Dawn Richard of Danity Kane posted a new song on her official MySpace profile called “Rush Love”, and judging by fan reactions, it may end up on the group’s upcoming sophomore album due Spring 2008 via Bad Boy Records. The as yet untitled set is expected to boast collaborations with hip hop producer Jim Jonsin, who hooked up with DK on tracks like “Heartbreaker” and “Showstopper” taken from their self-titled debut LP.

 

[Visit] Dawn Richard @ MySpace

Here is the cover for Keyshia Cole's forthcoming sophomore album, "Just like You", which is due 25^th September via Geffen Records. Rapper Lil' Kim and R&B vocalist Anthony Hamilton are among the guests, whereas production wise, expect hot collaborations with Soulshock & Karlin (Leona Lewis, Kelly Rowland), Missy Elliot (Mariah Carey, Tamia), Sean "The Pen" Garrett (Nicole Scherzinger, Mary J. Blige), Scott Storch (Janet Jackson, Toni Braxton) and Bryan Michael Cox (Claudette Ortiz, Brandy).  O/T: - Am I the only one who thinks Cole looks very much like Tionne "T-Boz" Watkins of TLC?

 

[Watch] Keyshia Cole - Let It Go (produced by Missy Elliot)

 

[Watch] Tionne "T-Boz" Watkins - Touch Myself (produced by Dallas Austin)

 

 

While we're on the subject of Cole, her new single - "Let It Go" - samples "Juicy Fruit" by Mtume, but what you probably didn't know is that it has also been used by Mariah Carey's protégés Allure on their duet with my husband LL Cool J, "No Question". I uploaded the track for your listening pleasure, and would love to hear your opinion on which joint is better – Allure's or Keyshia's?

 

[Listen] Allure featuring LL Cool J - No Question

 

[Purchase] Allure - Allure (Sony Music)

In a recent interview, X-factor winner Leona Lewis described what people should expect from her forthcoming debut album …

 

"I wanted to sing great songs and we have loads that I feel a connection with. The album is classic songs with a contemporary edge. There are few ballads and there's some up-tempo stuff too. I've been experimenting, we used up and coming producers like Fernando who have added some really cool electronic 80s sounds. But it's important to me that they're all proper songs. They're not just beat driven or following the latest sound. For me, songs need to work acoustically. I used to go out and gig acoustically; I like songs that work even when they're broken down."

"This album is from an honest, genuine place," she enthuses, "I know some people are asking, 'where has she gone?' But I wanted everyone who has supported and worked with me to have an album they're proud of, one that is credible and one with songs that people can connect to."

"I'm working hard to make sure that I'm around for a long time to come. It's going to surprise people."

 

The as yet untitled set is due 12^th November via J Records, and will be preceded by first single, "Bleeding Love", produced by Ryan "Alias" Tedder (Jennifer Lopez, Mary J. Blige). Among the other musicians backing Lewis on the project are Soulshock & Karlin (Keyshia Cole, Blu Cantrell), Dallas Austin (Deborah Cox, Madonna), Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis (Janet Jackson, Gwen Stefani), Diane Warren (Christina Aguilera, Celine Dion), Kara Dioguardi (Kylie Minogue, Ashlee Simpson), Salaam Remi (Lauryn Hill, Amy Winehouse), Walter Afanasieff (Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston), Karen Poole (Mutya Buena, Lily Allen) and Steve Mac (Toni Braxton, Emma "Baby Spice" Bunton).

Source

As expected, American Idol winner Jordin Sparks will release her debut album in November via Jive Records. The as yet untitled set will be preceded by first single, “Tattoo”, produced by Stargate: - Tor Erik Hermansen & Mikkel S. Eriksen (Jennifer Hudson, Paula Campbell). The joint was co-written by Amanda Ghost, whose other credits include Beyonce & Shakira’s “Beautiful Liar”, James Blunt’s “Beautiful” and All Saints’ “Flashback”.

