its vocal arrangements to its lyrical dexterity, this is a home-run of a track if I ever heard one.

Unfortunately, the group – who were the nearest the industry had come to producing a Destiny’s Child successor, disbanded at the top of 2009 (see: Diddy, petty squabbles, and Bad Boy). Yet, with gems such as this, Aubrey, Dawn, Aundrea, Shannon, and D. Woods clearly made their mark. (SAM)

Listen:

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Destiny’s Child – If

The release Destiny’s Child’s final album, ‘Destiny Fulfilled’, was a bittersweet experience for both fans and critics alike. However, the trio ensured that the record was packed with some of the best songs that they ever recorded. One such track was track #8 – ‘If’.

Vocally fluid and lyrically astute, the group harmonised with perfect synchronisation; engaging in carefully timed exchanges without missing a beat. Yet, what was most interesting about ‘If’ was the fact that it is one of the few songs in the entire Destiny’s Child catalogue that did not revolve around Beyonce. Not only did all of the girls get equal airtime but we finally got hear what they are capable of as a group instead of just Beyonce and her background singers. (TRENT)

Listen:

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Johnta Austin – Turn It Up

Listen:

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Mary J. Blige – Kitchen

There is a reason that Mary J. Blige is called the Queen of Hip-Hop/Soul – this woman always manages to evoke a wide range of emotions amongst her listeners. ‘Kitchen’ stands as a shining example of exactly how Blige manages to apply her incredible voice to lyrics reflecting real life experiences without sounding contrived or unnatural.

Utilising clever metaphors and a classic R&B melody, the diva and her co-writer, The-Dream, combine the essence of 1970’s Soul with modern production to create a song that proved to be a standout track on her ‘Stronger with Each Tear’ LP. If there is someone in life who is trying to take what’s yours and you want to send them a message then this is the song for you. Mashonda. (TRENT)

Listen:

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Sexually-charged singer Trey Songz sat down with MTV recently to discuss the video for his new single ‘Bottoms Up (ft. Nicki Minaj)’. While everything from the song’s title, to it’s lyrical content boast the same raciness Songz has become renown for, the 25 year old claims the Anthony Mandler directed clip is heading in another direction.

Check out what the sometimes-clothed star had to say below…

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Check out episode 7 of Trey Songz‘s new BET’s reality series ‘Trey Songz: My Moment’, which aired last night…

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Following the shocking news of Fantasia‘s reported suicide attempt earlier today, the singer’s manager has released a formal statement addressing the events, as well as her much-talked about relationship with Antwaun Cook.

The full statement below…

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Prior to Michael Jackson‘s untimely passing last year, the King of Pop had clocked up studio time with the likes of RedOne, will.i.am, and Ne-Yo. For the latter, though, what to do with the material he wrote for Jackson has been weighing on his mind.

In a recent interview, however, he revealed that he wants Janet Jackson and the Jackson 5 to record some of the songs he penned for their late brother.

His comments after the jump…

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