Former TLC star Chilli – whose real name is Rozonda Thomas – has christened “Dumb Dumb Dumb” as her new single, so keep an eye for it! The track is the 4^th to be unveiled from her long-delayed solo project in addition to “Straight Jack”, “Gliding” and my personal favorite “Bulletproof”.

The Battery 5 produced joint was co-written by Cristyle “The Ink” Johnson, who’s also responsible for Mariah Carey’s 18^th number 1 single in the United States, “Touch My Body”.

Chilli’s as-yet untitled debut album is expected to boast additional collaborations with Allaune “Akon” Thiam (Gwen Stefani, Leona Lewis), Will “Will-I-Am” Adams (Nicole Scherzinger, Mary J. Blige), Kandi Burruss (Alicia Keys, LeToya Luckett), Missy “Misdemeanor” Elliot (Fantasia Barrino, Keyshia Cole), Polow Da Don (Mya Harrison, Keri Hilson), and Timothy “Timbaland” Mosley (Madonna, Nelly Furtado).

According to the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP), Blackground recording group JAK teamed up with R&B production duo Harvey Mason Jr. & Damon Thomas of The Underdogs on tracks like “Girls Gone Wild”, “Half Way There”, “How Do I Break it to my Heart”, “Just Me & You” and “Thanks”.

The up and coming trio - which consists of members Jeniece Cano, Alyssa Layton & Kelly Madigan - have also worked on their as-yet untitled debut album with musicians Stephen “Static” Garrett (Aaliyah, Brandy), Billy Steinberg (Leona Lewis, Ruth-Anne Cunningham), and Diane Warren (Christina Aguilera, Britney Spears).

Even though there's no confirmation on whether it will be part of the final track list of Esmee Denters' Tennman/Interscope debut effort, the Kelly Rowland penned "You'll Be the One" is up for possible inclusion as it's been recently recorded by the Dutch singer. The track was crafted by Billy Mann, who previously collaborated with Rowland on the songs "Still in Love with my Ex" and "This is Love", off her latest sophomore album "Ms. Kelly".

Denters' as-yet untitled project is scheduled to spawn additional collaborations with Soulshock & Karlin: Carsten Schack and Kenneth Karlin (Tynisha Keli, Samantha Jade), Alonzo "Novel" Stevenson (Alicia Keys, Leona Lewis), Cristyle "The Ink" Johnson (Jennifer Lopez, Mariah Carey), and Ryan "Alias" Tedder (Jennifer Hudson, Whitney Houston), who produced the joint "Victim".

Up and coming performer Lucy Walsh posted a new song on her official MySpace profile entitled "Awful Sorry", so feel free to check it out!

The "Lullaby" singer also checked in with fans on Friday (March 4^th) via the following message: - "SO ... What a crazy/nerve-wracking/satisfying time I had performing on last night's season premiere of ROCK THE CRADLE! Not only is there the commotion of the crew running around, but the pressure of everything going right with performing in front of millions. And not to mention the judges scores! But I TOOK HOME THE HIGHEST JUDGES SCORE and immunity from next week's elimination!!! I am enjoying it while I have the top spot, because I know there will be many twists to the show. Keep watching and VOTING FOR ME, I need your help to win the whole shabang!"

[Visit] Lucy Walsh @ MySpace

Many congrats to the newly married couple!!! Hopefully I’ll find my Jigga one day, haa haa :P

When did you realize that singing and songwriting was the career you've wanted to pursue professionally for the rest of your life?

First lemme start by saying thanx for this opportunity to talk about my music. I started singing professionally at the age of 10 with the New York Boys Choir. We sang with and back up for many celebrities throughout the world like Japan for the Olympics. I remember this one performance in North Carolina when I was 13yrs old where the choir was on tour and I sang for a church service. It had to be a few hundred people and I recall everyone screaming and crying. The reaction was so incredible I must have had sang for an hour straight (lol). That was when god told me I was called to sing. My writing really was something I always did before I even go into professional songwriting. When I started gaining contacts in the music industry, I wanted a chance so bad that I lied and said I knew how to write songs and really shocked myself when producers we're impressed with my ideas. I learned more and more about how to become a better songwriter thru out the years. I loved the process and I just can't see my future without writing songs.

