In Brief: Timberlake Readies "FutureSex/LoveSounds," Arctic Monkeys and More

TIMBALAND, RICK RUBIN and WILL.I.AM of the BLACK EYED PEAS are among the producers prepping JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE's second solo album, FutureSex/LoveSounds. Due September 12th, the record will be preceded by a brief U.S. club tour and the single "SexyBack," set to hit radio July 7th. Timberlake's last effort, Justified, has sold more than 3.5 million copies.

Arctic Monkeys Bassist Officially Bails

After sitting out ARTIC MONKEYS' recent North American tour due to "fatigue," bassist ANDY NICHOLSON has officially left the band. In a statement on the group's Web site, the remaining three members wrote, "We have been mates with Andy for a long time and have been through some amazing things together that no one can take away. We all wish Andy the very best." NICK O'MALLEY will help the band finish off its summer tour dates.

Ex-Jackson Associate Sues for Millions

Only a year has passed since MICHAEL JACKSON was acquitted of child molestation charges, but the King of Pop's name is already appearing in court proceedings again. Former associate F. Marc Schaffel is suing Jackson, alleging he is owed $3.8 million in unpaid loans, expenses, his share of proceeds from two TV specials and the salary for a charity record. Jackson's spokesperson maintained that the singer is currently traveling in Europe and will not appear in court.

Common, Busta Rhymes and More to Appear on J Dilla's Final Album

While production work was well underway on his last album before J DILLA's death in February from the autoimmune disease lupus, his longtime associate KARRIEM RIGGINS has put the finishing touches on the record, The Shining, due August 22nd. Aside from an occasional rhyme and some singing by Dilla, guests include BUSTA RHYMES, COMMON and D'ANGELO.

Portishead Finally Readying Third Album

It's been nearly a decade since we last heard new PORTISHEAD material, but founding member GEOFF BARROW insists an actual album may be emerging at the moment. Commenting on the group's MySpace page, he wrote, "The tracks are in a right mess but sounding like [an] album for the first time in years. It's nice to think us old gits have a few tunes in us without sounding like coffee table Zero 7 [or] Moby chill-out shit!"