BRANDY GOING BACK TO HER ROOTS WITH RICO LOVE ON NEW ALBUM

Just days after announcing that she's inked a new record deal with RCA/Chameleon Records, Brandy is looking to change the R&B game once again (like she did back in the day with Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins). This time the singer is returning to her R&B roots and has hired hit maker Rico Love (Rihanna, Usher, Kelly Rowland) to work his magic on her new album. 

“I’m excited about the records I’ve done with her so far. I think we need to make it classic, just the music that people love,” the Division1 CEO told Rap-Up.com. “There’s no real formula to it. I just believe in a strong melody and a strong concept. You add a great singer, especially a singer that has had the success that Brandy’s had, and a hit song is a no-brainer.”

Just don't expect her hip hop alter ego Bran'Nu to make an appearance anytime soon: 

“That’s what I’m going for, just classic R&B. Great concepts, great vocals,” added Love, who’s recently been in the studio working on tracks with Mary J. Blige and Usher.

“I push her to the limit vocally, same way I push Mary, same way I push Usher, same way I push Mario, Kelly. I just push people. If I know how great they can sing, I’m gonna push them that much harder. It’s like a coach who has the best player, you just want to make sure you run him to death in practice, so that they can perform to the best of their ability when it’s game time.”

That's just what Brandy needs. Not only someone to believe in her, but someone to push her beyond her comfort zone. Producers who have the balls to do that always craft out the best work within themselves and their artists. I just can't wait to get a taste of what they've cooked up in the studio, because now that brandy's the hungriest she's ever been, you know it's going to be epic! My only fear is that with Brandy working with Rico Love has me a bit worried because he did a few tracks on KRow's album and the songs they did (although very catchy and safe) were generic R&B tracks. I also hope the microwave brains who worship the blank pretentiousness of Beyonce and Gaga will open up their minds to some real music for once. Brandy's untitled new album, which I'm hearing will feature contributions from Frank Ocean and Chris Brown will be in stores early 2012.