It's a light week for R&B and hip-hop new releases, but rap crew the Ruff Ryders and gospel singer Kelli Williams hope to generate at least a few fireworks with albums that hit the racks July 4.

Ryde or Die Vol. II was slated to include guest appearances by Snoop Dogg, Eminem and Dr. Dre. The collective's first album, Ryde or Die Volume I, included the LOX, Eve and Drag-On, as well as rapper DMX, who was indicted on weapons and drug charges last week in New York. All are returning for the second volume.

Juvenile, Busta Rhymes, Trick Daddy, Method Man and Redman also contributed to Ryde or Die Volume II.

In addition to the usual Ruff Ryders producer, Swizz Beats, production credits on Ryde or Die Volume II include Dr. Dre, Timbaland and Gang Starr's DJ Premier. The first single from the album, "Got It All," comes from Eve featuring Jadakiss. Newcomer Teflon produced the single. Jadakiss is scheduled to release her own solo album later this summer.

Ryde or Die Vol. I entered the Billboard 200 albums chart at #1 in 1999. Eve's solo debut, Let There Be ... Eve — Ruff Ryders' First Lady, became the first debut album by a female rapper to enter the chart in the top spot. The first song she wrote for that album was "Gotta Man" (RealAudio excerpt).

Gospel singer Williams makes her bid for R&B crossover success with In the Myx, which features a more aggressive musical sound than her two previous discs, according to Christian music Web site Gospel City (www.gospelcity.com).

The 21-year-old singer, who got her start at age 10 singing with Take 6 and later sang with CeCe Winans, maintains a traditional-gospel lyrical focus while hitting dance-floor-ready beats on songs like "Remyx Me" and "Fall Down 2000," a remake of an obscure disco hit by Tramaine Hawkins.

Underground beatmakers will be showcased on a sequel compilation of their own with Subterranean Hitz, Volume 3: The Ill Skool, also hitting stores Tuesday.

Previous editions of the album have included work from Prince Paul, Afrika "Baby Bam" of the Jungle Brothers and scratch wizard Rob Swift of the X-ecutioners.

The new album shifts the focus to MCs, with rapping from Sensational on "Let's Hear It," Scotty Hard on "BodyGuard" and Mr. Dead on "That Sounds Personal."

DJ Magic Mike rounds out the releases, showcasing his scratch talents on Bass Journey. The 19-track collection blends old-school hip-hop with the bass-heavy sounds of the Miami dance scene.

(Contributing Editor Will Comerford and Correspondent Yves Erwin Salomon contributed to this report.)