Apparently, the only clock that was ticking wasn’t the biological one. Usher, who is now a husband and a father is ready to release his album, according to producer and long-time friend Jermaine Dupri.
“He has been taking a pretty long time to put it out, but I think he’s ready now,” says Jermaine Dupri, “The last couple times I’ve been around him, you could tell he’s got the bug to hurry up and put this record out. He wants to get back out here and give the people that. He’s got that itch.”
2004′s Confessions, released via Jive, has moved 9.4 million copies in the United States, according to Nielsen SoundScan. So what’s the hold up with this project? With a few new tracks leaked, several release dates that have come and gone and rumors swarming of a wife who demands that all the performer’s interests be turned towards her and his new family, Usher fans have been disappointed time and time again.
Dupri is known to have produced the track “The Realest,” which was at one time mentioned as a possible first single. T-Pain produced “All the Time,” while Ludacris offers a came on the Rich Harrison-produced “Dat Girl Right There,” which leaked last month. Dre & Vidal and Cool & Dre are also said to have contributed to the album. I’ve also heard that The Clutch has a couple of records, as well as hitmaker Adonis.
I’m eager to see what Usher’s going to put out this time around, since Confessions was near flawless. I thought the hold-up was that they didn’t have any material that they thought held up to the standards of his last project.
CASSIE: ALL GROWN UP?
Cassie at DJ Clue’s Bday Party this week (Nunez)
Model-turned-singer Cassandra Ventura, better known as Cassie, will release her as-yet-untitled sophomore album on May 20. And since she’s been working on the new project, which, at one time, was tentatively titled The Return, she says that she’s all grown up!
“I hate to use the words grown-up, I really, really did since the last time around.”
“I guess I grew up a lot but I’m still in essence the same person,” says the 21-year-old singer. “Lots has changed in my life, stuff that has made me think about things differently. I’m more vulnerable and you can hear my vocals better this time around. There’s real emotion and a much realer connection with my fans.”
The new album features production from Seven, who has penned and produced hits for Ashanti, Mario Winans, Bryan-Michael Cox, Eric Hudson, Timbaland protege, Nate “Danjahandz” Hills and mentor Ryan Leslie. There are no confirmed guest spots as of yet, but on previous interviews with Cassie, taken late last year, Cassie revealed that she also had the opportunity to hit the studio with Kanye, who’s “Stronger” video she made a guest appearance in.
You can see Cassie in the new film, Step Up 2, which should be interesting. As far the album: we’ll see, Cassie. She’s got a lot to prove this time around.
NEW MARIAH SINGLE THIS MONTH?
It has been reported that we will hear a new single from Mariah Carey as soon as the next couple weeks. But you know how that works: Janet sites everywhere reported that we would hear the new single “Feedback” at the end of the week, and it dropped dead smack in the middle. Sources have reported that Mariah’s single is set to impact radio on January 22nd.
According to Mariah fan sites, four song titles have been confirmed: “Migrate,” which was rumored to be the first single and features hitmaker and 2007′s hook king, T-Pain, “Touch My Body,” “I’m That Chick You Like” and “Heat.” “I’m That Chick You Like” is L.A. Reid’s pick for the lead single. Mariah Daily Journal reports that Reid had his staff vote between two songs and “I’m That Chick You Like” won by about 10 votes.
Mariah’s new album, the follow-up to the hugely successful Emancipation of Mimi also features production from Jermaine Dupri, Bryan-Michael Cox and Adonis. I’m eager to hear what the album will sound like, because just like Usher, Mariah has a lot to live up to this time around.
cassie is marketing herself like riri did.
yay i want to hear from mariah
i’m so excited for usher!!!!!!! and cassie, too!!!
Oh, Usher. I don’t know about you anymore.
Cassie, GO AWAY! Please…trying to be mannerable in ’08.
Ready for some new material from Mariah
AND HOW COULD I FORGET ABOUT MY GIRL MARIAH!!! SHE’S A MUSICAL BEAST!!!
MARIAH AND USHER, I GUESS THIS YEAR I’LL ACTUALLY BE BUYING SOME CD’S IN STORE …..MARIAH’S LAST CD WAS TOOOOOOOOO GOOD AND SAME GOES FOR USHER, BOTH ALBUMS ARE GUARANTEED TO GO AT LEAST DOUBLE PLATINUM. JUST LOOK AT THE SONG TITLES ON BOTH THERE DISCS….HOLLAAAAAAAAAA
CASSIE DINT SELL LAST TIME AINT GONE SELL THIS TIME
I CANT WAIT FOR USHER AND MARIAH!!!
usher will not match the success of ‘confessions’. it aint gonna happen.
