Black Music Notes Sept. 1

• 9/1/10: Israel Houghton
  This week award-winning Gospel singer Israel Houghton released his tenth studio album, 'Love God, Love People' on Integrity Music/Columbia Records. For his latest opus Houghton tapped various artist such as Kirk Franklin, Fred Hammond, Take 6's Claude V. McKnight, III, and Mark Kibble among others. In support of 'Love God, Love People' the multi-talented singer-songwriter is scheduled sit in alongside Rickey Minor of The Tonight Show Band on Sept. 8. 'Love God, Love People' contains the number one most added song and current single 'You Hold My World.'
  
  
  
  
  

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• 9/1/10: Drake
  Although Drake delayed his much anticipated June debut, 'Thank Me Later,' over the course of the last year, the Grammy Award nominee may release another project before January. Young Money president and Lil Wayne associate, Mack Maine recently revealed that the Toronto native is eyeing to release his forthcoming opus around the holidays. "It makes sense," Mack recently explained to 'MTV News.' "Like DMX and those guys [at Def Jam]. They dropped two in one year. I think 50 [Cent] did two in one year. If it wasn't a year, it was right around that time. [Drake's] hot like that. Why not? Give them what they want." As of press time there is no official release date or title set for Drake's upcoming album.
  
  
  
  
  

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• 8/27/10: Lauryn Hill
  In the midst of performing at this year's Rock the Bells music festival, Lauryn Hill is reportedly back in the studio recording new songs. Despite a previously unreleased track, 'Repercussions,' leaking to the web a few weeks ago, the song's producer recently revealed that the track is newly recorded. "No, this is not an out take from the Miseducation album, it is a 'work in progress,' Dana Rivera revealed this week to TheYBF.com. "Lauryn's ability to move from smooth vocals to rippin' a rap verse is necessary to make 'Repercussions' complete."
  
  
  
  

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• 8/27/10: Amanda Diva
  Don't call it a comeback! BlackVoices very own Amanda Diva is back on the music scene with her blazing new single aptly titled, 'Brand New.' The stylish television personality and former Floetry songstress is currently wrapping up her forthcoming Oct. 4 EP, 'Technicolor Lover,' which features an array of producers including Ski Beatz, Kovas, and BlacSoap among others. According to Diva, who is also the host of her bi-weekly BlackVoices show 'The Spark' and Creative Control's 'Technicolor Lover,' long time fans won't be disappointed by the new release in which she describe as the; "Same vibe, same soul, strong lyrics, lots of harmonies, and big ol' beats!" Adding that; "Folks won't be disappointed. The growth is apparent!"
  
  
  
  

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• 8/27/10: Jay-Z
  Jay-Z's 2009 chart-topping hit 'Empire State of Mind' has not only become the World Series anthem of the New York Yankees, but it has also led to the mogul landing a new business deal with the franchise. Hov is teaming up with the Bronx Bombers on co-branded merchandise that will be sold exclusively at Yankee Stadium from Aug. 30 to Sept. 14. The joint venture is in celebration of the debut concerts set to take place at the new Yankee Stadium on Sept. 13 and 14 in which Jay will co-headline alongside Eminem
  
  
  
  

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• 8/25/10: Bilal
  With his third studio project 'Airtight's Revenge' set to hit stores on Sept. 14, R&B crooner Bilal is gearing up to hit the road for a 20-city tour. Although the Grammy nominated singer recently completed his sold out European outing last month, he has expressed his excitement on interacting with fans. "I'm really excited to get on the road and share this new music with my fans," he said. "They have supported me over the years when I didn't even have an album out so I want to get back out there and not only have fun with them but also thank them for their years of support." Bilal's 2010 North American tour begins on Sept. 15 in Boston and concludes on Oct. 28 in Los Angeles.
  
  
  
  

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• 8/25/10: Cali Swag District
  Following their chart-topping hit single, 'Teach Me How To Dougie,' California's newest hip hop crew, Cali Swag District has landed on top of the #1 slot with their follow up single 'Where You Are.' The track, which samples Michael Jackson's timeless classic 'I Wanna Be Where You Are,' is featured off of Cali Swag District's debut album, 'The Kickback' due in stores on Oct. 12.
  
  
  
  

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• 8/25/10: Janelle Monae
  When it comes to specializing in women's curves Levi's jeans are known satisfy thousands of customers. Hence, the iconic jean company giving away 1,000 pairs of jeans to women on Aug. 27 during their 'Wear What Fits' event in exchange of a donation to Goodwill. Bad Boy recording artist Janelle Monae will be in attendance at New York's Bryant Park to keep fans entertained for a good cause.
  
  
  
  

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• 8/23/10: Trick Daddy
  Rapper Trick Daddy has taken his pen to paper for a memoir titled 'Magic City: Trials of a Native Son,' due out in stores in November. The self-proclaimed "Mayor of Miami" (legally known as Maurice Young) will detail his rags to riches journey from being a pimp's son with a life threatening medical condition to becoming of one of rap music's royalty. The autobiography is written with award-winning journalist Peter Bailey and will be published by MTV/Gallery Books.
  
  
  
  

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• 8/19/10: Marvin Sapp
  Chart-topping gospel singer-songwriter Marvin Sapp has released some of his 'Best' work in recent months. Hence the success of the lead single from his latest opus 'Here I Am,' which has remain at the #1 slot for 23 consecutive weeks on Gospel radio. Since its March release, 'Here I Am' has also been #1 on Billboard's Gospel Albums sales chart.
  
  
  
  

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