Will Rozonda ‘Chilli’ Thomas bring the heat?

Will Rozonda ‘Chilli’ Thomas bring the heat?
Original Date: 16 Dec 2006
http://www.chilli-online.net/main.php?subaction=showfull&id=1166252187

Over the last few weeks, I’ve been scouting out various news sites, blogs and communities on discussions concerning Chilli’s upcoming solo LP. Certainly Akon’s Konvicted album promotion has created a buzz (as it was intended to do), and what we’ve grown to know is that the internet will often dish it out as it is. My overall conclusion was that the general opinions on Chilli’s upcoming album thus far are mixed; ranging from great excitement to claims of not caring about it at all.

The one response that has stuck out in my mind is “she was a third leg in the group,” in which we all know to be inaccurate, yet similar statements have been made (including preferences of a Tionne “T-boz” Watkins LP). “No Scrubs,” which broke numerous records and garnered numerous awards dispels that. Chilli has proven that she can hold her own, however, regardless of past success; Rozonda needs to bring it, because it will not be easy. Signing with Akon just might have been the right move.

Akon recently elaborates on Konvict Muzik and Chilli’s record deal, on (craveonline.com), saying ‘Konvict derives from a company called K.L.D., (or) Kon Live Distribution, that’s, like, the mother-ship of all the companies. And, Konvict (Muzik) happens to be one of ‘em. And, then, of course, we have K.L.D. (which) is more of on the pop (music) side of things, like I just signed Chilli (from TLC), who will be on that side. We’re working her current solo album (executive produced by Missy Elliott) now.’ Akon has already mentioned that ‘She's going to give Britney Spears, Beyonce, all them literally, a run for their money on the stage’on channel4.com, so with such bold statements, she has no choice but to release a compelling record. It certainly increases expectations.

At any rate, she is already commentating on current female artists, the same women she will be competing for radio spins with in the future. Chilli appears in the Rap-Up's Winter 06/07 issue featuring The Game and Mya covers, in a page/article called “Stylin’ With Chilli,” as she critiques fellow female artists; Amerie, Cassie, Fergie, Brooke Hogan, Jojo and Lil Kim. “With sights set for a 2007 release, the mother of one broke from her recording routine to give today's lyrical ladies a tip on what is and isn't crazy, sexy or cool," but does she herself really have her house in order? Surly her attire on TRL a few weeks ago was not stellar. Fans can only hope that she brings it and can rise to the occasion as the women she has critiqued.

With hints of production by Missy Elliott, the Black Eyed Peas' Will.i.am and Timbaland, things are looking as if it will be sure fire. R&B singer from the South “Earl Ray”, who’s also signed to a similar deal as Chilli is also rumored to have worked on her album along with T-Pain (who was the first artist that we signed through Konvict Muzik). In any case, we’ll have to wait around for the first single to drop.

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