Seems like Dawn Richard of Danity Kane is preparing herself for solo-stardom as she recently previewed 2 new songs on her official Myspace; “Ms. Detective” and “Flawless”. The latter track was produced by Jim Jonsin, who previously worked with the girl-group on joints like “Showstopper” and “Heartbreaker”, whereas his other credits include Mario Vazquez’s “Just A Friend” and Jamie Foxx’s “Unpredictable”. After listening to these songs, do you think Richard will have a successful career once Danity Kane are over?

[Visit] Dawn Richard @ MySpace

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It has been confirmed that Actress Robin Givens, whom I envy very much cuz she's bedding R&B crooner Tank, will be playing the lead role of radio jockey Wendy Williams in the forthcoming biopic "Queen Of The Media". The movie is set to feature appearances from celebs like Lil Kim, Vanessa Williams and Chico DeBarge. I'm really looking forward to this one cuz Williams always conducts insightful and interesting interviews, not forgetting to mention her raw and in your face kinda attitude. I don't know why, but something tells me that this movie will be even funnier than Howard Stern's biopic "Private Parts", which is also one of my favorites.

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Actress Vivica A. Fox is set to reprise her role as Chante Smith in the sequel to the movie "Two Can Play That Game", and its expected to be released sometime in 2008. There's still no word whether it will hit the theatres or go straight to DVD, but according to IMDB, the title of the new installment is "Three Can Play That Game".

One thing that surprised me while going through the list of actors/actresses who'll be appearing on the film, I haven't seen the names of sexy Morris Chestnut (who played Vivica's loveryboy in the original) or comedian Mo'Nique, but the likes of BET vixen Melyssa Ford instead!

Anyways, I thought about sharing this news tidbid wit' y'all cuz "Two Can Play That Game" is definitely one of my all time favorite movies, and I've seen it maybe more than 15 times. I really try to remember the rules Vivica sets in the movie in order to keep your boyfriend from messin' around, but always end up forgetting them cuz I'm one hot-blooded beyotch who has no time to remember such things whenever a fine lad passes me by, and like they say "A good man is so hard to find, but a hard man is so good to find", hee hee!

Ex-Sugababes member Mutya Buena released her debut solo album, "Real Girl", on June 4^th Via Universal Records. The set debuted @ # 10 on the UK albums chart, whereas the lead single which goes by the same name peaked @ # 02. Among the producers/songwriters on "Real Girl" are Eg White (Javine, Natalie Imbruglia), Pam Sheyne (Corinne Bailey Rae, Christina Aguilera), Niara Scarlett (Melanie Blatt, Girls Aloud), Karen Poole (Leona Lewis, Kylie Minogue), Craigie Dodds (Sugababes, Appleton), Jony Rockstar (Rhianna [not to be confused with Rihanna], Amy Winehouse),  Full Phatt (Janet Jackson, Ashanti), Guy Sigsworth (Britney Spears, Madonna), Salaam Remi (Chrisette Michele, Ms. Dynamite), Johnny Douglas (Amerie, Remi Nicole), Nina Woodford (Christina Milian, Sophie Ellis Bextor), Wayne Wilkins (Natasha Bedingfield, The Corrs), and Redeye (Kat DeLuna, Jeannie Ortega).

Mutya Buena – Real Girl [Track-List + Credits]

1. Just A Little Bit – produced by Eg White / co-written by Pam Sheyne.
2. Real Girl – produced by Full Phatt / co-written by Niara Scarlett.
3. Out Of Control [Song For Mutya] – produced by Groove Armada / co-written by Karen Poole & Mutya Buena.
4. Breakdown Motel – produced by Jony Rockstar / co-written by Craigie Dodds.
5. Strung Out – produced by Jony Rockstar / co-written by Mutya Buena.
6. It's Not Easy – produced by Sam Frank, Paul Simm, & Felix Howard.
7. Suffer For Love – produced by Guz Lally.
8. Not Your Baby – produced by Full Phatt / co-written by Mutya Buena.
9. Wonderful – produced by Guy Sigsworth.
10. B Boy Baby (featuring Amy Winehouse) – produced by Salaam Remi.
11. This Is Not Real Love (featuring George Michael) – produced by Johnny Douglas.
12. Paperbag – produced by Johnny Douglas / co-written by Nina Woodford.
13. My Song – produced by Wayne Wilkins & Redeye.

Tell us how you got into singing and songwriting?

I've been singing since I could talk and I've been writing songs since I could read. I started off in the church and I've just been working on my craft since I was small child.

