NEWS: 22-3-07 :: Houston back in the lab :: Consequence issues challenge :: Banks tours Oz

Whitney Houston visited an LA recording studio recently to begin work on a new record. She was accompanied by songwriter Johnta Austin (Mariah Carey, Aaliyah, Toni Braxton, Janet Jackson). Clive Davis is cosigning Houston's comeback and helping her choose songwriters - these include Ne-Yo, R. Kelly, John Legend, and Diane Warren.

The 6th Annual Hip Hop Congress Conference will take place in Athens, OH July 4-8, where chapters nation-wide and Hip-Hop artists will come together and discuss issues related to urban music. The Hip Hop Congress is a non-Profit organization that was created to promote civic action and cultural creativity within the Hip-Hop community. With over 35 chapters throughout the country, The Hip-Hop Congress works with artists, organizers, promoters and a host of other universities and institutions to unite, educate, and empower individuals through Hip-Hop music.

Macy Gray is back with a dynamic new effort that spotlights her classic pipes in a variety of soulful and stylistic settings. On March 24th Macy Gray will release her long awaited new album “BIG” on the will.i.am music group/Geffen Records label. She joins Grammy-winning, platinum superstar Fergie as the second artist to be released under the will.i.am music group banner.

Chamillionaire is ready to help aspiring artists get some deserved shine. The rapper announced recently that he has teamed up with Energizer to help find new talent with their Energizer e2 Titanium Technology Freestylin' Music Contest. After receiving overwhelming entries in 2006 with the help of Slim Thug, Energizer enlists the help of celebrity judge, Chamillionaire. The contest's winner will meet Chamillionaire and perform live at DUB Magazine's 2007 Custom Auto Show and Concert in Atlanta, GA, in May.

Beanie Sigel has been resurfacing recently. A week after celebrating his birthday at Jay-Z's 40/40 Club in New York with all the Roc-A-Fella staff present, Beanie has confirmed that he is back with Roc-A-Fella.

Eminem and his ex-wife Kim Mathers have reached an agreement in court to not criticize each other in public. Both sides agreed that making slanderous comments in the media would eventually have an adverse reaction on their daughter.

Doug E. Fresh will deliver the keynote address at Howard University's 2nd Annual Hip-Hop and Higher Education Symposium, which takes place on campus March 30. This year's theme is "Hip-Hop for the 21st Century: Bridging the Gap Between the Academy, the Industry and Underground Hip-Hop." The event, which is free and open to the public is a repository of black history and culture. In addition to Doug E. Fresh, the 2nd Annual Hip-Hop and Higher Education Symposium will feature appearances by rapper Consequence, BET's 106 & Park hosts Terrence J and Rocsi, Shakir Stewart (Sr. VP of A&R, IDJMG) and Melyssa Ford.

Eazy-E’s daughter and recent MTV My Super Sweet Sixteen star is preparing to drop an album toward the end of 2007. Erin Bria Wright, called “E.B.,” will drop her first solo album on EazyStreet Entertainment.

G.O.O.D. Music recording artist Consequence is issuing a challenge to those doubting the quality of his album Don't Quit Your Day Job. He is offering to issue a refund to anyone who doesn't find a song they like. Consequence said those wishing to claim the refund can contact him via his MySpace page at www.myspace.com/constothequence for additional details. Don't Quit Your Day Job debuted at #1 on Billboard's New Artist chart, but the album only sold 7,490 units its first week in stores.

The Edge is proud to announce that Lloyd Banks is returning to Australia to entertain hip hop fans with his energetic and exciting live show.

Thursday April 5th – ADELAIDE – All ages show @ St Pauls.
Saturday April 7th - SYDNEY – All ages show @ Luna Park – Big Top.
Monday April 9th – PERTH – All ages show @ Metro Superclub.
Tuesday April 10th – GOLD COAST – Bedroom Nightclub.
Wednesday April 11th – MELBOURNE – All ages show @ Festival Hall.