Chicago rapper Rhymefest has finally been granted the green light to release his sophomore album El Che, scheduled to drop June 8th on dN|Be Entertainment.

El Che, an EMI distributed project, is the follow up to his debut album Blue Collar, and features production from Scram Jones, S1, BKS, and Terry Hunter. The upcoming 16-track LP also includes guest appearances from notable artists such as Little Brother, Saigon, Glen Lewis, as well as his “Windy City” brethren Twone Gabz.

Despite numerous set backs to his sophomore effort (El Che was originally scheduled for a March 18th release date), Rhymefest and his new indie label—dN|Be Entertainment—asserts that the new date is final: “Of course I was weary when the distribution company sprung a new release date on me.  But to guarantee that all of the fans that have been patiently waiting for El Che to drop get to purchase this album, I have to let EMI do its thing with the shipments.”

To help promote and build momentum for the release of El Che, dN|Be Entertainment is using digital and online strategies for fans to connect and interact with Rhymefest through his website ElCheTheMovement.com.

Rhymefest won a Grammy for co-writing “Jesus Walks” with Kanye West.

Miami femcee Jacki-O is returning to the music scene with the release of her sophomore album, “Lil’ Red Riding Hood,” via her own Jackmove Entertainment in conjunction with Gracie Productions and EMI.

“Baby Mama” is the first single off her forthcoming album, and she created the record to dispel the connotation generally associated with the term. “When I say ‘baby mama’ I affectionately use it as another slang for ‘be your girl’,” Jacki-O explains. “I can remember playing with dolls as a young girl, dreaming of the day that I would marry and have kids, and I think most women have. It’s nothing negative, it’s just real life.”

Recognized by audiences for her risque lyrics and hardcore persona, Jacki-O first received national exposure with her 2003 song, “Nookie.” Back in 2004, she released her debut album “Poe Little Rich Girl” on Poe Boy/TVT.

“Lil’ Red Riding Hood” is due out February 24, 2009.