When are you planning to release your debut album? And does it have a title yet?

My album is coming out in January of 2008 and its entitled "Wynter". I will be releasing a single this fall on Atlantic Records.

Whom have you worked with in terms of songwriters/producers?

I've worked with Mary J. Blige, Bryan Michael Cox, Ne-Yo, Demille, Shea Taylor, Adonis, Tricky Stewart, Terius "Dream" Nash, Cool & Dre, Kendrick "Wyldcard" Dean, Jazze Pha, Scyience, Kwame, The Soul Diggaz, Mike City, just to name a lot….lol!

Which musicians you'd love to hook up with in the future?

I would absolutely love to work with Keri Hilson, I think she's incredible. I love Linda Perry, Rick Rubin, Timbaland, and DanjaHandz as well. Honestly I've had some great experiences with the people I've already worked with. Tricky, Bryan, Ne-Yo, Shea ….. I mean everybody has been so warm and embracing and I'm just so blessed to have had the opportunity to work with everyone that I've collaborated with.

What are some of your favorite songs on the album?

My Favorite song is a song I wrote when I was 15. It's called "Daddy's Song" and I still cry when I sing it to this day.  

And have you decided which joint is going to be the lead single?

We're fighting over the first single right now. We probably won't know until August.

How did you react when you learnt that one of your songs was placed on Mary J. Blige's "The Breakthrough" album?

I jumped for hours (I really did!). I mean not only was she my favorite artist, but she is an icon. Just being in her presence is humbling because she's such a regular person and real but at the same time she is the blueprint for God's redemptive power. She teaches us younger artists and she sincerely encourages us and she wants to see us do well. I just love her!

And are there any other artists you'd love to write songs for if given the opportunity?

I'd love to write with and for Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, Mary J. Blige (again), Mariah Carey, Chris Brown, Mario, and Trey Songz.

In recent years, many songwriters have started branching out into singing as well, most notably Shaffer "Ne-Yo" Smith, Keri Hilson, Teedra Moses, Durrell "Tank" Babbs and Johnta Austin. Do you feel the pressure of competing with them?

Nah I don't feel any pressure to compete with them because I think the artist you just named are all very unique and distinct from each other as well as me. I think that when people hear my album they will notice that I won't sound like anyone else. The artists you mentioned have carved their own niche and that's what I plan to do.

And what do you think sets you apart from the artists mentioned above?

I think we set ourselves apart simply by being individuals. Me, Keri, and Teedra are completely separate and distinct from each other. I will be 20 in a few months so I am still discovering things about me that are unique everyday. One thing that people don't realize about me is that I am a professionally trained dancer and that will be a big part of my presentation as well.

What are the qualities that you look for in a man?

I need a man that is focused, goal orientated, very intelligent and handsome!

And are you dating anyone at the moment?

I am Single.

As you've stated earlier, you're also a professional dancer. Are you scared that people might perceive you more as a choreographer than a performer?

Not really and that's only because I also sing my ass off. Plus, I look at dancers that dance more than they sing as performers also. I think that if an artist dances more than they sing then it doesn't take anything away from them, they are just sticking to their strong point.

Have you thought about visiting any country in the Middle East? If so, which one would be your first choice?

United Arab Emirates! Dubai… Actually, I want to travel the world!

If you weren't a singer/songwriter, which career you would have chosen? And why?

Probably an anthropologist! Anthropology has always intrigued me. I'm not nosy though, so I'd probably study it in a macro sense.

Last but not the least, is there any message you'd like to give to your fans all over the world?

Yes. I'd like to say Thank You to anyone who has heard the name Wynter Gordon and given me a chance. It's not very easy to put yourself on display for the world to judge and so I am grateful and thankful to anyone who has ever heard me or my records and given them a chance. I am trying to add a different color to the musical rainbow that already exists and I encourage everyone everywhere to dare to be different. Thanks again and Thank You for being interested enough in me or my music to interview me! Stay Blessed!!

[Visit] Wynter Gordon @ MySpace

I remember Ashley Parker Angel from his days with boyband O-Town, and always thought that he along with the afro-haired guy were the cutest fellas in the group! I also had no idea "Soundtrack To Your Life" was recorded as part of a reality-based show documented via MTV, cuz I bought it solely on the basis that producers Soulshock & Karlin helmed most of the album.

The Max Martin & Dr. Luke produced "Let You Go" is catchy enough, whereas "I'm Better" (my favorite track on the album) is what you'll get when you combine Kelly Clarkson's "Since U Been Gone" and Pink's "U + Ur Hand".

