Usher

Three years after its formation was announced, Usher's US Records will make its formal debut next month with the release of film soundtrack "In the Mix."

BMG North America chairman/CEO Clive Davis says the delay in launching US, which was first announced in 2002, attests to Usher's high standards: "His priorities were finding the right artists," says Davis, "and then waiting until he strongly believed they were ready."

Working alongside Chazz Palminteri and Emmanuelle Chriqui, Usher has his first starring role in the Lions Gate romantic comedy "In the Mix" (initially titled "Dying for Dolly"). The movie bows nationally November 23, after premieres in New York and Los Angeles.

A firm release date for the album is still being determined. But a dual-single has been released that features two US acts: rapper Rico Love ("Settle Down") and R&B quintet One Chance ("That's My Word"). Noted video director Hype Williams is lensing the videos.

The soundtrack will double as an introduction to the US roster. Besides Love and One Chance, the label is home to male R&B singer Rayan. Each act contributes two songs to the soundtrack, which Usher describes as "eclectic soul and hip-hop funk." The 13-track set of original material also includes songs by Anthony Hamilton, Christina Milian, Claudette Ortiz (formerly of City High), Paul Wall and R&B newcomer Chris Brown.