AceShowbiz -

Now that he has completed his stint in the Broadway musical "Chicago", Usher is turning his attention to music, again. The R&B/pop singer is hard working on a new LP, a follow up to his 2004's "Confessions".

"I feel it's about time for me to come out with an album," the singer said. "I'm not extremely enthused about where music has gone. I say that coming from listening to artists like Stevie Wonder, Prince, Michael Jackson, those great artists and iconic musicians. I feel music is at a standstill."

Usher, who is now back in the studio, expects to have a new single and album out by the middle of 2007. He, moreover, has recruited some music experts to collaborate with, including Jay-Z, Robin Thicke, Jermaine Dupri, Dr. Dre, Jimmy Jam, and Terry Lewis.

In other news, Usher's charity foundation, New Look, has started an initiative called "Our Block" that is helping to rebuild city blocks in New Orleans. To raise money for the project, he's teamed with Armani Exchange to create "Love 4 Life" dog tags, which are available at Armani Exchange stores and on the company's Web site.