MIAMI, FL.  [Tuesday Aug.1.2006]  /WMQT.com/ -- Mary J. Blige is lending her voice to R&B songwriter Johnta Austin.

According to Billboard.com, Blige joined Austin in the studio last week to record a track for his forthcoming solo debut.

Austin is no stranger to the R&B scene, having co-written Blige's hit single "Be Without You." He also helped write Jessica Simpson's current single "A Public Affair" and won a Grammy Award for co-writing Mariah Carey's No. 1 comeback hit "We Belong Together."

Johnta Austin's album is called "Ocean Drive" and was named for the popular stretch in Miami's South Beach. "Ocean Drive" arrives in stores October 17.

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