New Al Green album titled Lay It Down
Al Green's upcoming new album that was co-produced by the Roots' Ahmir "?uestlove" Thompson and keyboardist James Poyser is set for a May release date. The effort will be titled "Lay It Down" and is due May 27. The album features guest appearances from John Legend, Corinne Bailey Rae and Anthony Hamilton, the Dap-King Horns, guitarist Chalmers "Spanky" Alford and bassist Adam Blackstone. Meanwhile, The Roots' new album "Rising Down" will be released.

New Fabolous effort concept album
Fabolous' next album will be inspired by a film. The as-yet-untitled album is due in August and will feature production from DJ Toomp, Kanye West, Just Blaze, Swizz Beatz and Polow Da Don. A promotional track will be released to radio in May. Fabolous recently also collaborated with Janet Jackson, Rocko, Red Cafe, DJ Drama and Britney Spears.

Keith Sweat album set for May release date
Keith Sweat will release a new album on May 6. The set will be titled "Just Me" and is his first new studio album since 2002's "Rebirth." Expeted guest appearances will include Keyshia Cole and Athena Cage, who also featured on Sweat’s his hit "Nobody" from 1996. Sweat collaborated with Teddy Riley, Roy Battle and the Ambassadorz on the album. Lead single "Suga Suga Suga" featuring Paisley Bettis is out now.

Lil Mama debut album set for April
Lil Mama's debut album "VYP - Voice Of The Young People" will be out on April 29. The album has already spawned the hit "Lip Gloss" and second single "Shawty Get Loose" featuring Chris Brown and T-Pain. The new effort is expected to include songs produced by Swizz Beatz, the Runners, Nate "Danja" Hills, Scott Storch, Cool & Dre and Dr. Luke, among others and will also be available in a deluxe edition with bonus tracks and a DVD. Meanwhile Lil Mama can be seen as a judge on the MTV show "Randy Jackson Presents America's Best Dance Crew."

Former Destiny's Child member Michelle Williams to release third solo album
Former Destiny's Child member Michelle Williams will release her third solo album "Unexpected" in August. According to sources that attended a preview session it is a pop and dance record, but cannot be called “dance." The album is a clear move away from the gospel-leaning "Do You Know" album from 2004. Meanwhile, Williams played the role of Shug Avery in Oprah Winfrey's Chicago-based cast of "The Color Purple" last year. "Unexpected" features production by Stargate, Rico Love, the Heavyweights, Wayne Wilkins, Andrew Frampton and SoulShock & Karl. First single off the album is "We Break The Dawn," which is set for an April release date while the Stargate-produced "Stop This Car" will be the second single.

New Costello album on vinyl only with digital download code
Elvis Costello's next solo studio album "Momofuku" will be out on April 22. Initially, the effort will be released on vinyl only, with a digital download code included in the package. The album is the follow-up to "The Delivery Man" from 2004.

The Supremes release rare and extended tracks
About 50 rare Supremes tracks will be released on a new 2-CD set, titled "Let The Music Play: Supreme Rarities 1960-1969." The set is due on April 29 and features alternate versions or vocals on favorites such as "You Can't Hurry Love," "Back in My Arms Again," "Someday We'll Be Together" and "I'll Set You Free." Additionally, extended or alternate mixes of "Uptight," "I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch)" and "Don't Let True Love Die" will be included. Also, covers of Tom Jones' "It's Not Unusual," the Rolling Stones' "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction," and the Beatles' "I Saw Her Standing There" and "MacArthur Park" feature.

Queen & Paul Rodgers working on new album
Queen & Paul Rodgers will do a four-month European tour this fall in support of their new as-yet-untitled studio album. The new Queen effort is scheduled a September 1 release date in Europe with a US date still pending. The Queen tour will visits 14 countries, beginning September 16. The tour will be wrapped up at the end of 2008 with a visit to South America.

Yes celebrate 40th anniversary with tour and live album
Yes will celebrate their 40th anniversary with a US arena tour, beginning July 12. Besides the tour, Yes will also be releasing a live album to celebrate the occasion. The band's current lineup includes founding vocalist Jon Anderson and bass player Chris Squire with musicians Steve Howe, Alan White and Oliver Wakeman, who is the son of former Yes keyboard player Rick Wakeman, joining.