Crews 
Two of music’s biggest acts are readying new material and are both teaming up with past collaborators to make it happen.
After launching and surpassing their kickstarter goal of 150k (they’ve made $251, 756 as of Jan 30) TLC is moving forward with the plans for their fifth and final album and new details were just released today.
According to Billboard, T-Boz and Chilli are seeking songwriters and producers, and although few details are set, veteran producer/label executive Ron Fair — most recently Virgin’s chief creative officer — has signed on as executive producer. His track record (Christina Aguilera, the Black Eyed Peas, Mary J. Blige, among many others) suggests high-profile collaborations may be in the cards.
“The return of TLC is surrounded by incredible positivity,” Fair says. “The entire creative community of artists, producers and songwriters is invited to the celebration.” TLC’s Chilli told Billboard that longtime collaborator Dallas Austin(who co-wrote the act’s breakthrough “Ain’t 2 Proud 2 Beg,” as well as later hits “Creep” and “Unpretty”) will be involved, and that Ne-Yo — who penned its 2013 reunion track “Meant to Be” — will work with them if his schedule permits.
Elsewhere in musical reunions, Mariah Carey is set to team back up with Antonio “L.A.” Reid according to multiple sources, the 45-year-old singer is returning to Sony Music through Epic Records, where Reid has served as chairman since 2011.
A nearly finalized multi-album deal would see Carey’s first new material through the label since 1999’s Rainbow, beginning with a greatest-hits set to coincide with her upcoming residency at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas as we previously told you.
According to an insider privy to terms of Carey’s new contract, her recent turmoil, which includes a pending divorce from husband of six years Nick Cannon, scared away most other suitors. “Sony’s was the only deal on the table, and it came in far lower than she expected.” How low? Carey “was asking for a $3 million advance; she didn’t get it.” (Carey is represented by attorney Donald Passman, who didn’t return Billboard’s request for comment.)
Check out more on this story at Billboard
