In "Guess who just scored a deal with a Konvict" news, the I can still sing homey Chilli of TLC fame recently became label mates with T-Pain after inking a deal with Akon's Konvict Records label.

Oh really EbenGregory.does this mean Akon is cutting checks like it's going out of style?

Yes.

Here's Chilli to MTV on how happy she is that Akon blew up and can now cut her a check: He's very talented and I remember back in the days when he was trying to get out there, he was just as talented then. I don't know, maybe certain people didn't believe in him - but it's mighty funny how you get that one hit and people are like, 'Oh, you're great.' Talent is talent.

Interesting. now I know T-Pain's been with you and that monkey, so talk to us about what it was like to work with him on the new album.

Here's Chilli to MTV on her new album and working with T-Pain: I'm not sure when the album is coming out, but I'm just about done working on it. I did a few songs, then got with Akon. We've been working and came up with some stuff that's been missing from the album, but we have a couple of more songs and we'll be finished. I'm also gonna be working with Missy Elliot and T-boz. I got a track from T-Pain - it's so crazy. T-Pain is so talented. I love his tracks. ... We were all in the studio working in Florida. He came in and had a track ready in 20 minutes, then had another one in 25 minutes. I chose an uptempo one because I dance.

That's nice.like working faithfully eight hours a day and hoping that you eventually get to be a boss and work sixteen hours a day. And speaking of dancing to the beat of somebody else's drum.

Here's some purple haze ice jewelry being dropped by EbenGregory on Chilli signing to Konvict music: Too many people work up a head of steam before they find out what's cooking. But what do I know, I'm just a jeweler.

And speaking of not knowing.guess who knows how to get at you and that monkey: MySpace.com/ebengregory.

Click here to Watch EbenGregory - TLC Member Chilli Signs With Akon Music Label