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 boo stop tring you cant sing
I can honestly say, I am just not eagerly anticipating anybody’s project with the exception of Mariah Carey. Usher, scratched himself off my list when he fired his Mum, knocked up Tameka (I am being NICE today), & then turned around & married the chick. & I would rather have my eyes gouged out than buy or hear ANYTHING that Cassie has going on. Stick to modeling chick!! Pretty, YES, Talented, HELL NO!!!
@16 and 20, Cassie got a record deal and a 2nd album because she’s screwing (and who knows what else-lol) Diddy. Period. She thought she could get some tracks like JLo did when she was his chick but JLo wasn’t a jump-off, she just hustled the hustler (had him all in love and whatnot). She can model but she can’t sing or dance worth a damn and needs to focus b/c not everyone is multi-talented. She has one noticeable gift–being skinny and photogenic like models are supposed to be. Triple-threat she is not! Usher’s wife ain’t letting him spend long hours in the studio away from her and the baby to make a hit. If she does, watch her be up in the video to keep him away from the video girls. I’m waiting on Mariah to put out a few jams and get a better stylist. We’ll see I guess…..
I think its going to be hard for both Mariah and Usher to match the sucesss of their previous CD’s. Although it will be hard for both of them I think Mariah has a much better chance than Usher, then again i may be bias cuz I have loved Mariah since I was like 11 or 12 years old and im 22 now. Although their is one of her CDS that i didnt get(charm bracelet) and one cd that i have thats only good for like 2 or 3 songs ( Glitter) ANYHOW lol back to my original point Usher is going to have sumthin pretty bangin to start off with to get back a lot of the fans he has lost
Cassie just needs to stick to modeling…she’s looking FAB these days!
I can’t wait for Usher’s new album but “Confessions” was one of the best CDs ever, it had a lot of great tracks. I don’t know if he’ll be able to top that. I totally agree with #8. Can’t wait for Mariah either. Hopefully they won’t disappoint like all the CDs that have been released lately—they were all disappointments/with no more than 2 or 3 good songs. Mario is alright though if you haven’t heard it!
@Renae, Yeah I agree Mario’s newest CD is HOT!! It’s called GO & there isn’t a track I don’t like to listen to. Like I said, I am pretty much done with Usher, but I love Mariah Carey so she is high on my anticipation list. She can sing, even if can’t dress lol. (although I DO love that outfit she rocked when she was in Aspen for Christmas with the flightsuit!!!)
cassie should really just stick to modeling….im not hating either just being honest shes a beautiful girl but her voice is not great and her dacning needs a lot of work.
Mariah someone with a “real” voice i cant wait till her cd comes out!
Looking forward to Usher’s and Mariah’s projects.
I wanna hear a little usher,So I’ll be looking forward to his album more than Mariah’s.with Usher..you can always be sure that he’ll be releasing something good.Not no half-done album..with a few good tracks.So,I’m glad he’s making folks wait.
i CANT FKIN WIAT $ USHER AN MERIAH THEY GANNNNNNNNNNNA KILL THE NEW YR
usher…..i hope u dnt flop
cassie u cant sing…face it
mariah dnt care to be honest
@ DAREALWIFEY, actually I think it would be good if MC and JJ had a little competition with each other because that turned out really great for Kanye and 50. It would be hard to fake a rivalry, though, because the two are known to have mucho respect for each other.
WOW…Mariah and Janet both making a comeback eh?
I am so ready for some Usher. I cannot wait.
I hope Cassie is successful again.
Can’t wait for Ush or MiMi. Interested in seeing if either of them can top their last albums.
@Networking… I have to agree, 8701 was fire!
Cassie go sit down sweetie. WILL NOT be previewing anything from her. If Diddy won’t tell you I will. You are not a singer, modeling is your calling.
im happy for all of them!!!
Ah what more can we say besides KING and Queen of RnB (MIss Mariah Carey & Usher)….absolutely can’t wait for their album to be released….it’s gonna go OFF
as for miss Cassie………not much to say at all……
I knew all that cheating on Chili was gon’ come back and bite you in the ass. Instead of making an album, take yo “itchy” ass to the doctor.