Angie Stone remains soulful but, on the forthcoming album "Unexpected" the "Tell Me" singer is switching things up.

"I wanted this album to be something different," says Stone, whose 2007 Stax debut, "The Art of Love & War," was her first album to top Billboards R&B/hip-hop chart.

"I didnt want to make the kind of neo-soul record I had made in the past. That would have been repetitive."

Sampling everything from rap to funk, Stone credits her late father for inspiring a new sound and vision this time out.

"I really didnt think I could finish the project, because I was so grief strickenI had to do a lot of the vocals a second time," Stone says after the sudden and shocking loss. "I had to lean on my dads wisdom and energy, and try to be open to what he would have wanted me to do in order to finish the songs. I can say that his spirit was literally there in the studio with me, and Im grateful for that."

Led by the Juanita Wynn co-written single "I Ain't Hearin' U," Stone takes on rumor and gossip before proclaiming self acceptance and self assurance on songs like "I Don't Care" and "Tell Me".

"My dad always used to tell me, Dont worry about what people say. They cant change anything. Whatever God wants for you is most important," says Stone.

Due in stores this November, Stone's "Unexpected" features production from Kerrim "Ikon" King and Fitzroy "Art Teacher" Reid.

Listen to Angie Stone's new single  "I Ain't Hearin' U" here on Singersroom.

"Unexpected" arrives in stores November 24.




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