Am I the only one who thought “8701″ was better than “Confessions”?
I bet Cassie bout to come out Roaring like Aretha Franklin…..oh shit!
Mariah is not aging at all! Whatever she’s doing, keep doin it!
cassie’s “quotes” sound scripted, like thats what they told her they were goin for in the studio and she turned it around and is actin like she came up with that idea……
“I’m That Chick You Like”? I’m not liking the name of that title…just seems…childish. Well, at least she didn’t spell it with a “U”. I would like to preview the new Mariah material, though.
I’ll throw Casandra a bone and preview her tracks… just to entertain myself.
Networking you are not the only one! I love 8701 and I love My Way even more! I can’t wait to hear from Mariah.
I can’t wait for Ushers new album. I just know he’s going to deliver.
As for Cassie she’s a pretty girl, that’s where the compliments end so I’ll stop there.
And Mariah I love her music and will defenatly be buying her new cd, but there’s something about her personality that I don’t like.
I’m excited about Mariah’s new album, but I hope the label doesn’t make it a “competition” between her and Janet like Jermaine suggested a couple months back. There is plenty of room for both ladies, and to pit them against each other is really low.
I have been waiting for Usher’s follow up to Confessions for forever and a day…lol.
And yes Mariah is going to save us. ( Save us from that chick I wont mention or I will be attacked….hint: Her first name starts with a “J” and ends with a “t”). LOL! Let me stop being messy.
Hell I am even looking foward to see what Cassie has cooked up to prove to us she is worthy of getting a second chance.
Usher is ready to do the damn thing. Can’t wait for Mariah either. I don’t understand why Cassie gets another cd and Cheri Dennis was only released on iTunes. It should’ve been the other way around. Too bad Cassie hasn’t grown into a real voice. Diddy ya need to be ashamed…
I can’t wait for Ushers new album, I know he’s going to deliver.
As for Cassie she’s a pretty girl and that’s where the compliments end, so that’s where I’ll stop.
And I love Mariahs music so I defenately be buying her cd, but there’s something about her personality I don’t like.
I don’t care what anybody says, that pic of Cassie is sexy!
She really is a pretty girl, and i really think she should stick to modeling, cuz that’s her strong suit. Just like she looked hot in Kanye’s “Stronger” video, she’s at her best when she’s quiet
Man feels sorry for Usher, i mean manika all tryin be the MAN, The heck he/she a man already. Anyhow he should have thought before walkin down the aisle, atleast shuld have listen to International Players Anthem as BIG BOI HAD SAID “”Too soon! Dont do it! Reconsider!
Read some litera – ture on the subject
You sure? Fuck it
You know we got your back like chiroprac – tic
If that bitch do you dirty
we’ll wipe her ass out as in detergent
Now hurry hurry, go on to the altar
I know you aint a pimp but pimp remember what I taught ya
Keep your heart 3 stacks, keep your heart
Aye, keep your heart 3 stacks, keep your heart
Man, these girls is smart, 3 stacks, these girls is smart
Play your part
Play your part” DAAAMN USH.
Cassie- WHY IS THIS GIRL SO TALKIN BOUT HER VOICE WEN SHE SUCKS
Mariah- cant wait for yo album ma.
BUT IM ALL ROOTIN FOR BRANDY AND MS.NASTY AKA JANET THIS YEAR.
I’m in luv with Mimi so I’m buying her record asap, i really need a single or a preview or something.
Usher, i liked Confessions I thought it showed a lot of growth for him vocally compared to 8701 and of course My Way. So I’ll check him out but he gets old to me real quick though
Cassie, no. How did this girl get a deal?? Like fo’real, she can’t sing or dance. NEXT!!!!!
i rooting for cassie!
i really hope her album does good, cuz i honestly dont think she is a terrible singer, and she has good songs!
i remember when me&u first came out. i thought it was really good so i hope she can really show some great talent that i believe she has in her second album.
GO CASSIE!!!
Wow, I didn’t know Usher sold THAT many records of Confessions…I liked all the added tracks from the re-release so I think that made it a good look. But as far as this time around…the fact that his record label is nervous makes me nervous. Maybe they feel he’s got a stinker on his hands. Maybe he needs to head back to the drawing board like L.A made him do with 8701 (and it worked!)