German girlgroup Black Buddafly posted a new song on their official MySpace profile called “Hey Mr. Lover”. No tentative release date is set for their debut album yet, but expect productions courtesy of Dallas Austin (Leona Lewis, Sugababes), Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis (Janet Jackson, Mariah Carey), The Corna Boyz (LeToya Luckett, Keri Hilson), Soul Diggaz (Syleena Johnson, Brooke Valentine) and Troy Taylor (Paula Campbell, Trey Songz).

[Visit] Black Buddafly @ MySpace

[Read] My Interview with Jazz from Black Buddafly

Here is the video for Keke Palmer's new single, "Keep It Movin'", which is taken from her forthcoming debut album, "So Uncool". The set is due 18^th September via Atlantic records, and it promises collaborations with Jonathan "J.R." Rotem (Jennifer Lopez, LeToya Luckett), Bernard "Focus" Edwards Jr. (Beyonce, Christina Milian), Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins (Brandy, Whitney Houston), Kandi Burruss (Alicia Keys, Mariah Carey), Toby Gad (Fergie, The Veronicas), Eric Hudson (Tynisha Keli, Chris Brown) and The Clutch: - Keri Hilson, Candice Nelson, Ezekiel Lewis, Balewa Muhammed & Patrick "J.Que" Smith (Fantasia, Amerie, Bobby Valentino).

 

[Watch] Keke Palmer - Keep It Movin'

Upcoming girlband Second Nature consist of lovely beauties Margeaux Fernandez & Cheria Young, and they are currently in the process of recording their debut album which promises hot productions from Beau Dozier (Nicole Scherzinger, Samantha Jade), Poli Paul (Christina Milian, Teedra Moses) and Damon Elliot (Kelly Rowland, Jessica Simpson). I caught up with the promising duo to talk about their forthcoming LP, dream collaborations, touring with Jesse McCartney, and so much more … Enjoy reading and don't forget to post your thoughts :)

 

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Hamada: - How did the two of you know each other? And whose idea was it to form a girlband?

 

Margeaux: - We met when we were 15. I started going to the church where Cheria grew up, and we became friends instantly through the worship team and bible study group. We also ended up singing for all of the church events together. I think it was me who kind of pulled Cheria into being in a group. We were already singing backup for Jesse McCartney and it just seemed right.

 

Hamada: - What's the secret behind your artiste name, Second Nature?

 

Second Nature: - The secret? Lol!!!! Definitely no secret! We kind of just picked it from a list thinking it made sense that music is like second nature to us.

 

Hamada: - Are there any plans of releasing your debut albums this year? And have you decided upon a title yet?

 

Second Nature: - This year like 2007?! Lol! We doubt it cause we're still recording and putting our album together. We've been through so many different stages as a group that it shows through our music. It's a good thing though 'cause once it does come out it'll be 100 percent our sound! As far as titles, that'll just hit us one day soon like,"That's it! That's the name!"

 

Hamada: - Whom have you worked with in terms of songwriters/producers? And whom would you love to hook up with in future recording sessions?

 

Second Nature: - We've worked with Beau Dozier, Poli Paul, Damon Elliot, Phenom, Eddie Galan & Drew Lane from Trilogy to name of few. They're all so great! We'd love to work with Timbaland, Justin, Kanye West, ooh and The Clutch!

 

Hamada: - Tell us about some of your favorite songs that have been recorded so far?

 

Second Nature: - Well, there are different favorites for different reasons. Our very first song was awesome cause we recorded it in a hotel room on tour. All ghetto style with a small mic hanging from a lamp shade! For real, it was great! Then there are songs like "Watch Me" from Trilogy that was a favorite from the beginning because it was written in about 30 min and when we first heard the track we knew it was gonna be dope!

 

Hamada: - Do you believe in the myth that "3 is the magical number for girl groups"? And have you thought about adding another member?

 

Cheria: - We've thought about adding a 3rd member several times. At first we actually wanted a 3rd member but never found the right girl.  So I don't know about 3 being the magical number but Margeaux and I have a great thing going with the number 2...lol... Who knows? Maybe 3's a crowd in our case.

