Your Summertime Music Must-Haves

By Yaminah Ahmad May 27, 09:41 AM

Need a break from watching Hillary and Obama like they're the latest reality show? Turn off "As the Presidential Election Turns," turn on your iPod, and get ready to download some of this year's highly anticipated album releases or revisit some of your favorites.

Usher, Here I Stand, LaFace Records

May 27

It's been four years since Usher's nine-time platinum album, Confessions, was released. But Tameka's baby's daddy is back and ready to recapture the title "Mr. Entertainment." While the first single, "Love in This Club," is an obvious radio-friendly song, the 17-track effort is a grown and sexy version of the once teen-age heartthrob.

Fergie, The Dutchess Deluxe Edition, A&M Music

May 27

Ms. Fergalicious is re-releasing her debut solo album with four new tracks, which include "Party People," featuring Nelly, "Barracuda" - (a remake from the 80s group Heart), "Clumsy" (Collipark Remix) featuring Soulja Boy Tell'Em and "Labels and Love," - the new "Sex and the City" theme song. With five #1 singles from this album, she truly is living the glamorous life.

Amy Winehouse, Frank Bonus CD, Deluxe Edition, Universal Music

June 3

This double-disc entrée features all the tracks from the troubled British singer's first album plus 17 bonus songs, remixes and exclusive studio sessions. Let's hope this holds us over until the beehive-wearing songtress decides to go to rehab.

Lil Wayne, Tha Carter III, Cash Money Records

June 10

Wayne has got to be the hardest working man in hip hop. He has over 70 guest features since his last album in 2005 and also released a duet project with his "father" Birdman in 2006. If the album is anything like the sugary single, "Lollipop," this summer is going to be sweet.

Rihanna, Girl Gone Bad: Reloaded, Mercury Music

June 27

This Bahamas mama is working overtime. In addition to touring with Kanye on the Glow in the Dark tour, lil Ms. Ri Ri just released her newest single, "Take a Bow" to promote the release of the deluxe edition of her sophomore album. There's a DVD with behind-the-scene footage and two new songs, one which is a cover of Maroon 5's "If I Never See Your Face Again," featuring the multi-platinum group.

Robin Thicke, Something Else, Interscope

Available in July

The blue-eyed soul singer and his label are being tight lipped about his upcoming album, "Something Else." The first single, "Magic," sounds like a party anthem celebrating the love between him and his beautiful wife, actress Paula Patton. It's good to know trying something new can prove to be something else.

Nas, Untitled, Def Jam

July 1

This has definitely been the most controversial rap album anticipated this year. Now that nasty Nas has dropped the title "Nigger," Def Jam is moving forward with releasing the project. Collaborations are scheduled to include Rick Ross, stic.man of Dead Prez and the LOX. Is it worth the hype? We'll find out July 1.

The Game, LAX, RBC Music

July 8

If Compton's finest is trying to create a buzz by posing on the cover of The Source magazine with a gun pointed under his chin, he's succeeded. With his frustrations over the music biz, The Game is threatening that this could be his third and final solo album. Better get it while the getting is good.

Ne-Yo, Year of the Gentleman, Def Jam

August 5

Looks like Grammy award-winning singer/songwriter Ne-Yo is claiming this year for the ladies (and some men). While touring with Alicia Keys' As I Am tour, the soft-spoken crooner is wrapping up his third solo project for an August release. He says fans can expect much of the same, good music. But he's looking to take it back to the 'Rat Pack' days with suits and dresses and class. Nothing against white tees, but I think sistas are ready for some gentleman energy.

Nelly, Brass Knuckles, Universal Music

August 19

You'd think Nelly's upcoming project had the word "Nigger" in the title the way this project has been pushed back. The latest release date is in August with guest features by Akon, Avery Storm, Babyface, Chuck D, Lil Wayne, Pimp C, Rick Ross, Snopp Dogg and T.I. The St. Louis rap lieutenant says the title explains how hard the album is going to hit the industry. Let's hope.