L Briefs

Jigga back in print Rapper Jay-Z, also known as Jigga, has produced another album despite his reservations. The rapper reported that he felt it would be hard to follow up his last album, “The Blueprint.” “Blueprint 2: The Gift and the Curse” features 20 songs and four bonus tracks. The album is said to have a more eclectic feel than his last album, which was more soul- based. Jay-Z recorded with many well-known hit makers, such as The Neptunes, Kanye West, Dr. Dre, Timbaland, and Just Blaze. The eclectic sound of the album may be attributed to the vast array of artists the rapper worked with on the album.”Blueprint 2″ features the vocals of Lenny Kravitz, Pharrell Williams (The Neptunes), Scarface, Faith Evans and Beyonce Knowles (Destiny’s Child),

Christina Aguilera denies rumors Despite rumors, Christina Aguilera attests that she is not dating Justin Timberlake. Timberlake previously dated singer Britney Spears. Since then, it has been speculated that he is dating many others, including one of his back-up dancers, and singer Janet Jackson. Sources have been unable to pinpoint his exact love interest. As for Aguilera, she is looking for someone special but reports that she and Timberlake are “just friends”, according to www.people.com.

American Idol star signs record deal Justin Guarini may have come in second place on Fox’s “American Idol,” but a record deal with RCA has put him on top. RCA records signed Guarini a month after the American Idol results show, which announced Kelly Clarkson as the winner. All things are not final, but Guarini’s debut album will be released early next year. Guarini’s vocal talent can be heard on the “American Idol’s Greatest Moments.”

– compiled by Crishana Mitchell

Sources: www.mtv.com,www.ew.com, www.people.com