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It has been confirmed that Kelly Rowland has headed back to the studio in order to record more potential hits for the re-release of her underperforming sophomore album, “Miss Kelly”. Among the producers snagged for the project are Bryan Michael Cox (Mary J. Blige, Cheri Dennis) and Jonathan “J.R.” Rotem (Mya, LeToya Luckett). Hopefully the additional songs she recorded with Rich Harrison (Amerie, Toni Braxton) and Robin Thicke (Christina Aguilera, Faith Evans) will make it to the set as well. In the meantime, be on the lookout for her 2^nd single - “Ghetto” - which was co-written and produced by Durrell "Tank" Babbs (Keke Wyatt, Claudette Ortiz). 

According to a recent interview with MTV, among the tracks tipped for inclusion on Ashlee Simpson’s forthcoming 3^rd album are “Follow You Wherever You Go”, “Rulebreaker”, “Ay Ay Ay” and “Ragdoll”. The as yet untitled set due in November via Geffen Records will be preceded by the Tim “Timbaland” Mosley produced “Murder”. On the other hand, expect additional collaborations with Chad Hugo of The Neptunes (Toni Braxton, Britney Spears), Jim Beanz (Nelly Furtado, Kylie Minogue), Mark Ronson (Christina Aguilera, Nikka Costa) and John Legend (Jennifer Hudson, Fergie).

British vocalist Maria Lawson posted the following message on her official MySpace profile:-

Hi Everyone …. Thanks for checking in.

Just to let you know the new album is coming along brilliantly.

Not too long now before I can give you more details on release dates for the first single and album. I have written and recorded most of the songs so far and the album is nearing completion. I can truly say this album is really special and one that you have got to hear.

It has been a while since I have been in the public eye and I am itching to get back out and share my music with you. The wait has been too long but well worth it. I have been really busy working with some incredible songwriters and producers over the last couple of months including Diane Warren, Brian Rawling (again), Sacha Skarbek, Roachford, Biglife and more, and I feel this album is the best work I have ever done.

I will be uploading some exclusive clips and new video footage for you to check out soon. So keep checking back.

According to Keke Wyatt's official website, her forthcoming sophomore album, "Ghetto Rose", has been pushed back to 23rd October. The TVT Records set is expected to boast collaborations with Stargate: Tor Erik Hermansen & Mikkel S. Eriksen (Megan Rochell, Claudette Ortiz), The Underdogs: Harvey Mason Jr. & Damon Thomas (Toni Braxton, Fantasia), Durrell "Tank" Babbs (Kelly Rowland, Aaliyah), Shamora Crawford (Cheri Dennis, Blu Cantrell) and Bryan Michael Cox (Mary J. Blige, Faith Evans).

According to a recent blog entry by Leona Lewis, she recently recorded a song with songwriter/producer Schaffer “Ne-Yo” Smith called “I’m You” which is said to be part of her forthcoming debut album. The set is earmarked for a November via J Records, and will be preceded by lead single “Bleeding Love” helmed by Ryan “Alias” Tedder, who also did another track with the British beauty called “Take a Bow”.

Other musicians backing the “X-Factor” winner on her as yet untitled set include Stargate: Tor Erik Hermansen & Mikkel S. Eriksen (Mariah Carey, Jordin Sparks), Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis (Janet Jackson, Gwen Stefani), Soulshock & Karlin (Samantha Jade, Jojo), Nate “Danja Handz” Hills (Nelly Furtado, Britney Spears), Dallas Austin (Sugababes, Kelis), Kara Dioguardi (Kylie Minogue, Natalie Imbruglia), Karen Poole (Mutya Buena, Jamelia) and Salaam Remi (Jennifer Hudson, Emily King).

Singer/songwriter Alicia Keys just finished shooting the video for lead single, “No One”, with director Justin Francis who’s also known for his work with Jaguar Wright (“Free”) and Weezer (“We Are All on Drugs”). Look out for her forthcoming 3^rd studio album, “As I Am”, which is due November 13^th via J Records. The set is expected to sport collaborations with Sean “The Pen” Garrett (Whitney Houston, Jennifer Hudson), Kasseem “Swizz Beatz” Dean (Angie Stone, Fantasia), Marsha Ambrosius (Emily King, Jazmine Sullivan), Linda Perry (Christina Aguilera, Goapele), Harold Lilly (Toni Braxton, Deborah Cox), Amanda Ghost (Jordin Sparks, Kylie Minogue), Stargate: Tor Erik Hermansen & Mikkel S. Eriksen (Mariah Carey, Keke Wyatt) and long time partner Kerry “Krucial” Brothers (Keyshia Cole, Mario Vazquez).

