Ex-Destiny's Child member releases hip hop album

LOS ANGELES - Destiny's Child may be dissolving after finishing its world tour, but longtime fans of the group can look forward to the February 2006 release from former member LeToya Luckett.

The long-anticipated album by Luckett, who was in the group from 1993 to 1999, before it hit the big time, will be preceded by the single "All Eyes on Me."

On the self-titled project from Capitol Records, Houston native Luckett is joined by local rappers Mike Jones, Slim Thug, Paul Wall and Bun B. Luckett describes the sound as "hard R&B."

"I will always be an R&B singer," she says. "However, on this album I'm singing over hip-hop beats -- things you would expect rappers to be on."

Luckett, who will shortly shoot the "All" video, is also busy overseeing her Houston clothing store, Lady Elle. The 2-year-old outlet specializes in what Luckett calls "cute, girly stuff," including several denim lines.

- REUTERS