|PIC1|Gospel songstress Kierra Kiki Sheard will be releasing her much anticipated sophomore album This is Me on EMI Gospel at the end of next month.

The follow up to Sheard's smash hit I Owe You, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Gospel chart in 2004, features a new sound from Sheard, famous for the powerful gospel sound of her family heritage, with the artist integrating more R&B and hip-hop into her music. Production on the 12-song CD includes work from Warryn Campbell, Antonio Neal, Tommy Simms, PJ Morton, PAJAM, Dark Child Productions' Fred Jerkins and Kiki's younger brother J. Drew.

"I am so excited about this album," says 18-year-old Sheard. "This Is Me, really is me. It's the type of music that I listen to and the experiences that I've been through."

This is Me is set to hit stores on June 27. A special edition of the CD, which will feature 5 bonus cuts and a live version of the title track, will also release from EMI Gospel simultaneously.

For more information, visit www.kierrakikisheard.com.