DIDDY (April 2010) Since the release of his hit album Press Play back in ’06, Diddy has been a busy man. Launching new fragrances (Unforgiven, I am King), new acts (Day26, Donnie Klang), and most recently moving Bad Boy to its new home at Interscope Records. Diddy’s next endeavor is his brand new album titled Last Train to Paris. With the help of singer/songwriter Kaleena and former Danity Kane member Dawn Richard, Diddy has formed the group Dirty Money, which includes himself, to tell the story of ‘Last Train’. Said story involves Diddy touring from London to Paris when he finds the woman of his dreams, only to lose her and (hopefully) find her again. The album itself is hard to describe sonically, with a combination of hip-hop, electronica, and funk with beats courtesy of producers like The Dream, Swizz Beatz, and T-Pain. On this album Diddy will rap, as well as sing (ala Kanye West’s 808s and Heartbreak) via an Auto-Tune assist. A Diddy album wouldn’t be complete without a list of guests and ‘Last Train’ will have no shortage of them. Diddy has already included Notorious B.I.G. on first single ‘Angels’ and is interested in having Leona Lewis provide vocals on another track. Although neither artist’s labels are confirming that collaboration. Other unconfirmed, yet rumored, collabos include Jay-Z and Lil Wayne. Look for Last Train to Paris to usher in a new sound for Diddy and take hip-hop to a whole other level when it drops next year.
KELLY ROWLAND (Spring 2010) Work has just begun on Kelly’s new solo album (her third). Since her last project, ‘07’s Ms. Kelly, the former Destiny’s Child member has acquired a new manager (goodbye Matthew Knowles!) and is in the process of signing with a new label. Kelly’s still untitled new album will be heavily influenced by the success of her single with David Guetta from this summer. That track (When Love Takes Over) was a smashing success, having gone to number 1 in eight different countries and bringing Kelly’s voice into the U.S. club scene. David Guetta has already agreed to produce several new songs for Kelly’s album as well as Danja (Keri Hilson, Britney Spears) who has worked successfully with Kelly in the past. Just like Diddy, expect Kelly’s new album to feature a new sound for the singer, where she sheds the R&B vibe of her last album for a more dance/pop/club-banga style. Keeping busy before the album’s release, Kelly can currently be seen the in the video for the 50 Cent/Ne-Yo collabo, Baby By Me.
THE-DREAM (Spring 2010) Having gone from relative unknown to superstar over the last three years, The Dream promises that new album ‘Love King’ will be his last. While still eager to write and produce music for other artists, The Dream will end his solo career with this album. Speculation about Dream’s ‘early retirement’ seems to stem from the fact that he was just promoted by Def Jam brass to become the label’s new executive vice-president. Def Jam is no stranger to promoting uber-talent to high ranks. In 2004, the label appointed then artist Jay-Z to become president. Jay’s reign at Def Jam was highly successful for both him and the label; and saw the rise of careers for new artists Kanye West, Rihanna, and Ne-Yo, who all went on to become platinum selling idols. Since Jay’s departure in ’08, LA Reid has taken over control of the company and was responsible for The Dream’s recent promotion. Love King is being kept under tight wraps by the label, but the disc is said to feature T-Pain, Christina Milian (Dream’s new wife and mother to his expected child), and Brandy, as well as production by longtime partner Tricky Stewart.
KEYSHIA COLE (March 2010) After having successfully navigated the realm of reality television (which lead to a successful spin-off show for her mom and sis aka Frankie & Neffe on BET), Keyshia is back at work on new music. Cole’s new album is said to be complete by February. Thus far, she has recorded tracks with hit-makers Polow da Don, Kanye West, Missy Elliott, and Kerry Brothers, (better known as Krucial Keys and famous for his award winning work with Alicia Keys). Keyshia Cole’s R&B sound is expected to be in fine form on her fourth album, rumored to be called ‘Keyshia’. Also expected from Keyshia is her big screen debut. Cole is currently deep in development on an autobiographical film depicting her rough upbringing in Oakland, CA in the ‘90s. Before that though, fans can see Miss Cole make her premiere opposite Janet Jackson in next spring’s Tyler Perry sequel “Why Did I Get Married Too?” Looks like 2010 will be a huge year for Keyshia and her fans. Here’s hoping she can make the same successful jump from stage to screen that Beyoncé and Jennifer Hudson have.
FRANKIE J (Spring 2010) Since parting ways with label Columbia Records in 2008, Frankie J has been hard at work on his next album. Recently he inked a deal with indie label Upstairs Records, who not only granted Frankie full creative control over all aspects of his new disc, but also issued him his own imprint titled Soul Sick. Frankie’s new album is filled with the Latin-tinged R&B and pop that made him a star in the first place. Producers Avila Brothers, Manny Guevara, DJ Felli Fel, and even Grammy winner R. Kelly, have all provided tracks. Expect a slick sound and more mature lyrics which reflect Frankie’s artistic growth. Collaborators on the album, said to be titled Timeless, include Pitbull, Paula DeAnda, and longtime friend Baby Bash. Fans of Frankie J can help him pick his new single in a poll he’s conducting on his Myspace page. Currently club-banga ‘Dizzy’ looks to be in the lead. If chosen, expect a video treatment at the top of the year before the album is released in the spring.
CHRISTINA AGUILERA (Summer 2010) It’s been almost four years since Aguilera last released a studio album and in the pop world, that’s an eternity. Artists of less talent should be worried, but not Christina, who has never rushed a project onto the streets until she was completely satisfied. With her soaring vocals still shining brightly, this new album will take Christina into new territory musically. She’s worked with a bevy of producers including, Linda Perry, DJ Premier, Danja and Tricky Stewart. Some interesting collaborators include Goldfrapp (a British electronic music group), Ladytron (an electronic pop band), and bubbling under the radar singers/rappers, Santigold and M.I.A. The new album is said to be a blend of pop and R&B with a heavy dance element. Aguilera is famous for switching up her style and sound ala Madonna with each album, and this new offering will be no different. Also look for Christina to make her theatrical film and musical debut opposite Cher in “Burlesque” due Thanksgiving 2010.
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Written by CJA "Babyboi"
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