Day26 returns to the scene in “Made Love Lately,” the first single from the group’s upcoming album A New Day. After splitting with Bad Boy (They remain on Atlantic), the “Making the Band 4″ stars—Robert, Brian, Willie, and Michael—storm the desert in the fantasy sequence, making love to a lady whose man doesn’t treat her right.

“It’s real R&B. It’s taking it back to that ’90s R&B. It’s heartfelt, it’s passion,” explained Brian of the Jim Beanz production.

The album will feature contributions from Troy Taylor, Bryan-Michael Cox, Rico Love, and songs written by Day26. “The first one was hand picked, the second we had a little input, this one right here is really us,” said Willie.

They’re back! The boys of Day26 return with “Made Love Lately,” the first offering from their upcoming album A New Day. The “Making the Band 4″ stars are down to four members—Robert, Brian, Willie, and Michael—after Que left the group. They’re no longer on Bad Boy, but remain with Atlantic Records. Listen to their sexy comeback single produced by Jim Beanz.

Diddy announced on Twitter today that he has officially left Warner Music Group and signed a new deal with Interscope Geffen A&M, leaving behind his Bad Boy roster and catalog. But while the move is good news for Puff, what does it mean for his group Day26?

Willie Taylor, one-fifth of Day26, spoke to Rap-Up.com in an exclusive interview. “The business of it is still getting taken care of as we speak,” he revealed. “We’re just trying to figure it out. Once the paperwork is done, then we’ll know.”

One thing’s for certain, the R&B quintet will remain at Atlantic Records. “It might be Bad Boy/Atlantic, it might just be Atlantic. Right now, it’s up in the air. We know we not gonna be Bad Boy/Interscope though. That’s not even part of the situation.”

Diddy called the “Making the Band” stars to personally deliver the news. “He called us and let us know everything that was going on, the move he was making. And it’s a good move for him.”

Robert, Brian, Willie, Mike, and Q are content with remaining behind at Atlantic. “We cool, whatever works for your career. At the end of the day, as long as our Ts are crossed and our Is are dotted, we happy at Atlantic.”

As for what will happen to other Bad Boy artists like Cassie and Donnie Klang, “I have no idea,” Willie said. “It came as a surprise and I was just still excited about the interest in keeping Day26 [on Atlantic]. I gotta get past that first.”

Day26 remains confident and positive about what lies ahead. “It’s easy. It’s like going to any other label. You just gotta figure out the system there and how they work and who’s gonna be your A&R for this project, letting them know that you’re worthy of being there. Day26 has no problem with that. We will convince any record label that we’re worthy of being there.”

Day26 does it for the grown and sexy in the black-and-white video for “So Good,” the latest single off their sophomore album Forever in a Day. Ladies, eat your hearts out.

Busta Rhymes spits a few bars on the remix to Cassie’s “Must Be Love.” Throw in some vocals from Day26, a verse from Red Café, and ad-libs from Diddy, and you know Bad Boy’s behind this.

Cassie f/ Diddy, Busta Rhymes, Day26, and Red Café – “Must Be Love (Remix)”

This past Saturday, girls from all over New York’s five boroughs filled Harlem’s Apollo Theater to capacity to witness the audible treats of Bow Wow, Day26, and R&B singer Unique. As soon as the velvet curtains rose, young ladies wasted no time rushing to the front of the stage to get a closer glimpse at their favorite performers.

Unique

Def Jam’s newest artist Unique was the evening’s opening act. He jump-started the event and made throngs of fans scream in envy as he pulled one lucky lady on stage for an impromptu serenade. Although Unique may not have been the headliner, he left quite an impression on the crowd by closing his set with his debut single, “Beat of My Drum,” which was accompanied by a live marching band.

Day26

Mike, Brian, Willie, Robert, and Que, the fivesome that make up Day26, tore up the stage as well as their clothing during the concert. Willie slowly ripped off his shirt, much to the delight of the females in the crowd, and Que, on the other hand, made a bit of a mess as he lifted his shirt and proceeded to pour a bottle of water all over his body, causing a frenzy. The gentlemen crooned through newer records, such as “Stadium Music” and “Imma Put It On Her,” and delighted fans with older gems, “Exclusive (No Excuses)” and “Got Me Going.”

Some Kid, Bow Wow, and DJ Webstar

Headliner Bow Wow closed out the show, beginning his set by giving props to the many young artists on the scene. Although he did tip his hat to them, he also informed the crowd that they’re in no way his competition. The rapper-turned-actor performed a medley of hits, including “Fresh Azimiz,” “Bow Wow (That’s My Name),” and “Like You.” DJ Webstar also made a special appearance during the rapper’s set. Bow added his own verse to Webstar’s current smash, “Dancin’ On Me.”

–Tashal Brown

Jamie Foxx fulfills the dreams of millions of men by kissing Halle Berry onstage at Spike TV’s Guys Choice Awards at Sony Studios in Los Angeles on Saturday. Eat your heart out, Hurricane Chris.

Plus, Ashanti goes to the dogs, Asher Roth throws a wild party, Kelly Rowland combats hate, and Bow Wow and Day26 perform at the Apollo.

Day26 aims for stadium status in the video for “Stadium Music.” The Bad Boys transform into rock stars in the clip for the second single off their sophomore album Forever in a Day.

Miami’s hometown hero Rick Ross will most likely pop champagne today upon hearing news that his third album, Deeper Than Rap—an effort peppered with chill-out anthems—hit the top of the Billboard 200 at No. 1.

The Slip-N-Slide/Def Jam release shifted 158,000 units in its first week, according to Billboard. The Bawse was about 40,000 shy of topping his last album, 2008′s Trilla, which moved 198,000 copies. His first disc, 2006′s Port of Miami, debuted with 187,000. Deeper Than Rap is Ross’ third consecutive No. 1 album.

Freshman MC Asher Roth didn’t score top accolades, but he did break the charts at No. 5 with his debut effort, Asleep in the Bread Aisle. Thanks to the album’s lead single, “I Love College,” the Pennsylvania native crashed the charts with 65,000 copies.

Bad Boy fivesome Day26’s Forever in a Day slipped six spots to No. 8, while Jadakiss’ The Last Kiss fell four positions to No. 10.

–Georgette Cline

New BFFs Rihanna and Katy Perry soaked up the sun on a boat in Barbados on Tuesday. The singers have become friendly in recent months.

“We’re friends and we’re both kind of on this crazy rollercoaster, and … it’s nice to have good girlfriends. I pride myself on having cool chicks in my life, and she’s a cool chick,” the “I Kissed a Girl” hitmaker said of her relationship with Rihanna.