Usher says his new single “Love in This Club,” from his forthcoming disc Here I Stand, takes fans down memory lane. He tells Essence.com, “My first single takes you back to the beginning of my life story — [re-introducing] the guy who wanted to hustle and play in the club but eventually making his journey to lifetime.

Life will take you through high and low valleys, give you seasons — rain and shine. Ultimately, the end of this story leads to a lifetime [fulfilled].” The Grammy-winner is particularly touched by an interlude dedicated to his son titled “Pray for You.” He says, “I modeled this one as an example for my son who will understand someday that when you stand for what’s right, regardless of what anyone else’s opinion may be, you are right.” Usher’s Here I Stand drops in stores today.

In other news, according to Billboard.com, Ne-Yo, artist and songwriter is keeping very busy.  Not only is he currently touring with Alicia Keys, but the songwriter half has a boatload of tracks already out or on the way. 

His projects include working with Beyonce, Mary J. Blige, Rihanna, Celine Dion and ex-”American Idol” contestant and “Dreamgirls” Academy Award-winner Jennifer Hudson.  He’s even been linked to the upcoming Michael Jackson project, but the most surprising at this time is an up-tempo track for Lindsay Lohan.

“I gotta admit, we were like … Lindsay Lohan?’” Ne-Yo says with a laugh.  “But I will say this; we gave her a quality record and she did a ridiculously fabulous job. I was so shocked I had to call her and apologize for what I was thinking because she did so good. I think the world is gonna be surprised.”

Clearing up the rumors that have been going around, Ne-Yo says he’s not completely done making urban music, as has been rumored, but that he’s simply taking a break.  Here’s his quote:

“I’ve been doing some research and experimenting with so many different kinds of music and different melodies, and just different instruments that [when] you go back to typical urban music, it’s a little boring. I’ve been traveling the world and getting into what they’ve been doing in London and what they’re doing all over the planet other than what’s going on in America. This next album is not going to be a hundred-percent urban. It’s something for everyone.”

Ne-Yo’s new disc, Year of the Gentleman, is slated to hit stores on June 24th. His new video for “Closer” recently premieree on BET’s 106-and-Park. He calls the clip “a performance video. This time around I’m doing a lot more dancing than I’ve ever done. There’s more dancing in this video than you’ve ever seen Ne-Yo dance.”