Here is the video for Cleo’s lead single, “Feelin’ Like This”, taken from her as yet untitled debut solo album. The track has a very Rich Harrison-esque feel, so if you’re in love with soulful go-go joints, then you’d betta give this one a look!

[Watch] Cleo - Feelin' Like This

[Read] Cleo - Monica Mania Xclusive Interview

Actress/singer Keke Palmer will release her upcoming debut album, "So Uncool", on 18^th September via Atlantic Records. The set will be preceded by new single "Keep It Movin'" co-written by Mischke Butler, who also worked his penning skills on the joint "First Crush". Among the other A-list alliances contributing to the disc are Toby Gad ("Rainbow", "Bottoms Up", "Skin Deep", "Wake Up Call"), Bernard "Focus" Edwards Jr. and The Clutch: Keri Hilson, Candice Nelson, Ezekiel Lewis & Balewa Muhammed ("The Game Song", "Music Box"), Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins ("Friend Me Up") and Jonathan "J.R." Rotem ("Footwurkin").

Sean "P. Diddy" Combs' infamous show "Making the Band" started airing in Middle Eastern countries one year after members of Danity Kane were chosen. I got to know about them via music blogs, and was very interested in getting a copy of their self-titled debut album. I finally had the chance to hear it, and here's what I think …

"One Shot" has a very catchy beat with hints of Indian influences. "Heartbreaker" should have been released a single given its addictive chorus. "Want It" sounds like a mixture between Timbaland's "The Way I Are" and Missy Elliot's "I'm Really Hot", whereas "Right Now" is Danity Kane's sex song as it's filled with orgasmic voices and seductive lyrics. Lead single, "Show Stopper", is magnificent in every sense of the word and I'm glad Yung Joc's verse didn't ruin the song. "Ooh Aah" gets kinda repetitive, but still one of the better joints on the album. "Press Pause" is original in its live instrumentation concept. Producer Bryan Michael Cox gives us the usual formula in the slow paced "Ride for You", but makes up for it in the club-hopping "Back Up" (he should try more with fast paced joints). "Stay With Me" is my personal favorite as it's extremely emotional and heartfelt. It's also similar to Backstreet Boys' "Incomplete", but 10 times better if I may add. The forgettable "Hold Me Down" and silly "Touching My Body" are my weaker picks of the lot. On the other hand, don't you agree with me that the interludes - "Ain't True" and "Come Over" – should have been turned into complete songs instead?

All in all, this album is definitely worth a listen and all the members have amazing vocals (duh!!! That's why they made into the band in the first place, hee hee). However, if I was in charge, this would have been the tracklist:

Danity Kane – Danity Kane (Monica Mania tracklist):

1. One Shot: co-written by Adonis Shropshire / produced by Bryan Michael Cox and Kendrick "Wyldcard" Dean.
2. Heartbreaker: co-written by Angela Hunte / produced by Jim Jonsin.
3. Show Stopper: co-written by Angela Hunte / produced by Jim Jonsin.
4. Back Up: co-written by Cheri Dennis and Kendrick "Wyldcard" Dean / produced by Bryan Michael Cox. 
5. Come Over: co-written by Mike Winans / produced by Mario Winans.
6. Right Now: co-written by Keri Hilson / produced by Tim "Timbaland" Mosley and Nate "Danja Handz" Hills.
7. Want It: co-written by Keri Hilson / produced by Tim "Timbaland" Mosley and Nate "Danja Handz" Hills.
8. Ooh Aah: written and produced by Ryan Leslie.
9. Sleep On It: co-written by Jason "Don Pooh" Boyd / produced by Scott Storch.
10. Ain't True: co-written by Mike Winans / produced by Mario Winans.
11. Press Pause: co-written by Mike Winans / produced by Mario Winans.
12. Ride For You: co-written by Adonis Shropshire / produced by Bryan Michael Cox and Kendrick "Wyldcard" Dean.
13. Stay With Me: co-written by Makeba Riddick / produced by Arnthur Birgisson and Rami.

Monica'z Rating = = Good

Here is the video for Mya's 2^nd single, "Ridin'", which was produced by Christopher "Tricky" Stewart (Britney Spears - "Me Against The Music" / Rihanna - "Umbrella" / Lucy Walsh - "So Uncool"). The track is the 2^nd to be lifted from her forthcoming LP, "Liberation", for which no date has been set yet. On the other hand, what do you guys think of 50 Cent's statement when he said "I don't think Mya will ever be a success"?

[Watch] Mya - Ridin (produced by Christopher "Tricky" Stewart)