Janet has new album in the works
R&B and pop diva/songstress Janet is back and is busy in the studio working on her new yet to be titled album. The album will feature producers and long time collaborators Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis as well as the Track Boyz Kwame and producer of the moment Kanye West.
The album is also being executive produced by
her current beau Jermaine Dupri who was recently made President of Virgin Music's Urban division. Kwame, who has produced hits for some of the biggest stars in pop and R&B including Will Smith, Tweet and Mary J. Blige has recorded six songs with Jackson . The producer says: "I'm trying to just give her something that's just knocking. I don't want to see Janet Jackson into Janet turns hip-hop or Janet is this. Janet is Janet. That's a icon." Kwame added: "My job is to put my best foot forward track-wise. Every record I do I try to make it sound different, but they're a lot of records on the vibe of the Tweet record ('Turn Off Da Lights'), that tempo, that drive."
No date has been set for the forthcoming release but ears and eyes will be pealed I'm sure for this one. Keep it tuned for the latest here at the soulscene.
source: spotlightonR&B.com
__________________________________________________________________Lynden David Hall returns with 'Pimps, Players and Hustlers'
There is a buzz going around that there is a new set on the horizon by my fellow countryman Lynden David Hall. Lynden shot to fame in the late 90s when he scored big with the groovy tracks 'Do I Qualify?' and 'Sexy Cinderella' taken from his debut album 'Medicine for my Pain' and soon followed that up with the mega smash 'Forgive Me' and 'Dancing with Victor' from his sophomore set 'Other Side'.
But then a strange thing happened to him in 2002, Lynden (then signed to EMI) after all the success of both albums was dropped from the label's roaster for lack of a better term 'sagging record sales' (can you believe it?) the same fate would happen to fellow countryman Lewis Taylor who would eventually be dropped from Island. Not one to be phased by this outcome, Lynden did bounce back by doing a record for the film soundtrack of 'Love Actually'.
Now some 3 years later, Lynden returns with a new record called 'Players, Pimps and Hustlers' and has picked up right where he left off. Taken from the new set 'In between Jobs' (on new label Random Soul), 'Players, Pimps and Hustlers' has all the traits you'd expect from Lynden with the soothing vocals and exquisite production. I'm sure more of the same is expected on the full length (which is in stores now) so for all Lynden fans out there....just to let you know he's back and in a big way.
- Source: vibinmusic.co.uk
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Sanctuary Urban Records Group president Mathew Knowles (father of Destinys Child front woman Beyonce) has announced that the label will have a powerhouse lineup of releases for the upcoming months that will surely put the label on the R&B map so to speak.
With the likes of Keith Sweat and the late Rick James on tap (both dropping all new material) as well as a major film soundtrack, it seems that Sanctuary Urban Records Group is poised to be thriving under the leadership of Mr. Knowles.
The label is steadily accomplishing the goals of Sanctuary Group CEO Merck Mercuriadis in developing an urban brand that matches the worldwide influence and success of the company’s long tenure in rock and pop music. Says Mercuriadis “As Sanctuary forges ahead into the urban arena, there is no other executive that I would want as a partner. Mathew Knowles was handpicked to develop an urban brand and has quickly established a world class roster of recording artists, artist managers and management clients that I don’t believe any other executive could have done, especially in such a short amount of time, we have enormous respect for Mathew, the team he has put in place and the talent that he has brought to this company. We are excited about Sanctuary Urban’s very impressive release schedule.”
The summer line up for Sanctuary Urban’s 2005 releases include albums from Brandy's baby brother Ray J (Raydiation, 6/28); Keith Sweat (Grown &
Sexy; 7/26) and the soundtrack for the Fox Films movie Roll Bounce (8/23).
The company will also release new music from singer Sunshine Anderson.
The Rick James album will be released in conjunction with the late singer’s
estate, and features a duet with his daughter Ty James. This album is planned
for an August 2 release.
- Source: spotlightonR&B
Busy Missy E to release 'The Cook Book' for the summer__________________________________________________________________
Have no fear, Missy's here. Termology befitting of the Virginia native who fresh off the heals of the success of her reality show 'The Road to Stardom' is back in the recording studio working hard on her new album 'The Cook Book'.
Since the beginning Missy has always had the beats layed down by her long time friend and collaborator Timbaland but this time around the beats won't be in the trusted hands of her partner in crime but instead the much slimmer rapper has opted for the likes of back in form producer from the 80s Kwame (thanks to Missy's proteje Tweet's new joint 'Turn Off Da Lights') and The Neptunes.
The feel on this record is leaning towards the 80s flavour but then again didn't the last record have that feel to it we shall see in the upcoming weeks. The set has a release date set for the first week in June with the lead off single being 'Lose Control' featuring Slick Rick. Be on the lookout
- Source: VH1.com