November 4, 2000 12:00

STONE ME, IT'S ARETHA!

The soul diva and the famed singer-songwriter team up...

Following the success of her critically acclaimed comeback album, 'A Rose Is Still A Rose' (the title track of which was produced by The Fugees' Lauryn Hill ), it has emerged that The Queen Of Soul, Aretha Franklin is to release another album.

The main surprise is that the currently untitled project (due next year) will be overseen by famed singer/songwriter Angie Stone (the former beau of nu classic soul sensation D'Angelo). Stone is enjoying renewed success in her own right with her debut solo album, 'Black Diamond', as well as her featured role on the forthcoming Jazzmatazz single, 'Keep Your Worries'.

Stone's new role continues the growing trend for 'young blood' soul artists to work with their icons. Jodeci's DeVante Swing worked with Al Green, Hill has worked with Carlos Santana while R Kelly wrote 'You Are Not Alone', a subsequent Number One single for Michael Jackson.