Mariah Carey has been hard at work on her upcoming album on Island/Def Jam. "She really is expecting this album to put her back in the mix," a label exec said. "The album has your usual Mariah tunes with a twist and many surprises." One of those surprises could be a duet featuring rapper Nelly. The track "Misty Moon" was originally recorded for a Japanese tea commercial but now could see the light of day here in the States. Mariah is also enjoying some success with Jadakiss's new single "U Make Me Wanna."

Lauryn Hill has been teasing us for a long time. According to a very close friend, Hill has recorded more than 50 tracks. "She has become tired of the music business and is hoping that she can record enough tunes, to release two albums." He adds "Her goals in life has changed, her attitude has changed, her spiritual being has changed but her voice remains the same." Sony has not set a release date partly due to the BMG/Sony merger which has put many releases in limbo (save for Destiny's Child's forthcoming album.)

Justin Timberlake recently planned a meeting with his former band mates but then canceled when he learned they were bringing a rep from Jive. "He really has no interest in returning to the fold and why should he?" asked a close associate. Justin is also working on new material but it is unknown where the material will land... Disney execs recently had a sit down with singer/actress Lindsay Lohan on the set of her new The Love Bug movie. Seems that Lohan has been doing too much partying and looks so bad, the director has had to juggle the shooting schedule to avoid close ups. Making matters worse for Lohan, rumors are circulating that if she's dumped by Disney, she'll be replaced on the project by her nemesis, Hilary Duff.