Houston rapper Chamillionaire will return March 27 with his sophomore album, “Ultimate Victory.” Specific details have yet to be announced for the follow-up to 2005’s “The Sound of Revenge,” which has sold 1.2 million copies in the United States, according to Nielsen SoundScan.
In addition, Chamillionaire will on Dec. 24 unveil “Mixtape Messiah 2” as a free download via his Web site. In January, a DVD edition of the project, featuring videos, behind-the-scenes footage and studio clips, will hit stores.
Every artist hates illegal downloading and I know it may seem like I’m supporting it, but I think people are just hungry for some good material,” he says.
— Jonathan Cohen, N.Y.
Former “American Idol” contestant Jennifer Hudson, who also co-stars in the upcoming film “Dreamgirls,” has inked a deal with Clive Davis’ Arista Records. The 25-yaer-old singer will begin recording her as-yet-untitled debut next year.
“Clive Davis is a legend and I feel more than honored to be associated with him,” says Hudson. “Because of his vision and hands on approach, Arista already feels like home. I can’t wait for us all to make beautiful music together.”
— Clover Hope, N.Y.
Scottish rock troupe Aereogramme will release its next effort, “My Heart Has a Wish That You Would Not Go,” Feb. 6 via Sonic Unyon Records. Produced by the band and Martin Doherty, the pensive set was inspired by guitarist/vocalist Craig B’s affliction with a throat infection and the many weeks he had to spend silent.
“My Heart” will be the follow-up to a pair of small projects the quartet released this year — first, the mini-album “Seclusion” and then a collaboration with instrumental metal act Isis, “In the Fishtank.” The group is in the midst of planning a North American tour, its first in nearly four years.
— Katie Hasty, N.Y.