Method Man has confirmed reports of a forthcoming joint album with fellow Wu-Tang Clan members Ghostface and Raekwon. Speaking briefly with MTV at this year’s VH1 Hip-Hop Honors ceremony, Meth addressed the rumors nearly one month after Ghostface spoke on the possibility of a joint LP due out in late 2009 or early 2010. "It feels great," said the rapper and actor, who, in addition to Wu-Tang’s group albums, has collaborated with Redman on two joint projects. "Rae got the album out, Ghost is coming with his album, and all three of us got the album together. And you hearing it here first. I ain't never said it on tape. ... Method, Raekwon, Ghostface — new album."
Also announcing a new album is unofficial Slaughterhouse frontman Joe Budden. According to E1 Music, the New Jersey emcee’s third solo effort this year, Escape Route will be available October 6 as a joint release with Amalgam Digital. “Escape Route is a precursor to what may very well be the best Joe Budden album ever: The Great Escape,” Budden reveals. “It’s filled with the lyricism and passion that Joe Budden fans have come to love me for.” The 12-track LP features appearances by Young Chris and Budden’s Slaughterhouse team.
On the heals of his public rift with Lil’ Wayne’s Young Money Entertainment, R&B singer Omarion has inked a new label deal with EMI Music Group just in time for the release of his third studio album. Ollusion is set for release on November 24 on Starworld Entertainment through EMI Label Services. “I am very excited about my new home at EMI and know that this is the perfect opportunity for me to return to the charts,” the former B2K singer says of his new situation, adding that this album is his “masterpiece.” To support the project, Omarion will embark on a promo tour, bringing his first single “I Get It In” to radio stations across the country. Unlike the leaked version of the single, which may have been the reason for Omarion’s split from Young Money, the official version of the song features a guest appearance by Gucci Mane, not Weezy.
Dallas newcomer Dorrough is celebrating two career milestones this week. The rapper’s hit debut single “Ice CreamPaint Job” has been certified Gold by the RIAA, after selling over 500,000 digital units. The song was the lead single to Dorrough’s August 4 debut Dorrough Music, which debuted at the #1 position on the Billboard Independent Chart and #3 on the magazine’s Hip Hop Chart. His early successes have earned Dorrough three nominations at this year’s BET Hip-Hop Awards. The clip for “Ice Cream Paint Job” is up for bost Best Hip-Hop Video and the Viewers’ Choice Award, while the rapper himself has been nominated for Rookie of the Year.