"Crazy Beautiful", a mid-tempo ballad with an addictive chorus arranged by The Matrix (Christina Milian, Avril Lavigne), is one of the highlights as well. "Who Cares" reminds me of Sugababes' and All Saints' older material where the beats completely change at the end of the song (think "Never Ever" or "Run For Cover"), and I think that's pure genius. "Beautiful Lie" touched me with its subject of holding on to your loved one even though there's little hope of things getting back to how they were. If "Where did You Go" was placed on a TV show like "Grey's Anatomy", it would have shot straight to # 01. Fans of piano-driven songs will definitely like "Apology", in which Ashley showcases his vocal skills without additional studio arrangements.

All in all, "Soundtrack To Your Life" is perfect for fans of Pop-Rock music, and I applaud Angel for belting out such a wonderful album.

Monica'z Rating = = Very Good

[Listen] Ashley Parker Angel - I'm Better (produced by Max Martin & Dr. Luke)

New girl-group Prima J just finished shooting the video for their new single “Rockstar” with director Billie Woodruff, who’s well known for his work with Toni Braxton (“You’re Makin’ Me High”) and Mary J. Blige (“Take Me As I Am”). The track will be part of the soundtrack to the movie “B.R.A.T.S.”, and might end up on their forthcoming debut album as well. As previously reported on Monica Mania, among the tracks tipped for inclusion on Prima J’s as-yet untitled disc are “Go Hard”, “911” and “Flip The Script”, all helmed by multi-talented producer Beau Dozier (Jojo’s “Anything”, Tila Tequila’s “Fuck Ya Man”, Joss Stone’s “Nothing Better Than”).

Australian artist Che’Nelle will release her forthcoming debut album, “Things Happens For A Reason”, on August 28^th via Virgin Records. The disc includes hits like “Fell In Love With The DJ”, “Can’t Make You Love Me”, “Teach Me How To Dance”, “Club Jumpin” and a cover of Janet Jackson’s “Pops Up”. Among the producers she enlisted for the new set are Sean Garrett (Beyonce, Gwen Stefani), Rich Harrison (Christina Aguilera, Kelly Rowland), The Insomniax (Bobby Valentino, Stefani Vara) and The Arkitects (Karina Pasian, Chris Brown). New girl-group Myxx also recorded a duet with Che’Nelle for their debut album as well, so that should be interesting!

Newcomer Boniface is currently working on his forthcoming debut album, which is expected to be released sometime this year via Virgin Records. Among the tracks tipped for inclusion on the as-yet untitled set are "Heartbreak On The Floor", "Can't Get Enough", "Tell Me You Love Me", and the Beau Dozier produced "Money In The Air".  The singer/songwriter also stated that his version of "Lie About Us" is the original, not like many people think, and here's what he had to say about it:

Lie About Us ( This is the original , not a cover )

I wrote this demo a while ago with a ridiculously talented writer/ producer Beau Dozier. We gave it away to Avant this year. That's how I got in the game out here. It was Avant's single featuring Nicole from the Pussycat Dolls. They changed the style though. Can't say I liked what they did to it better than our version though. Regardless, this is the original demo and it'll probably be on my Album coz It's such a hot song. Enjoy

I don't know if I'm saying this because I heard Avant's version first, but I pretty much like his version with Nicole more than the original. What do you guys think?

[Visit] Boniface @ MySpace

R&B vocalist Chrisette Michele will release her upcoming debut album, "I Am", on 19^th June via Def Jam Records. The disc sports collaborations with John Legend (Mariah Carey, Keyshia Cole), Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds (Whitney Houston, Madonna), Will "Will-I-Am" Adams (Mary J. Blige, Nicole Scherzinger) and Salaam Remi (Amy Winehouse, Mutya Buena). Lead single, "If I Have My Way", was recently filmed, so expect a video for it anytime soon. Personnel wise, Babyface co-wrote "Your Joy" and "Best Of Me", while Will-I-Am helmed "Be OK" and "Let's Rock". Other album cuts include "Love Is You", produced by John Legend, as well as "Good Girl" and "In This For You", both belted by hitmaker Salaam Remi.

Chrisette Michelle – "I Am" [Official Track-List]

1. Like A Dream
2. Work It Out
3. If I Have My Way
4. Best Of Me
5. Your Joy
6. Good Girl
7. Be Ok (featuring Will-I-Am)
8. Mr. Radio
9. Golden
10. Let's Rock
11. Love Is You
12. In This For You
13. Is This The Way Love Feels