You were initially signed to Mario Winans' Yellowman/Big 3 Records, and your debut album – "Nobody's Fool" – was on the verge of being released, however, things didn't go as planned. Can you enlighten us about why you parted ways with the label? And are there any plans of releasing the album independently?

Well, the Yellow City/Big 3 experience was amazing! Mario and I had one idea of what we wanted my album and artistry to be as he's seen my vision eye to eye, but when we signed to Big 3, there we're different ideas which caused us to part ways. Later on, Mario and I just kinda grew away from my project, but we're still very cool. He will always have an influence on my music, and I learned a lot from him.

However, I never let my project go as I had a record in Germany called "Nightlife" that scored on the black charts' top 30 for 10 weeks without a deal. I've also kept touring Germany for the past 2 yrs and it's been amazing. I also just performed in the United Arab Emirates, Dubai. I'm hoping to release my music in the States one day soon!

How does it feel to be one of the few Latino singers/songwriters who have a secured a niche for themselves in the Urban music scene?

It's a true blessing to be one of the very few Latino songwriters in this urban music industry to have had success and a publishing deal with EMI. I'm just happy to be doing what I love the most.

What are the things that usually inspire you while crafting songs?

Well I am inspired by life experiences that I or other people I know are going through. Sometimes my writing is the voice of others. It's difficult when I do such a personal song, and then decide if I should keep this one or give it away.

Do you see yourself more as a singer or songwriter?

I will say they go hand and hand. I'm a singer and an artist with a story, a voice for my culture, and that's what allows me to write music.

What are your thoughts on songwriting teams? And if you could form one of your own, who would be your teammates?

I recently formed a team with EMI songwriter Eritza Laues, who previously penned hits for Michael Jackson, Whitney Huston, Jahiem, etc ... She's been a great help in my career since the age of 13- 14. She is from Panama, so we're both of Latin descent in the game. We formed a team called (E2) - Esquared. She co-wrote with me on the Paula Abdul's "Dance like there's No tomorrow", as well as the new Omarion album, and other upcoming artist projects.

You've worked with a variety of musicians including Soulshock & Karlin, Cutfather & Jonas Jeberg, Deekay, etc … Whom did you enjoy working with the most? And which other producers you'd love to hook up with if given the opportunity?

It's so hard to decide, but what they have in common is that they're from overseas, and I love their work ethic and passion which they all put behind the music. They are the real deal from production to the mixes, and seeing how they care so much about the music keeps me wanting to do this forever.

I would love to work with Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, Bryan Michael Cox, Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins again. All in all, anyone who shares my passion.

I'll ask about some of the artists you've collaborated with, and all you have to do is describe that experience:

Jojo:

She was great and so talented! She also knows what she wants career-wise, and I'm sure she'll be here for many years to come.

Kylie Minogue:

Wow! She was such an honor to work with. Very humble and made me feel extremely appreciated. I heard an interview where she talked about the undeniable connection she shared with my writing and how much she enjoyed working with me … A speechless moment!

Paula Abdul:

I wasn't there when she cut the vocals, but she spoke about the demo that she heard which I sang, and said she knew in the first 5 seconds that this song was the one to bring her career back … That obviously meant a lot to me cuz she's a veteran and sold more than 60 million records. I LOVE my job (lol).

If you weren't a musician, which career you'd choose as an alternative? And why?

Hmmmmm … Probably a Lawyer cuz when I believe in something, I fight till the end for it!

Describe yourself in 5 words?

Passionate, Outgoing, Loyal, Friendly, and Comical.

Tell us something that most readers will be surprised to learn about you?

I think I'm 6ft tall in my head (lol).

