Singer/songwriter Jeannie Ortega posted 2 new songs from her forthcoming sophomore album on her official MySpace profile and they are:

• Over Your Head: produced by Kuya / co-written by Jeannie Ortega and Chrisette Michele (yes, the new Def Jam artist).
• Dreamz: produced by Hak of Pitch Black / written by Jeannie Ortega.

The as-yet untitled set is expected to be released later this year via Hollywood Records. Are you looking forward to it? And what do you think of the joints mentioned above?

[Visit] Jeannie Ortega @ MySpace

[Read] My Interview with Jeannie Ortega

Make-up artist turned sexy R&B siren Tori Alamaze just released a new mixtape, and the set includes hits like "Quite Simply" featuring Cee-Lo, "Take Control" (yeah it was originally hers before it went to Amerie), as well as several other hot unreleased joints. The "Freaky Boys" singer is also putting the final touches on her forthcoming debut album slated for release later this year, and I just can't wait for it!

[Purchase] Tori Alamaze - The Mixtape

[Read] My Interview with Tori Alamaze

R&B artist Paula Campbell has won Glamour Magazine’s competition against Samantha Jade (Jive Records) and Tiffany Evans (Sony Music), thus the video for her lead single will be directed by none other than Crunk princess Ciara (since when she knows how to direct videos as well?!!). Campbell’s debut album, “I Am Paula Campbell”, is due later this year via Sony Music and will feature collaborations with Schaffer “Ne-Yo” Smith (Jennifer Hudson, Celine Dion), Carvin & Ivan (Faith Evans, Chante Moore) and songwriting team The Clutch (Bobby Valentino, Omarion).

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R&B queen Mary J. Blige revealed in a candid interview with Hamptons Magazine that she’s currently recording the follow up to her multi-platinum selling album, “The Breakthrough”, and here’s what she had to say about the recording process:

"It's like the difference between a rotisserie meal and a microwave dinner," she explained. "It takes hours to get right, but it's going to be really good and you won't forget it. I'm a nice rotisserie — caramel-colored and well-seasoned."

Among the producers/songwriters expected on the forthcoming set are Bryan Michael Cox (Nicole Scherzinger, Brandy), Johnta Austin (Whitney Houston, Enrique Iglesias), Sean Garrett (LeToya Luckett, Amerie), Soulshock & Karlin (Fantasia Barrino, Kelly Rowland) and Kasseem “Swizz Beatz” Dean (Mariah Carey, Jennifer Hudson).

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It has been confirmed that Keyshia Cole's sophomore album is entitled "Just Like You", and the release date has been set on 18^th September via A&M Records. The lead single, "Let It Go" featuring Missy Elliot and Lil Kim, will be directed by Benny Boom, who also filmed Mya's comeback single "Lock You Down". Among the producers expected on "Just Like You" are Kanye West (Janet Jackson, Mariah Carey), John Legend (Chrisette Michele, Karina Pasian), Mario Winans (Faith Evans, Tamia) and my favorites Soulshock & Karlin (Toni Braxton, Whitney Houston).

Former American Idol contestant Katharine McPhee is currently filming her 2^nd single “Love Story” with director Marcus Raboy, whose other credits include Rihanna’s “If It’s Lovin’ That You Want”, Lola’s “No Strings” and Danity Kane’s “Ride For You”. The track was co-written by Kara Dioguardi (Nicole Scherzinger, Kylie Minogue) and Corte Ellis (Cheri Dennis, Syleena Johnson), whereas the production was handled by Nate “Danja” Hills (Britney Spears, Mariah Carey). Do you think this track will be as successful as its precedor “Over It”?

A new track- title has been revealed from Britney Spears’ forthcoming album called "Get Back” produced by Nate “Danja” Hills (Mariah Carey, Nelly Furtado), and co-written by Corte Ellis of Soul diggaz (Brooke Valentine’s “Cover Girl”, Cheri Dennis’ “Portrait”). The joint is also expected to be the 1^st single, but nothing is confirmed yet! On the other hand,  additional producers/songwriters that have contributed to the same project include The Neptunes (Nicole Scherzinger, Madonna), Scott Storch (Kelly Rowland, Janet Jackson), Sean Garrett (Gwen Stefani, Amerie), Kasseem “Swizz Beatz” Dean (Whitney Houston, Jennifer Hudson), Bloodshy & Avant (Christina Milian, Kylie Minogue), Schaffer “Ne-Yo” Smith (Celine Dion, Beyonce), Stargate (Claudette Ortiz, Paula DeAnda), Jonathan “J.R.” Rotem (Jennifer Lopez, Rihanna), The Clutch (Toni Braxton, Chris Brown) and Kara Dioguardi (Christina Aguilera, Jessica Simpson).

