Summer usually isn't a huge month for R&B and Soul music. Typically, it's in the fall and winter that things start to heat up for this genre of music. But every few years, a blockbuster album will drop during the summer and really set things off. And there's not just one of those albums, there's two. The first is Jill Scott's The Light of the Sun, which fittingly drops on the first day of the summer. Then there's Beyonce's fourth studio album, which comes out the last week of June. Also due: the latest from Mary J. Blige (it's expected the last week of the summer, but could be pushed back to the fall), and a few more.
1. My Life II: the Journey Continues, Mary J. Blige
Mary J's upcoming 10th studio album is the sequel to her triple platinum 1994 release, My Life. The first single's a remixed version of the Diddy-Dirty Money song "Someone to Love Me," which features Lil Wayne. Among the songwriters and producers she's reportedly working with are Kanye West, Alicia Keys, Ne-Yo and Babyface. The full album's due out during the last week of summer.
Due Date: Sept. 20.
2. 4, Beyonce
Queen B's fourth studio album is due in stores in late June via Columbia Records. It's led by the singles "Run the World (Girls)" and "Best Thing I Never Had."
Due Date: June 28.
3. The Light of the Sun, Jill Scott
This one comes out on the first day of summer, which is pretty appropriate, given its title. Among the guest artists on The Light of the Sun will be the rapper Eve (on "Shame") and Soul brother Anthony Hamilton on the tasty duet "So in Love."
Due Date: June 21.
4. Just Me, Brian McKnight
B. McKnight's 14th album is a two-disc set. The first consists of 10 all-new songs recorded specifically for this project; the second is a recording of a live, solo acoustic performance that was given in Los angeles in February 2011.
Due Date: July 12.
5. LP1, Joss Stone
The latest by British songbird Joss Stone will be her first release on her own label, Stone'd Records. She co-wote and co-produced it with Dave Stewart of The Eurythmics.
Due Date: July 26.
6. Here I Am, Kelly Rowland
Kelly Rowland's third solo album, which was originally due out in the fall of 2010, includes the hit R&B/hip-hop song "Motivation," which features Lil Wayne.
Due Date: July 26.
7. King of Hearts, Lloyd
After a handful of delays and pushbacks, Lloyd's latest studio album -- which is his first since 2008's Lessons in Love -- is finally coming out this summer. Probably.
Dute Date: July 5.
8. The Remedy, Jagged Edge
This will be vocal group Jagged Edge's first album since Baby Makin' Project in 2007. It comes out June 21 via Miami-based hip-hop label Slip-N-Slide, led by the single "Baby."
Due Date: June 21.
9. Love Has No Recession, Kindred the Family Soul
This underrated husband and wife duo will release a concept album about love and world issues in late July via the Shanachie label. The first single is "You Got Love," featuring Snoop Dogg.
Due Date: July 26.
10. Bleuphoria, Rahsaan Patterson
Rahsaan Patterson's first collection of new songs since 2007's brilliant Wine & Spirits comes out this summer via the Artistry Music label.
Due Date: July 19.