Cassie…I also think she’ll go the Rhi Rhi route, she just has to gain respect back from her ‘fans’. Lord knows there aren’t many (especially on CL). But I did download this song of her “Turn the Lights Off” which I am diggin right now…still, I’d like to see her sing that ish live!
Mariah, girl you better bring it! Her last album was fire so I am expecting more with this one, but I’m actually not worried about Mariah, she always brings it!
Usher- Its about time. I really loved his last 3 albums so I know he will deliver.
Mariah- I cant wait too.
Cassie- Im rooting for you dont mess up this time around.
Judging by the leaked tracks and such of Usher, the new album won’t be nearly as good as Confessions imo
SHE IS MARIAH FUCKING CAREY, SHE REALLY DON’T HAVE SHIT TOO PROVE. HER VOICE IS ONE OF THE BEST AND SO IS HER WRITING. FURTHERMORE HER AND USHER ARE SO NOT ON THE SAME LEVEL.
BTW. i LIKE CASSIE. SHE IS NOT JANET, OR J.LO. OR WHATEVER BUT SHE DO HER THING
Usher I am waiting the cd I know it will be great. Confessions still play in the car.
I know Cassie is not serious about putting out another cd modeling is her true calling. Anytime she mentions singing Puff should make her watch her 106 performance.
Mariah I wait to hear her new music
Y in tha fu*k is Cassie in Step Up 2 cause Lord she cant dance?!? Cassie shud go bck 2 modling ! Cnt w8 4tha Usher album! Hpflly Mimi can school J-Lo hw 2 make a perfct cmeback!
The Return?!? To what? Please, Cassie, sit down somewhere. She is setting herself up talking about all this “growth”. Her voice isn’t strong, period, and she trying to make people think she is going to come out blowing. Yes, just like Rhianna, she is another record label puppet. Hook her up with hot producers and songwriters, get her a good stylist, and let her looks do the talking.
# 9…i thought i was the only one who had thought that…
“you can hear my vocals better…” hmmmm better??? i havent even heard her sing yet…more like talking…was practically a spoken word album that she released…LMAO
I bet you have grown up Cassie, Diddy is probably blowin that back out as we speak!!! I would like to hear MiMi and I wonder is f this album will match her last.
I liked Cassie’s song, “Long Way 2 Go”. I can’t speak for her other stuff, though. mariah will always sell because she is hot. ‘Nuff said.
Can’t wait fpr Mariah’s project. Usher and Cassie just make me sick… they get no support at all from me
Cassie: “You can hear my vocals better this time.”
…WHAT vocals?!? She needs to go somewhere with that BS.
i’m over Usher (no not b/c of his wife) i dunno he’s played out to me.
I like Cassie. I just hope her vocals are the real resaon her album does good. But please no more “dancing”
I like Mariah, but i’m tired of seeing the way she dress,lol. But real talk, all the tight clothes and miny skirts and whatnot, please put it to rest. I just hope her huge album sells don’t put a damper her success this time around, which it shouldn’t cause she did wait it out for awhile which was smart. As long as she comes with a new vibe than everything is hot.
@peacekeeper00 lmao abt tht pon de forehead cmmnt! Tht is dammm true!
*so typo.my bad
Really i wish nothin but the best for Cassie, she came out her first go round on a major label and tanked! lol! i dont mean that in a way as if she sucks but i mean that in a way as if her managment didnt know what the fuck they were doin. There are alot of singers out there who dont have so strong voices that sell out albums and records at an awesome rate so there is no reason that Cassie shouldnt be successful. Look at Brittany Spears. That hoe cant hold a note if she had it in a bucket and carried it to the studio, but look what she can do.
yea 8baller stop being messy
JANET N MARIAH ARE FRIENDS. AND THEY BOTH RULED THE 90S TOGETHER. SO MARIAH AINT SAVING SHIT NOR IS JANET.
JANET N MARIAH 2008!!!!!!!111
Waiting on both Usher and Mariah’s new stuff but the dates kep getting pushed back and you know if the execs are nervous the buyers will be as well. The leaked tracks Usher dropped at the end of last year aren’t giving me anything near what Confessions did, if he wants to sel he better produce a banger.
lol, Shawn2008 I was kidding.
Mariah and Janet in ’08..lol
LOVE USHER TO DEATH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I’m sure he won’t disappoint !!!
cassie…..child please!
