Music News 9-8-06

I Want to Sex U Up: Tamyra Gray, 27, of American Idol fame, recently wed 36 year old Sam Watters in Italy. Now you might be asking why her hubby looks so familiar… Sam was a member of the 90s R&B group Color Me Badd. I was curious myself to hear what he’s been up to since then. He has been working as a writer and music producer. Actually, he co-wrote Jessica Simpson’s new pop single “Public Affair”.

More AI News:

• Mario Vasquez, who is known for “mysteriously” dropping out of the American Idol competition after making the finals, will be releasing his debut album on Arista on September 26. Sources say that producer Scott Storch and Daddy Yankee worked on his project. His first single, “Gallery” (written by Ne-Yo), is already a favorite on the charts.
• The most recent AI winner, Taylor Hicks, is already working on his album despite the fact he is currently touring with the other finalists. Hicks says that his sound will be soulful with a mix of old school R&B and new wave edge. (whatever that means) His target release is around Christmas ’06. He’s being pretty tight-lipped on a few things, but he has mentioned that he’s received music from Michael McDonald and John Mayer.
  
  Diddy is going to be a daddy again, and again: Yes, he and his long time girlfriend Kim Porter recently announced that they are expecting twins! The couple already has a son Christian, age 8, and Diddy has a 12 year old son named Justin from a previous relationship.
  
  Mike who?: Mike Jones has just started working on his new project, a concurrent album and film both titled “American Dream”. The film is supposed to tell his life story of rising from the streets and finding his way through music. (Haven’t Eminem, 50 Cent and Fantasia already done that?) Producers include Gregory Anderson from ‘Trois’ and Keith Paschall of Rap City.
  
  Old School: Lionel Richie is preparing to begin his “Coming Home Tour” in early October. Pre-sale tickets will benefit United Way. His new song “I Call It Love” has already hit #1 on the Adult R&B Charts. His album will be released on September 12 with Island Def Jam. On this project,he has collaborated with Jermaine Dupri, Dallas Austin, and Rapael Saadiq in hopes of “building a bridge between generations” with his new music. From hearing the first single and seeing the video…. I’d have to say mission accomplished.