Dawn Richard is breaking away from the background with the release of her solo album later this year.

Rap-Up.com reports that the Dirty Money Crew singer is prepping a new album, slated for release this fall. Up until now, Dawn has largely performed as part of a group with Diddy-Dirty Money Crew and Danity Kane, but we know that she can definitely deliver some fantastic vocals by herself.

"I’ve been incredibly lucky to have been in two amazing groups, but I feel like I’ve never had the opportunity to show the world what I can do on my own,” said Dawn, who describes her sound as soulful, raw and real.

Dawn's fans got a taste of what they can expect on the album with her mixtape, #ATellTaleHeart, which dropped on Valentine's Day.

According to ThatGrapeJuice.net, Dawn's solo album is (not surprisingly) being released by Bad Boy/Interscope.

Dawn may have to double up on her studio time this month as Dirty Money Crew preps for its Coming Home Tour, which starts April 13 in Minneapolis. The group will also perform on Thursday's episode of "American Idol" to promote the North American tour.

-- Sonya Eskridge

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Dawn Richard holds manga for August