We have news of upcoming releases from two of our favorite divas to report on. First comes that force of nature that is Chaka Khan. Her new album drops next Tuesday. Called Funk This, it is the artist’s first studio album in over ten years. We say about damn time!

According to Chaka: “The album may remind people of my early Rufus albums because I’m in a similar ‘soul space.’ I’ve been on a little journey in the last few years, finding Yvette again.” (Referring to her birth name.)

“I went through a period of being insecure. I’m walking a different path now. I’ve changed. This album is different from any other album I’ve recorded because it reflects what I’m about, who I am now. The album is called, Funk This because it’s funky!”

The album contains some originals but also has several reinterpretations of classics from other artists including Prince’s “Sign ‘O’ the Times,” Joni Mitchell’s “Ladies’ Man,” and Jimi Hendrix’s “Castle Made Of Sand.”

Chaka’s first single is “Disrespectful,” and Mary J. Blige guests on the track. You can hear a snippet of “Disrespectful” (as well as a shout out from Chaka to her gay fans at AfterElton.com) by clicking here.

Second up is the release of Annie Lennox’s latest album, Songs of Mass Destruction, due to hit stores October 2^nd.

I love Annie, although sometimes I find myself wishing she did a few more uptempo songs. No matter. I still can’t wait for the album. The music video for the first single, “Dark Road,” appears after the break. It’s a gorgeous track, and Annie looks fabulous in the video.