Coffee Talk: Solange Knowles Eyes Fall Album Release

See what we’re chatting about over iced macchiatos:

ESSENCE cover star Solange Knowles is eyeing a fall release date for her new album. During a Twitter Q&A with fans Thursday, Knowles was asked when new music can be expected. She replied, “Early Fall, have written 25 joints…recording and narrowing, very happy!” Stay tuned! [Vibe]

BET has announced its new lineup for the upcoming season featuring renewals for hit shows The Game, Being Mary Jane, Real Husbands of Hollywood, and 106 & Park. Joining the lineup is Diggy Simmons comedy The Start Up helmed by the producers of The Game, Mara Brock Akil and Salim Akil, music competition series Gone Gospel, and new dating show Got Game. BET will also debut its first scripted series The Book of Negroes starring Cuba Gooding Jr., Louis Gossett Jr. and Aunjanue Ellis. [HollywoodReporter]

Pharrell is releasing a new book, but in true Pharrell fashion it won’t be as simple as picking up a copy at your local bookstore. The star is releasing the social book online with Tipp-Ex, however, only some words will appear on the site. Readers must fill in the blanks of the manuscript in real time, gain points and receive credit for each uncovered word; only then will the book be sent to shelves for purchase. Proceeds from the book will go to Pharrell’s foundation, From One Hand To AnOther. Talk about innovative! Get in on the action here. [MTV]

Debbie Allen has launched a new campaign to fight diabetes. Having lost her father to type 2 diabetes in 1984, the actress-director has set out to educate people on how to manage the disease, especially in the Black community. Allen has teamed up with So You think You Can Dance expert dancers to create the T2 Dance Crew, who have created videos that people across the country can learn and use as a tool to stay healthy. [TheGrio]

Matthew Knowles has been relieved of his child support obligations for the next three years. Knowles has convinced a judge that he has overpaid in the past, forking over $12,000 a month to Alexsandra Wright to support their 3-year-old son; ultimately amounting to overpayment of $110,000. He argues that he should have been paying $2,485 a month instead, the judge agreed.  [TMZ]