In the summer of 2005, it would have been impossible to imagine that Amerie would be without a record label only years later. Her go-go inflected single, "1 Thing" was inescapable and brought critics and fans together, but with her following album, Because I Love It not even receiving a proper North American release, Amerie eventually became another label casualty. Now no longer with Columbia, Amerie is set to release her fourth album on Island/Def Jam, which was recorded in Atlanta, Los Angeles and Miami and includes production from Teddy Riley, frequent collaborators The Buchanans, Jim Jonsin and Christopher "Tricky" Stewart & The-Dream. The last two albums have featured more organic sounds, but the Ultramagnetic MC's sampling first single, "Why R U," is remniscent of the hip hop flavor of All I Have, which earned her music early comparisons to vintage Mary J. Blige.