Inside Music with Melinda Newman

Ne-Yo joins bandwagon for Beyonce's new album

R&B star joins other collaborators, such as Jay-Z and Miguel for Bey's fifth set

By Melinda Newman Monday, Dec 10, 2012 6:41 PM

Ne-Yo joins bandwagon for Beyonce's new album

Credit: AP Photo

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It’s still 2012, but 2013 is already shaping up to be the year of the Beyonce. Not only will Bey provide the half-time entertainment for Feb. 3’s Super Bowl and she’s directing her own ~~hagiography~~ documentary to air on HBO Feb. 16, she is working on her new album with “Irreplaceable” collaborator Ne-Yo.

Ne-Yo, who was all over the place last week between his appearances on the Grammy Nominations concert, “Saturday Night Live” and Z-100’s Jingle Ball, tells MTV News that he and Beyonce are already in discussions about the new album. “Who knows? Maybe we’ll get another ‘Irreplaceable’ out of the batch,” he says.

Beyonce, who posted a photo of herself in the studio in November, has already reportedly logged studio time with hubby Jay-Z, The-Dream, Ryan Tedder, Kanye West, Diane Warren and Miguel for the follow-up to "4." Though there’s no release date or even an official announcement about a new album, The-Dream expects that we may hear some music early next year.“She’s already gearing up to get ready to put stuff out,” The-Dream told Billboard earlier this month. “I’m sure there will probably be a couple records you hear before the Super Bowl gets here.” As you recall, Madonna used her Super Bowl platform this year to promote new single, “Give Me All Your Luvin’.”

In other Beyonce news, the singer has expanded her partnership with Pepsi to the tune of $50 million, according to the New York Times, which includes media placements, promotions, and her fee. In addition to filming her fifth commercial in 10 years for the soda, her pretty pout will appear on Pepsi cans. The deal, the Times explains, also includes a fund for Pepsi to finance Beyonce’s “creative” projects, possibly ranging from live events, videos, and fashion shoots.