December 11 [14:00 EDT] -- John Lennon's son Sean is preparing to release his debut solo album early next year.

Sean Yoko Lennon, the 22-year old son of the late Beatle and second wife Yoko Ono, signed a deal last summer with Grand Royal, the label owned by the Beastie Boys.

The youngest Lennon made his public debut in August backed by members of Cibo Matto, plus he sat in with that band as a guest bassist on a number of their tour dates. Cibo Matto is anchored by Miho Hatori and Yuka Honda. The two women met Lennon after recording a remix of the Yoko Ono song "Talking To The Universe" for Ono's "Rising Mixes" CD. Hatori will sing a duet with Lennon on the new record, and Honda has taken on production duties.

Lennon previously played guitar with mom Yoko on her 1995 album "Rising," plus he performed with her at the 1996 Tibetan Freedom benefit organized by the Beastie Boys.

According to a report in the "L.A. Times," Ono will not be appearing on the album.

Lennon was just five when his father was shot and killed outside their New York apartment 17 years ago this week.