TEENA MARIE'S 'SAPPHIRE' FEATURES GUESTS RICK JAMES, SMOKEY ROBINSON & GERALD ALBRIGHT

First Single Ooh Wee Soars to #8 on Urban AC and R&B Adult Radio Charts

Teena Marie released her second Cash Money Classics album Sapphire, on May 9th. The album is a follow-up to her critically acclaimed 2004 album, La Dona, which heralded her return to the music industry after a 10-year absence. The new album already boasts a hit single-the captivating Ooh Wee, which is currently #8 on both the Urban AC and R&B Adult radio charts, garnering a combined listening audience of more than 16 million fans.

Sapphire is the thirteenth album from the effusive vocalist. The new album holds a special place in Teena Marie's heart for many reasons, but the most poignant reason for the singer is that many of the tracks were inspired by her friendship with the late Rick James, who is often credited with mentoring the multi-talented vocalist/producer/arranger. Other guests on the new CD include the legendary Smokey Robinson, Kurupt, Gerald Albright, and her 14-year-old daughter Alia Rose.

A multi-instrumentalist herself, the new album was produced by Teena Marie, and includes the songs Baby Who Is It, Ladies Choice, and Cruise Control, among others. With the exception of her debut album, Wild And Peaceful (1979), Teena Marie has maintained a production-hand in all of her albums. The popular songstress and 3-time Grammy nominee has delivered an arsenal of genre defying albums along the way, including Lady T (1980), Starchild (1984), Naked To The World (1988), which featured the #1 classic Ooo La La La, and 1994's independently released Passion Play. Ms. Marie has also released 10 compilation albums since her national debut on Motown Records in 1979.