Entertainment: Updates on Black Music Makers

Black Music Notes Oct. 30

10/20/09: Jaheim
Thuggish ruggish R&B singer Jaheim is gearing up to release a new album -- his fifth -- next year, and he already has a new song out that hit radio outlets this week. Titled 'Ain't Leavin Without You,' the mid-tempo track was produced by his longtime producer Kaygee (of Naughty by Nature) and samples of The Whatnauts' 'Help Is On The Way.' According to a rep for the 31-year-old New Brunswick, New Jersey-bred crooner, the as-yet-to-be-titled album will be released in February 2010. Listen to the song here.


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10/28/09: 'Precious' Soundtrack
With the big screen premiere of the Oprah Winfrey/Tyler Perry-produced much-buzzed about film, 'Precious,' hitting theaters on Nov. 6, the motion picture soundtrack will be available days before. The 12-track album, which includes Queen of Hip Hop Soul Mary J. Blige as an executive producer, features her new single 'I Can See In Color.' Other notable tracks include Mahalia Jackson's classic 'Just A Closer Walk With Thee,' Queen Latifah's house music classic 'Come Into My House,' Grace Hightower's 'Somethin's Comin' My Way,' in addition to Labelle's 'System' and 'It Took A Long Time.'


Lionsgate

10/27/09: Janet Jackson
Over the past few months, Janet Jackson has been spotted out and about at various public events appearing joyful. To bring a little more delight to her fans the pop icon is currently back in the lab working with producer Rodney Jerkins for her upcoming as-yet-untitled 11th studio album. According to the hitmaker, Jackson is talking about a lot of topics on the album. "There's things that she told me that I didn't even realize," he revealed to 'MTV News.' "You know, certain [things] like self-esteem that I didn't even realize that she dealt with for years that, you know..." Jerkins went on to confirm that Jackson recently recorded a song with rapper Pitbull. A release date has not been announced for the album.


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10/26/09: Mario
Despite Mario's hit single 'Break Up' landing on Billboard's Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart at #2 for 11 consecutive weeks, the crooner's fourth album, 'D.N.A.' failed to meet its expectations by selling 32,000 copies its first week, according to Nielsen SoundScan. However, Mario is determined to make the best from his misfortune. "I can't say why I don't get my just due, but it only makes me hungrier," he told Billboard. "I want to continue challenging myself and making incredible music that will connect with fans around the world. I plan to keep creating a distinctive lane for myself. 'D.N.A.,' with the help of 'Break Up,' does just that."


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10/27/09: Akon/Michael Jackson
When it came to setting the bar for artist Michael Jackson will always be remembered as a perfectionist. That's a very unique character trait in which Akon can recall as one of the most memorable. "He was never satisfied," Akon recently explained. "Like, we might have passed up ideas that I know for a fact were smashes. He'd be like, 'Nah, nah - we got to come up with something better.' We can never do better 'cause his expectation was so high. It was almost to a point where we would have to get a record and I would believe in it and just put it out, 'cause it would never come out 'cause he always believed we could do better."


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10/23/09: Corinne Bailey Rae
With the suicide of her husband, Jason Rae, last year, much hasn't been heard from Grammy Award winner Corinne Bailey Rae. But the British pop soul singer/songwriter is readying a return to the music scene with her new album, The Sea, at the top of next year. According to a rep, the set was recorded mainly in Leeds and Manchester, England. Rae will play a select number of shows in the U.S. and her native U.K. in December, with details forthcoming. Fans can hear a preview of 'The Sea' at Bailey Rae's official website.



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10/22/09: Wyclef Jean
Before he was shouting "One Time" on the Fugees' classic hit 'Killing Me Softly' and telling Shakira that her 'Hips Don't Lie,' Wyclef Jean started his prominent career in rural Haiti. The Grammy Award-winning producer will talk about his humble beginnings in addition to his musical and philanthropic success in his forthcoming memoir. Jean will collaborate with Rolling Stone magazine writer and author Anthony Bozza for the as-yet-untitled tome. Financial terms weren't disclosed and a release date hasn't been set.


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10/22/09: Eric Benet/Ledisi/Mint Condition
When it comes to uniting three talented Neo-Soul acts for one tour, there's only one word used to describe their setting: Sexy! Hence, the paring of Eric Benet, Mint Condition, and Ledisi for their upcoming 'Sexy Sou Tour.' The 19-city tour, set to begin on Oct. 29 in Houston, will find all three critically acclaimed music makers bringing their romantic hits to stage. The 'Sexy Soul Tour' ends Dec. 6 in Dallas.


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10/20/09: Timbaland
Hit maker Timbaland is assembling his very own major project, 'Shock Value II,' set for a Nov. 24 release. Billboard reports the super producer recently debuted his new single featuring French-American singer SoShy titled, 'Morning After Dark.' If that's not enough, the album is expected to feature appearances by Justin Timberlake, Gucci Mane, Drake, Katy Perry, Miley Cyrus, T-Pain, Chris Brown, Keri Hilson, and Brandy among others.


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10/20/09: TLC
Since Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes' 2002 death, TLC members T-Boz and Chilli were reluctant to recording any new material under the group name. However, recently the duo revealed to 'MTV News' that they were contemplating releasing a new album in the near future. "Well, first I have to say, when people say, 'coming back together,' we've always been together. We're always TLC," said Chilli. "We're not the former members of TLC. This is TLC right here, no new people in the group. It's just T-Boz and Chilli." The pair went on to clarify that they're still in the planning stages and haven't started recording as of yet.


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