Singer/songwriter Emily King released her debut album, "East Side Story", as of 28^th August via J Records. The set features lead single, "Walk in My Shoes", which was helmed by female songwriting team The Big Drawz: Tenesha Blacks & Shannell Irving. They are also in the studio working on tracks with production team Stargate: Tor Erik Hermansen & Mikkel S. Eriksen, so you'd betta watch this space! Other notable musicians backing King on her "East Side Story" are Chucky Thompson (Mary J. Blige, Faith Evans), Marsha Ambrosius (Alicia Keys, Jazmine Sullivan) and Salaam Remi (Amy Winehouse, Leona Lewis).

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According to Billboard, "Gimme More" is said to be the highly anticipated lead single from Britney's forthcoming LP which is expected to drop later this years via Jive Records.  In a blog posted earlier @ director Slim K's official MySpace profile, he stated that the video is all about "Sex, Sex, Sex, and even more Sex". The track in question was helmed by Nate "Danja Handz" Hills, who also collaborated with songwriter Corte Ellis on another track for Spears' called "Get Back". While we're on the subject of Timbaland's protégé, fans should look out for his work on the next albums by: -

• Nicole Scherzinger (A&M Records).
• Mariah Carey (Def Jam Records).
• Madonna (Maverick Records).
• Keri Hilson (Interscope Records).
• Leona Lewis (J Records).
• Jada (Motown Records).
• Nikki Flores (Sony Music).
• Christina Milian (TBA).

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Word has it that "Pocketbook" is slated to be the lead single from Jennifer Hudson's forthcoming debut LP which is expected sometime this year via J Records. The joint was produced by Tim "Timbaland" Mosley (Aaliyah, Celine Dion) and co-written by Jim Beanz (Shakira, Nelly Furtado). Although the track list and album title are yet to be announced, expect additional collaborations with John Legend (Whitney Houston, Keyshia Cole), Kasseem "Swizz Beatz" Dean (Mariah Carey, Beyonce), Sean "The Pen" Garrett (Kelis, Mary J. Blige), Schaffer "Ne-Yo" Smith (Janet Jackson, Nicole Scherzinger), The Underdogs: Damon Thomas & Harvey Mason Jr. (Toni Braxton, Keri Hilson), Durrell "Tank" Babbs (Keke Wyatt, Claudette Ortiz) and Stargate: Tor Erik Hermansen & Mikkel S. Eriksen (Jordin Sparks, Paula Campbell).

According to a personal message from talented video director Slim-K, he already finished filming Britney Spears’ comeback video, and they are now in the post-production process. She’s also a confirmed performer @ the MTV Video Music Awards which will air on 9^th September, so keep an eye on that!

The singer’s forthcoming fifth studio album is due later this year via Jive Records, and among the collaborators expected on the as yet untitled set are The Neptunes (Mary J. Blige, Kelis), Sean “The Pen” Garrett (Fergie, Gwen Stefani), Bloodshy & Avant (Jennifer Lopez, Madonna), Schaffer “Ne-Yo” Smith (Christina Milian, Nicole Scherzinger), Nate “Danja Handz” Hills (Mariah Carey, Nelly Furtado), Scott Storch (Christina Aguilera, Beyonce), Lukasz “Dr. Luke” Gottwald (Kelly Clarkson, Avril Lavigne), Jonathan “J.R.” Rotem (Paris Hilton, LeToya Luckett), Kasseem “Swizz Beatz” Dean (Jennifer Hudson, Whitney Houston), Christopher “Tricky” Stewart (Rihanna, Wynter Gordon), Cathy Dennis (Janet Jackson, Kylie Minogue), Kara Dioguardi (Ashlee Simpson, Cassie) and The Clutch: Ezekiel Lewis, Keri Hilson, Patrick “J. Que” Smith & Candice Nelson (Amerie’s “Hate 2 Love You”, Paula Campbell’s “Hit List”, Fantasia’s “Baby Makin’ Hips”).

R&B girlband Cherish are set to return with a new album entitled “The Truth”, and it will be preceded by lead single “Shoe Fanatic” which is an ode to their favorite shoe brands: Gucci, Dolce & Gabanna, and Manolo Blahink. The set is expected to feature productions from Phalon “Jazze Pha” Alexander, who previously collaborated with the sisters on tracks like “That Boi”, “Unappreciated” and “Stop Calling Me” taken from their debut LP – “Unappreciated”.

