*“Release Therapy,” the upcoming album from Ludacris, is scheduled to drop on Sept. 26 led by the Pharrell-produced current single “Money Maker.” Describing the album title, Luda said in a statement: "Music is therapeutic. When I say 'Release Therapy,' I just mean in what I do and speaking out. It is my release therapy, music, period. Every album I get more and more personal, start talking about issues that people would be surprised about or maybe didn't think I would say. I'm about to release."
*Patti LaBelle forgot to bring a change of clothes to her latest performance, a private fundraiser at the Hamptons home of Jill and Cliff Viner for the Diabetes Research Institute. After getting off stage, she realized she had nothing to wear on her trip back to Manhattan. "So she borrowed a terry-cloth bathrobe from her hostess and was driven back to her hotel in nothing but the bathrobe and stiletto heels," an amused guest told the New York Post.
*The release date for "Colorblind," the second studio album from Robert Randolph & The Family Band led by pedal steel guitarist Robert Randolph, has been moved to October 10th. The group’s follow-up to 2003’s Grammy-nominated debut, "Unclassified," is a potent mix of rock, R&B, country, blues, and gospel that Randolph says was inspired by repeated listenings of albums by Sly Stone, Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, and Stevie Wonder. The band is currently on tour in the U.S. with Dave Matthews Band for several shows, and is also confirmed to perform at the Aspen Jazz Festival with Kanye West on Sept. 2.
*It’s only been a few days since news of Elton John’s yearning to make a hip hop album became public, and already 50 Cent is putting in his bid for a collaboration. "Elton John has incredible talent,” he said, according to Contact Music. "Actually he was meant to come out and record some stuff with me, but it didn't happen. Maybe in the future." Meanwhile, the rapper has taken to calling himself the “George W. Bush of hip hop.” “Nobody likes me, but I'm still gonna run it for the next four years," he explains.
*John Legend says his upcoming album, “Once Again,” won’t stray too far from the silky magic of his Grammy-winning 2004 debut, “Get Lifted.” "It's not dramatically different but I think people will see it as a growth and an extension for me,” the 27-year-old told AP. “It's a richer sound. The production is more developed. ... I just tried to do it with the highest standards of quality." Due Oct. 24, “Once Again” includes the current single “Save Room,” and a track featuring Mary J. Blige. "She's really sweet and she's very easy to work with ... very humble," he said. "It was kind of refreshing."