 

Hamada: - What sets Second Nature apart from other duos such as Black Buddafly, Brick & Lace, Myxx and Brit & Alex?

 

Second Nature: - The same things that separate Destiny's Child from the Dixie Chicks or The Donnas from The Cheetah Girls … different faces, different styles and different stories ... It's all love.

 

Hamada: - Why do you think it's harder for girl-groups to stay together?

 

Second Nature: - For the same reason it's hard to have four sisters, lol! When you're in a group it's not just about you. Everybody in the group has to compromise and come to a mutual agreement with everything. Maybe that's why we've stuck to just the two of us.

 

Hamada: - Do both of you argue a lot? Or is it smooth sailing all the way?

 

Second Nature: - We never argue! We've had an intense conversation maybe twice (in the almost 10 years of our friendship ... not too bad ... lol), but we respect each other and love one another like family so it never gets ugly.

 

Hamada: - Are you afraid that because of your strikingly beautiful looks, listeners will underestimate your vocal abilities?

 

Second Nature: - Lol! That's funny! It's hard for us to even consider ourselves strikingly beautiful but I don't think people pre-judge us just on our looks.

 

Hamada: - If you could record a duet with any artist, whom would you choose? And why?

 

Second Nature: - Ooooh, that's a tough one! As far as working with people, The Roots is our first choice. But to do an actual duet, definitely Justin.

 

Hamada: - Describe your touring experience with teen heart-throb Jesse McCartney? And is he as handsome in person? (hee hee)

 

Second Nature: - It was a memorable experience! It was like having a big family on the road. We all were really close and still keep in touch. And Jesse was like a little brother to us. Very cool and yeah he looks the same in person as he does in his pictures, lol!

 

Hamada: - Would you rather date someone from inside or outside the music industry? And what qualities do you usually look for in a man?

 

Second Nature: - Understanding the music industry definitely helps, but either way can work. Loyalty, passion and humor are great things to look for in a man, but ultimately you can't help who you fall in love with ... At least that's what we heard on TV once, lol! It sounds right though...lol!!!

 

Hamada: - Tell us something that most readers will be surprised to learn about both of you?

 

Margeaux: - I have a three year old son, and I don't listen to the radio!

 

Cheria: - I graduated from college with my BA in Biblical Studies, and I didn't go to my first real concert until I was on tour with Jesse.

 

Hamada: - What message would you like to send out to all Second Nature fans throughout the world?

 

Second Nature: - Thank you so much for all of your support!! We love you so much!! Stay tuned ... You ain't seen nothin' yet!! See the difference, be the difference, make a difference ... XOXO

 

[Visit] Second Nature @ MySpace

Here is the album cover to Nicole Scherzinger’s debut album, “Her Name Is Nicole”, which is due 16 October via A&M Records and will be preceded by first single “Whatever You Like”, produced by Jamal “Polow Da Don” Jones (Christina Aguilera, Fergie) and co-written by Sean Garrett (Britney Spears, Gwen Stefani).

 

The full track list has yet to be announced, but “Her Name Is Nicole” will also sport collaborations with Allaune “Akon” Thiam (Mario, Brick & Lace), Kara Dioguardi (Celine Dion, Kylie Minogue), Will “Will-I-Am” Adams (Macy Gray, Justin Timberlake), Tim “Timbaland” Mosley (Alicia Keys, Jennifer Lopez), Keri Hilson (Mary J. Blige, Omarion), Nate “Danja” Hills (Paula DeAnda, Madonna), Schaffer “Ne-Yo” Smith (Jennifer Hudson, Wynter Gordon), Kendrick “Wyldcard” Dean (Brandy, Karina Pasian) and The Neptunes (Faith Evans, Kelis).

Songwriter Kara Dioguardi's "Baby Love" is slated to be the 2^nd single released from Nicole Scherzinger's forthcoming debut album, "Her Name Is Nicole", which is due 16^th October via A&M Records. The joint was produced by Will "Will-I-Am" Adams, who previously collaborated with Dioguardi on tracks like: - Pussycat Dolls' "Beep" and Hilary Duff's "Play with Fire".