EXCLUSIVE: Rihanna writing songs for brand new album this summer!

Tags: def jam, disturbia, please don't stop the music, rated r, rihanna, rude boy, russian roulette, umbrella.

Johnny Ikon has exclusively learned from sources at Def Jam in New York that my favourite pop princess Rihanna is already working on a brand new album to be released this summer.

The 'Russian Roulette' singer released 'Rated R' in November 2009, to mixed reactions from critics and fans alike. It has sold well though, and her record label are keen to follow up on its success and public interest while it's still at its peak. A source at the label, who works directly with the Bajan beauty, told me: "She has the European tour through May, and there's dates in the US through the summer, but she'll be releasing a new album during that time too. She's already writing songs and going in the studio every opportunity she gets, no waiting around."

Asked about what we should expect from Rihanna's new album, my insider continued: "Ri wants to get across that she's moved on from the dark period she was in when recording the 'Rated R' songs. So expect more upbeat, dance tunes, similar to 'Don't Stop the Music' and 'Disturbia'. That's why she wants to get the first track out over the summer, she thinks she's come up with another summer anthem like 'Umbrella' was." Wow, I so can't wait to hear that!