Lauryn Hill’s Got a New Album?

Lauryn Hill admirers will be blessed to know that the artist is back on beat with new music and may be prepping a new album.

According to producer and friend, Dana Rivera, who co-wrote Hill’s leaked track “Repercussions,” she’s back.

Rivera said “Repercussions” wasn’t a mistake.

“No, this is not an out take from ‘The Miseducation’ album, it is a work in progress,” he told TheYbf.com. “Lauryn’s ability to move from smooth vocals to rippin a rap verse is necessary to make ‘Repercussions’ complete.” Rivera didn’t confirm or deny whether or not Hill is getting ready for a new album, however.

Speculation regarding whether or not the 35-year-old is prepping an anthology began when she participating in a few performances in the past few months.

Her recent “come-back performance” gave a glimmer of hope to fans that she may be bringing out a new set of songs. If in actuality Hill decides to bead new music, she has a big job to do. Her debut album sold eight million in the U.S. alone, and the songstress garnered a whopping 10 Grammy nods, five of which she won, being the first female solo artist to receive so many nominations.

Janet Jackson Considers Indie Route for Next CD

Janet Jackson says she’s considering signing with an independent music label to handle her future releases.

The singer, who ended her contract with Island Records in 2008, has expressed she wants to maintain control over the material she produces.

“All the major labels have called and they want to sit down and talk about me signing,” she told The Mirror. “But I need to figure out if that’s the route I want to take or if I want to do something more independent.”

She added that she is still weighing her options to decide what would be best for her career.

“The latter might be better, where I’d be able to call the shots when creating my own album. I haven’t decided,” she explained.

Brandy Denies Having Unfair ‘Dancing’ Advantage

Seems as though every season of “Dancing with the Stars” books at least one contestant criticized for having an unfair dance advantage.

In the recent past, singers Mya and Nicole Scherzinger – both trained dancers as well – were given that tag from the outset, although both claimed the show’s ballroom dancing was an entirely different beast than the contemporary moves used in their stage acts and videos.

This year, it appears as if Brandy has taken on that criticism.

The R&B singer and actress recently began rehearsals with professional partner Maksim Chmerkovskiy for the 11th season of the ABC competition. Speaking to PA about her prior experience, she echoes what Mya and Nicole have said in previous seasons.

“It’s nothing compared [to 'Dancing with the Stars']. I’ve imitated a lot of the choreography that I’ve learned in the past, but it’s nothing like what I’m learning on this show,” Brandy says. “You really have to look good from all angles.”

She added that she is particularly “looking forward” to learning the salsa, explaining: “I want to be able to move with my hips – it’s going to be great!”

“Dancing with the Stars” premieres Sept. 20 on ABC.

T.I. & Tiny: Ecstasy Confirmed; Mug Shots; Ne-Yo Comments

TMZ is reporting that the drugs found in T.I.’s car during their traffic stop were indeed ecstasy pills.

As previously reported, T.I. and his wife Tameka “Tiny” Cottle were arrested for felony drug possession after cops pulled them over on the Sunset Strip for making an illegal U-turn. The vehicle was searched after police said they smelled marijuana. A “controlled substance” was found during the search, police said.

The website cites sources who say a lab determined the drugs were ecstasy after running them through the proper tests.

The couple are out on $10,000 bail and are due in court today. The arrest occurred while T.I. is on three years probation in a weapons case.

Meanwhile, Ne-Yo was asked about the arrest while doing press interviews for his upcoming joint venture with Moet & Chandon. The R&B crooner says T.I. is one of the smartest people in the music industry, but it’s time he gets his act together.

“I feel that he makes a lot of poor decisions when it comes to the people that he surrounds himself with,” Ne-Yo told The Associated Press Thursday.

The singer said he’s not familiar with the company T.I. surrounds himself with, but “nine times out of 10 when he gets in trouble, it’s not him, it’s the people that he’s with.”