R&B vocalist Trey Songz will release his upcoming sophomore album, "Trey Day", on 2^nd October via Atlantic Records. The set is led by new single "Can't Help but Wait" produced by Stargate: Tor Erik Hermansen & Mikkel S. Eriksen (Jennifer Hudson, Keke Wyatt) and co-written by Johnta Austin (Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey). Among the other hitmakers expected on "Trey Day" are Bryan Michael Cox (LeToya Luckett, Claudette Ortiz), R. Kelly (Syleena Johnson, Aaliyah), The Runners (Christina Milian, Britney Spears) and Nate "Danja Handz" Hills (Leona Lewis, Keri Hilson). Fans of the handsome singer will also be happy to learn that he's making additional appearances on the next projects by Nina Sky (Universal), Teedra Moses (TVT) and Jessi Malay (Atlantic).

British songstress Javine has a new song on MySpace called "Down in the Middle", and it's expected to be part of her upcoming sophomore album which is due April 2008. What do you think of it?

[Visit] Javine @ MySpace

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It has been reported that the title of Solange’s forthcoming sophomore album is “Solange & The Hadley Street Dreams”, and it’s due sometime in 2008 via Music World. The set is expected to boast collaborations with mega producer Kasseem “Swizz Beatz” Dean, who previously collaborated with the singer/songwriter on tracks like “Get Me Bodied” and “Upgrade U” taken from Beyonce’s platinum selling LP – “B’Day”.

Christina Aguilera's latest album, "Back to Basics", is a double disc that has her experimenting with souls sounds from the 20s, 30s, and 40s alongside a modern day twist. Here's what I think of it …

First Disc:

The gospel influenced "Makes Me Wanna Pray" is uplifting, whereas old school Motown music can be heard on "Understand". Lead single - "Ain't No Other Man" - is extremely catchy and original in its concept. "Without You" and "On Our Way" are heartfelt romantic joints that make you wanna fall in love. "Slow Down Baby" cleverly samples Tony Yayo's "So Seductive", and I strongly believe that if it was released instead of "Hurt" (which is very similar to "Beautiful" in it's arrangement), "Back to Basics" would have sold much more than it already did!

The Scott Storch diss - "F.U.S.S." - is a very well made interlude, and even though I'm sad to hear about their conflict, I still applaud her ability to come out with another outstanding album without his help. On "Still Dirrty", Aguilera assures haters that she's still naughty and provocative despite her new classy image. "Thank You (Dedication to fans)" surprised me by being an honest interpretation of how she's grateful for those who stood by her. On the down side, she sounds stuck in the past on "Oh Mother" in which she discusses how her birth-giver was abused – a topic that was already handled in "I'm Okay" from Aguilera's last album, "Stripped".

Second Disc:

The set opens up with the sexual but hummable "Candyman", whereas "Save Me from Myself" is my favorite cuz it's very raw and stripped down. Tracks like "Nasty Naughty Boy", "Mercy on Me" and "The Right Man" are forgettable. 

Conclusion:

Aguilera proved to us once again that she's an originator and innovator by belting out an album filled with quality material despite using sounds that may seem dated to lots of today's listeners. The only fault with "Back to Basics" is the lengthy portion when it could have been easily trimmed into one album. If I were in charge, this would have been the final tracklist:

Christina Aguilera – Back to Basics (Monica Mania Tracklist):

1. Candyman: co-written and produced by Linda Perry.
2. Makes Me Wanna Pray: co-written by Kara Dioguardi / produced by Rich Harrison.
3. Back in The Day: co-written by Kara Dioguardi / produced by DJ Premier.
4. Ain't No Other Man: co-written by Kara Dioguardi / produced by DJ Premier.
5. Understand: co-written by Kara Dioguardi / produced by Kwame.
6. Slow Down Baby: co-written by Kara Dioguardi / produced by Mark Ronson.
7. F.U.S.S. (Interlude): co-written by Kara Dioguardi / produced by Charles Martin.
8. On Our Way: co-written by Kara Dioguardi / produced by Big Tank & Q.
9. Save Me from Myself: co-written and produced by Linda Perry.
10. Hurt: co-written by Mark Ronson / produced by Linda Perry.
11. Oh Mother: co-written by Kara Dioguardi / produced by Big Tank & Q.
12. Without You: co-written by Kara Dioguardi / produced by Mark Ronson.
13. Still Dirrty: co-written by Kara Dioguardi / produced by DJ Premier.
14. Trouble: co-written and produced by Linda Perry.
15. Thank You (Dedication to Fans): co-written by Kara Dioguardi / produced by DJ Premier.

Monica'z Rating = = Very Good.

According to Ashlee Simpson's website, her forthcoming 3^rd album is due in November via Geffen Records. The as-yet untitled set promises collaborations with Mark Ronson (Christina Aguilera, Amy Winehouse), Kara Dioguardi (Jordin Sparks, Kelly Clarkson), Tim "Timbaland" Mosley (Nelly Furtado, Samantha Jade), John Legend (Mariah Carey, Keyshia Cole) and Sean Garrett (Britney Spears, Gwen Stefani).