-Ray J’s Knockout Entertainment and E1 Music (formerly Koch Records) have joined forces on a soundtrack album for the singer’s VH1 reality show, “For the Love of Ray J.” The show’s theme song, “Sexy Ladies,” doubles as the first single from the CD, which will be released March 24.

Rounding out the album is a mix of new and remixed/re-mastered material. Ray J is also recording a new E1/Knockout Entertainment studio album due later this year.


-Lionel Richie, Ryan Leslie, Melanie Fiona, Charlie Wilson and Little Freddie
King have been added to the lineup for the 2009 Essence Music Festival (July 3-5 in New Orleans). They join such previously announced acts as Beyoncé, Maxwell, Al Green and John Legend. In what has become an annual tradition since the festival’s 1995 inception, Frankie Beverly and Maze will close out the festival during a special Essence tribute to the group.