R&B singer Mya will release "Free," the first single from the soundtrack to the Jamie Foxx film "Bait," next week. The soundtrack — which also features Missy Elliott, the Roots, Donell Jones and Nelly — hits stores Sept. 12; the movie comes out Sept. 15, according to the film's publicist. ...

The third installment of Guru's Jazzmatazz series features a host of R&B artists, including Macy Gray, Kelis, Isaac Hayes, Angie Stone and Amel Larrieux. Look for the album, Streetsoul, on Sept. 26. ...

Boyz II Men will take the stage at New York's Beacon Theater on Sept. 11 in the latest concert to benefit VH1's Save the Music Foundation, which supports music education in New York public schools. Tickets are available only to Time Warner Cable subscribers, and attendees who bring a musical instrument will get a free copy of the group's new album, Nathan Michael Shawn Wanya. (Sonicnet.com's parent company, Viacom, also owns VH1.) ...

Don't let the cover of September's issue of Ebony fool you with its photo of a four-member Destiny's Child. An editor's note explains that the shot was taken before Farrah Franklin left the group, and the accompanying story is a light profile of the group as a trio. ...

Vocal group Boyz II Men were supposed to sing the national anthem at the Democratic National Convention on Thursday (Aug. 17), but a combination of late rehearsals, heavy traffic and a security check made them miss the gig, according to the Associated Press. The group started its tour with Luther Vandross on Tuesday (Aug. 22) in West Palm Beach, Fla. ...

Boyz II Men fans can send electronic greeting cards featuring song clips and photos of the group from www.egreetings.com, according to a publicist for the Web site. The group's first album since 1997, Nathan Michael Shawn Wanya, is due Sept. 12. ...

Singers Macy Gray and Madonna are judging poetry contests at the Web site alloy.com, part of the Alloy Books imprint, according to publicists for the artists. Alloy also is releasing a book called "Slam," which collects poetry and lyrics from such artists as Missy Elliott, Ani DiFranco and Tom Waits. ...

Producer/songwriter Warryn Campbell said he just finished a remake of Earth, Wind & Fire's "September" with Sisqó and Vitamin C for the "Getting Over Allison" movie soundtrack. Sisqó has a role in the Kirsten Dunst movie, which is set for release early next year. ...

The Rhythm & Blues Foundation has announced the list of presenters for its Pioneer Awards, to be held Sept. 6 at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York. Aretha Franklin, Isaac Hayes, Gerald Levert and former Supremes singer Mary Wilson are among those doing the honors at the awards, which will be hosted by Smokey Robinson. ...

Singer Teddy Pendergrass has formed the Teddy Pendergrass Alliance, a charitable organization to help people with spinal-cord injuries. Pendergrass has been in a wheelchair since a 1982 auto accident that injured his spinal cord. The organization will hold a gala Oct. 14 that will be co-chaired by Pendergrass and singer/songwriters Nick Ashford and Valerie Simpson. ...

A person who can convincingly impersonate sexy R&B singer Ginuwine has swindled some radio stations by persuading them to pay him to perform at bogus concerts, according to MTV News Online. Epic Records and the crooner — who is busy prepping for a film role in "Juwanna Man" and recording his third LP — urge radio stations, venues and promoters to contact police if they are approached by the faux Ginuwine. ...

EMI division Virgin America has entered into a $15 million joint venture with Blackground Records to strengthen its urban music catalog, according to the Los Angeles Times. The label is home to recording artists Aaliyah and Timbaland. ...

Thursday's birthdays (Aug. 24): Ernest Wright Jr. (Little Anthony and the Imperials), 59; Joe Chambers (Chambers Bros.), 58; Malcolm "Molly" Duncan (Average White Band), 55; and Jeffrey Daniels (Shalamar), 43.

— sonicnet.com staff report