Weekly US music releases: a Jonas brother goes solo and rapper Lil Wayne rocks

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The week of February 1, a much-anticipated release from Lil Wayne hits stores in the US and Nick Jonas shows what he can do without his brothers.

Nick Jonas & the Administration, Who I Am
A side venture from a member of teen fave the Jonas Brothers, Nick Jonas's first solo effort includes drummer Michael Bland (Prince, Backstreet Boys, Rob Thomas), keyboardist Tommy Barbarella (Prince, Jonny Lang), guitarist David Ryan Harris (John Mayer, Santana), and bassist John Fields (Miley Cyrus, Pink), who also produced the CD. The 10-song rock collection leads with the title track, "Who I Am." The album was made available online a week prior to the release.
Genre: pop/rock
Label: Hollywood
Website: www.jonasbrothers.com

BT, These Hopeful Machines
A two-disc, two-hour collection from the electronica master, who first launched on dance club charts in the 1990s, though didn't see success in his native US. BT, born Brian Transeau, has collaborated with Sting, Madonna, Seal, and Peter Gabriel, and scored films, such as The Fast and the Furious. This recording features vocal collaborations and his own Breaktweaker software.
Genre: dance/electronica
Label: Nettwerk
Website: www.btmusic.com

Lil Wayne, Rebirth
The delays are over. After pre-ordered albums were leaked on the internet before the first official release last April, more release dates followed. These rock-leaning songs from the Grammy-winning, multi-platinum rapper include last year's single, "Prom Queen" and 11 new tracks. Guest appearances includeEminem, Kevin Rudolf, and more.
Genre: rap/hip-hop
Label: Ca$h Money/Universal
Website: www.lilwayne-online.com

Rob Zombie, Hellbilly Deluxe 2
The sequel to Zombie's multi-platinum 1998 solo debut, the album returns to that classic recording. The video for "Sick Bubblegum" is available exclusively on AOL Noisecreep. The Halloween movie director also directed a soon-to-be-aired television episode of CSI: Miami. An upcoming summer tour kicks off in July.
Genre: hard rock/metal
Label: Loud & Proud/Roadrunner
Website: www.robzombie.com

RC