I predict that three weeks from now, when the Soundscan numbers on Usher's latest opus are released, some suits in the (archaic) music industry will have one more argument in favor of the current system. There's nothing more that can be said about "Love In This Club" and if the ATL crooner is sticking to his M.O., then there's an even bigger hit within the other fifteen tracks on the album.

This is Ashanti's fourth studio album -- the first without Irv Gotti's supervision. The release date is set for June 3 and I figure she will do well given the great reception of her smash single "The Way That I Love You". The second single "Body on Me" with Nelly and Akon is a sure shot too. Can't say as much for the cover though. (Thank God we shouldn't judge the boo, errrr, CD by the...)

You'd be hard-pressed to recognize three quarters of the artists involved in this latest tribute for 2Pac. And maybe it's all for the best. The relative anonymity of the people behind the two-disc 29-track opus plays well to the objectives:

I'm Still lagging a little bit with the new stuff but I'm gettin' there. This edition has Big Boi and friends, Usher and friends, Busta Rhymes and friends, David Banner and a friend and some compelling singers to round out the selection. Peep game!