List 3 things that you are totally obsessed with?

I'm obsessed with my music, sneakers, hats, and chipotle food.

Care to share with us info about your forthcoming projects?

Omarion's new album, Casley, Indian born/UK based artist Jay Sean, British songstress Natalia, some stuff in Japan, and the Lil' Eddie Album.

Where do you see yourself 10 years from now?

CEO of a record label, Grammy award winning songwriter, making movies, and changing the world for the better.

Any message you'd like to give to all aspiring songwriters out there?

As Long as you put god first whilst following your dreams, they will all come true. Timing is everything, so never give up!

[Visit] Edwin "Lil' Eddie" Serrano @ MySpace

Excellent:

·         A Dozen Roses (You Remind Me): co-written by Corte Ellis / produced by Missy "Misdemeanor" Elliot.

Very Good:

·         My Everything: co-written by Durrell "Tank" Babbs / produced by The Underdogs.

Good:

·         Gotta Move On: co-written by Craig Brockman / produced by Missy "Misdemeanor" Elliot.

·         Raw: co-written by Harold Lilly / produced by Kasseem "Swizz Beatz" Dean.

Average:

·         Doin' Me Right: co-written by Corte Ellis / produced by Missy "Misdemeanor" Elliot.

·         Getaway: written by P.J. Morton / produced by Jermaine Dupri.

·         Hell No (Leave Home): co-written by Sean "The Pen" Garrett / produced by Bryan Michael Cox.

·         Why Her: co-written by Harold Lilly, Manuel Seal / produced by Jermaine Dupri.

Weak:

·         Everytime Tha Beat Drop: co-written by Johnta Austin / produced by Jermaine Dupri.

·         Sideline Ho: co-written by Durrell "Tank" Babbs / produced by The Underdogs.

My Thoughts:

Despite being a Monica follower ever since she came out with the Dallas Austin produced "Don't take it Personal", I found "The Makings of Me" lacking in several areas.

The opener "Everytime Tha Beat Drop" is the lot's weakest joint as it uses the exact same beat of Nelly's hit single "Grillz", and the same goes for "Why Her", which took Mariah Carey's "We Belong Together" for granted.

The Underdogs helmed "Sideline Ho" is plain stupid, and the smartest thing Ms. Thang has done was not release a video for it (as initially planned) cuz she would've had thousands of hoes boycotting her music (including the one writing this blog, haa haa).

Another problem with the album is evident on tracks like "Raw", "Gotta Move On" and "Hell No (Leave Home)" where the beats are amazing, but overdone ad-libs butchered them completely.

However, the Curtis Mayfield sampling "A Dozen Roses (You Remind Me)" is an absolutely wonderful old-skool jam reminiscent of "So Gone". I must also add that it's one of the best tracks Missy Elliot has produced in a long time …

Another highlight is the emotional "My Everything", which has all the makings of hit single given its overwhelming lyrics and heartfelt delivery.

Rating: (2.5/5) – Average

Up and coming artist Hilary McRae is gearing up for the 15^th April release of her debut album, "Through These Walls", which is being distributed by Hear Music/Stone Road Records. The 21 year old singer/songwriter/pianist co-wrote every track on the record, including the Motown flavored lead single "Every Day (When Will You Be Mine)". 

Singer/songwriter/producer Janelle Monae will release her long-awaited debut album, "Metropolis", in September via Wondaland Arts Society/Bad Boy Records. The set which was executively produced by Antwan "Big Boi" Patton of Hip/Hop duo Outkast features tracks like "Smile", "Letting Go" and "Violet Stars/Happy Hunting".

[Visit] Janelle Monae @ MySpace

"Love is Dead" is the forthcoming debut album by Estonian born artist Kerli, who is currently signed to Island/Def Jam Records. Feel free to visit her official MySpace profile and listen to songs such as "Walking on Air", "Beautiful Day", "Hurt Me", "Creepshow" and "Bulletproof".

[Visit] Kerli @ MySpace