Ja Rule, Ashanti
and R. Kelly will appear on “Wonderful,” the first single from Ja
Rule’s upcoming R.U.L.E. Ja Rule’s album hits stores November
9, one week prior to the release of Ashanti’s third album, which is untitled.
Royce Da 5’9
is preparing to release a new album, M.I.C. The 16-track album is Royce’s
third release. The album is a collaborative effort between Royce and upcoming
producer Nottz. The album is being released through Sure Shot Recordings and
hits stores on Oct. 26.
BMI’s 2004
Urban Awards will be heavy on Hip-Hop performances this year, with such heavyweights
as Kanye West, Pharrell Williams and The Hip-Hop Violinist Miri Ben-Ari performing.
This year, The Inc.’s Lloyd and Teena Marie will give a tribute performance
to Al Green, recipient of this year’s Icon Award.
Ishmael “Butterfly”
Butler, formerly of Digable Planets, is featured in “A Sexy Love Fest,”
a dramatic collection of poetry, three one-act plays. Black and white photography
by actress Kimberly Scott (Soul Food) is showcased as well. The plays run from
August 26-29 at The Playwrights Horizons and one matinee at the Nuyoricans Poets
Café in New York on August 29.