Mr. Tameka I mean Usher needs to sit his butt down and help take care of that baby!!! no i’m just kidding, can’t wait for his new album
Cassie needs to stick to modeling and being Diddy’s jump-off; it’s getting her more press than her yelping I mean singing
Mariah should consider retiring; she’s got more than enough money and she looks like she’s starting a mid-life crisis wearing those teeny-weeny dresses and skirts at 38 years old
WASSUP WELL SHOOT HEARZ A NEW ARTIST THAT JUST GOT SIGNED TO MOTOWN RECORDS…HE GO BUY DA NAME OF YOUNG CASH HE IS WELL KNOWN DOWN HEAR..LOOK OUT 4 HISVIDEO LET ME SEE WHO ON DAT X FEAT.GOTTI AND FREEZE.. MIDGET MAC IS HIS HYPE MAN..BUT SHOOT CHECK OUT MY MYSPACE PAGE TO…
…OH YEAH ALSO CHECK OUT HIS OTHER JOINT MOTION PICTURE DAT BIT CLEAN
Usher looks like little Stevie Wonder in that pic
Can’t wait for Mi Mi!!! 08′ is her year!!!!
http://www.myspace.com/sirkassidy
cassie sucks
mariah carey i don’t give a damn
Could absolutely careless about anything usher releases.
I am anticipating Cassie’s new cd, just to see the growth she’s referring to, and i always thought she had a cute vote; everybody has something different to bring to the table, everybody won’t sound like church singers…i think Cassie can make it, sue me. She has a cute voice, and a incredible look; she just needs some work on her stage presence and performances.
I know Mimi’s will be tight, i’m not even tripping on that…just can’t wait to hear it though.
Can’t wait for the Mariah single… BTW Janet’s Feedback was the business.. that track is fierce!
I agree with #1.. Cassie is trying to do an ‘all grown up’ thing much like Rihanna’s ‘good girl gone bad’…
The problem is Cassie has no charisma… Rihanna is magical.. the girl has amazing looks, charm and charisma…
Cassie is just anotherone of Diddy’s concubines.
why usher look like ray charles in dat picture…..i wanna hear his new material but its almost like whatever with usher like he retired or something lol
and as far as cassie whoever said that shes working towards marketing herself like riri…please she was a hoe the minute she came out,she dont have to work towards it like rihanna lol (i like rihanna but you know what im sayin)…..just listen to me and you again (if you can stand it lol) she a pretty girl and people like her becuz of that so she’ll sell albums no matter what….lets hope her performances will be 80 percent better it should bring her to about 95 percent LOL!
Cassie please, fall back, go suck Leslie Ryan’s dick.
or Ryan Leslie, wateva
Definitely looking forward to hearing from Usher & Mariah!
As for Cassie, well… i think the only way she can really prove herself is until she can perform live, the album isn’t going to do much for me apart from some hot beats to dance to, cuz i gotta admit, ryan leslie is a hot producer!
cant weite for my men usher to put out his cd about time if his dame wife let him do what he surposed to and stop being a stop bitching so murch and let him do his job right and let his fans what left of his fans becouse of her demands. and let him be himself he knows that he have a baby to surport oh and his wife to but she is aready a big time azzzzzz rich women her ex is still giving her money for child surport and she aready have a clothing company in la far away from atl. she dont need usher money at all she need it becouse of her child that she clamed is usher.
can’t wait to hear that fiya from mariah, i bet she’ll bring it! It’s not a fluke
i think it’s too soon for mariah ….they wore out MiMi
So Mariah, J Hud, & Whitney (yes Whitney ‘the voice’ Houston) are all set to drop albums this year and yet, we’re discussing Cassie!! Any other year this ploy might have worked, but this year is all about the VOCAL DIVAS and Cassie is shit out of luck….Who needs Cassie when we’ve got Janet & Brit Brit; who can atleast put on a good show….Cassie who??: is what we’ll be saying by ’09
I look forward to hearing from them all, but I’m worried about the track called I’m that chick you like, come on Mariah you’re in your mid 30′s talking like a teenager, I hope it’s fire though, oops tamales, lol.
#57: “i think it’s too soon for mariah ….they wore out MiMi”
It will be 3 years by the time we get the album. This is the longest we’ve had to wait for a Mariah record. All the hardcore fans are losing their minds.
IMO they could’ve done more with ‘Mimi’. After Don’t Forget About Us, they waited until April to release Say Somethin’. Not only the nearly 3 month time gap, S.S. is arguably one of the weaker track. Everyone wanted Stay The Night, but they didn’t release it; sad b/c it would’ve been a huge hit; less than WBT, but more than ILT, SIO, & DFAU.