R&B News N Rumors: 08/05/12 Edition

Some of the more interesting R&B-related news and rumors from the past week:

• Rapper-singer Drake says that contemporary R&B has become too cliched and over the top. "The whole heartthrob thing, songs about unrealistic love and tearing your shirt off every show -- that's not really where it's at any more. It's becoming harder for those guys to sell records, and harder for them to succeed," he said in a recent magazine interview.
• In a radio interview, Ne-Yo said that despite people calling him a pop artist, he still considers himself R&B: "I know where I came from. I know that R&B is where it started at for me," he said. "When this new album comes out, it will shut the mouths of everybody who feels like I have 'crossed over'."
• R. Kelly, who had issues with Trey Songz awhile back, now says that R&B singers should refrain from public feuds with one another. "Stay away from beef, stay true and respectful to music and to the ones that inspired you to do what you do," he said in a recent interview with MTV.
• The reality show "R&B Divas," which is set in Atlanta and features singers Faith Evans, Keke Wyatt, Monifah, Nicci Gilbert and Syleena Johnson, is scheduled to premiere on the TV One network Aug. 20. It will run for eight one-hour episodes.
• Chris Brown is disputing rumors that he uttered a homophobic remark when asked about singer Frank Ocean's recent revelation about his sexuality. "Love who u wanna love," Breezy tweeted in response to the controversy.
• Beyonce is rumored to be working on her next album in New York City with Kanye West and producer Hit-Boy.
• Trey Songz, Tamia, Dwele and Elle Varner are among the R&B artists releasing new albums this month.
• Vivian Green has a new single out and a new album coming our way next month.