Sensational newcomer Kat Deluna posted a new message on her official MySpace profile stating that her forthcoming debut album, "9 Lives", is due 7^th August via Sony Music. The new set is preceded by lead single, "Whine Up" featuring Elephant Man, for which the video has been recently shot. The summery track was helmed by production team Red One, whose clientele list also includes Jeannie Ortega, Ginuwine, and former American Idol contestant Jasmine Trias.

You started performing at a very young age, what made you choose music as a professional career?

To be honest, I can’t say I ever really chose music as profession. It was always something that I loved to do, and when I started performing I realized ”Wow I can do what I love AND get paid!!” It was great!

How was it like being from a bi-racial family and growing up in New York at the same time?

It was an education. Being of a mixed background, I felt like my culture WAS the city. The challenge was identifying myself with a specific group of people, which became hard because I felt like I was a bit of everything, of everyone. The main constant in my household was music, so that became my identity.

Why did you name your album "East Side Story"? And when is it coming out?

I named my album "East Side Story" because I felt it set a tone for the different aspects of my album.  I also thought it was just a cool play on words from West Side Story, a very dope film. The album will be out this summer.

What was your reaction when you learned that you were signed to J Records? And how’s your relationship with Clive Davis so far?

Having the support of a major label was something that I always dreamed about as a kid, so actually having it happen was definitely a full circle moment for me. Especially being in the company of such a legendary figure as Clive Davis. It was very very cool.

I recently read an article which stated that you turned down songs offered to you by songwriters Sean Garrett and Ne-Yo. Don’t you think that by having them on the album, you’ll appeal to a larger niche of the audience? And do you think they were offended by your refusal?

The experience of collaborating with such great talent such as Ne-Yo, Sean Garrett, Angie Stone, Marsha Ambrosius, Raphael Saadiq, etc. is something that I’ll always remember and keep with me and the music that we produced was beautiful! But it was really important for me to express myself musically, lyrically 100 %.  I had a melody inside of me and I had to let it out!

Which songwriters/producers you haven’t worked with yet, but would love to reach out for soon?

Still thinking about it…

Marsha Ambrosius of Floetry is one of the collaborators on your album. Tell us about that experience?

I had a wonderful time working with Marsha. She has such a unique vocal and writing style. The songs that we collaborate on are still in my top playlist, and hopefully you’ll be hearing them soon on other projects.

Do you think people will start comparing you to your label-mate Alicia Keys since she’s also 1/2 Italian 1/2 African-American, and writes her own material as well?

I have been compared to a lot of different artists including Alicia. She’s a great talent so I take it as a compliment, but we are two different people with different sounds.

J Records is also launching several artists in 2007, are you scared of not having your fair share of promotion?

Growing up I’ve always believed that if you make good music, it will always find a home. So I try not to worry about things like that and instead just focus on making music that’s hot!! 

Is it crucial for an upcoming artist to learn how to play a musical instrument? And do you think knowing how to play the guitar played a key-role in your musical career?

Playing the guitar was ground breaking for me. Before I played guitar I didn’t write music and mostly sang other peoples songs. When I started playing guitar, that’s when I began to hear my own voice and create my sound. I think it is a great thing to know an instrument whether you’re an artist or not.

Tell me something that most readers of Monica Mania music blog will be surprised to learn about you?

I wrote a song on Nas’ "Street Disciple" album called "Reason." That was and still is a major thing for me, but I don’t think a lot of people know it was me. Shout out to Nas!

What turns you on/off in a man? 

Hmm... I'm still discovering those turn ons and offs.

Have you thought about visiting any Middle Eastern country? If so, which one?

To be honest I haven’t thought about it that much, but I am open to it! Which one would you recommend for someone like me? I love to visit different parts of the world!

What message you’d like to give to your fans all over the world?

Stay strong, keep your head up and remember that tomorrow’s a new day.

[Visit] Emily King @ MySpace

Despite rumors that producer Mark Hill won’t be helming tracks on Craig David’s next album, I really think that he will cuz the British R&B crooner recently updated his MySpace profile, and you can see Hill on top of his friends’ list. Another artist who’ll be working with the “Fill Me In” singer is Katie Holmes (not to be confused with Tom Cruise’s wife), and for those who came in late, she appeared on The Stix album “Better Luck Next Time”, as well as doing background vocals for Gnarls Barkley and Lemar. I’m really excited about this project, and hopefully it will be a big slap in the face for those who said David’s career is over!

[Visit] Craig David @ MySpace