In an innovative marketing move, Bad Boy records has decided to release singer Cheri Dennis's album, In and Out of Love, via iTunes on November 13th, a full three months before the physical release hits stores. The singer, who has appeared on a variety of Bad Boy acts' albums (Ma$e, Diddy, etc.) has been signed to the label for some time now, but has yet to have released an album. Her singles for the album's previous release date, "I Love You" and "Ooh La La," both gained some mainstream buzz, with the former a top 40 R&B song and the latter acting as the theme to "Making The Band 2." Dennis's physical album will be in stores on February 16th.
On its face, the move looks like mixed news. For Dennis, one has to question the label's confidence in her album. Up until now, digital releases have generally been reserved for acts that labels feel will not sell in traditional album form. Nevertheless, it could be a blessing in disguise, as digital sales have proven time and time again to be the marketing tool of the future for the industry, and Dennis is being given the opportunity to seize on the momentum of the digital market. Whether or not the album itself is remarkable either artistically or commercially, you have to think that this move shows that Bad Boy is trying to get ahead of the industry curve, which is always a good move.