With the soundtrack album from “The Lion...

With the soundtrack album from “The Lion King” dominating the pop album charts, Walt Disney Records is preparing another collection of music related to the movie. “Rhythm of the Pridelands,” due in October, will feature South African vocalist-arranger Lebo M.--it’s his voice at the beginning of the song “Circle of Life.” There are no new tracks from the Elton John-Tim Rice team, but there will be a version of one of the film’s biggest crowd-pleasers: “The Lion Sleeps Tonight,” which was left off the soundtrack album. . . .

Vanessa Williams, a hit on Broadway in “Kiss of the Spider Woman,” returns with a new album in late November. . . . The word from the Prince camp is that he’ll probably tour the U.S. late this year. Expect an announcement within two weeks. . . .

Former Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist John Frusciante, who left the group shortly before the 1992 “Lollapalooza” tour, has a solo album due Oct. 18 from American Records, whose chief, Rick Rubin, produces the Peppers. Frusciante’s set is described as “very dark.” . . . American is also set to release its first from veteran English alternative-rockers Love and Rockets. But the album, “Hot Trip to Heaven,” offers a different sound from the trio: a collection of ambient pieces. A more rock-oriented album is scheduled for February, with a tour to follow. . . .

Former Rip magazine editor Lonn Friend took just seven days in his new job as an Arista Records executive to sign his first band--and not a group of metalheads as you’d expect. Friend inked the Bogmen, a young, Long Island-based band that’s built up a sizable East Coast following through heavy touring. Friend says the group’s music reminds him a little of early Talking Heads. A debut album is planned for next spring or summer. . . .

Soul singer Percy Sledge--of “When a Man Loves a Woman” fame--has finished his first album in years, with guests including guitarist Steve Cropper, ex-Rolling Stone Mick Taylor, fellow soul man Bobby Womack and singer-songwriter Carla Olson. The album was produced by Saul Davis and Barry Goldberg, with liner notes written by veteran producer Jerry Wexler. . . .

Naughty by Nature hopes to have the album they’ve been working on finished in time for late fall release. But the label says there’s a good chance it won’t be ready until next year. . . . R&B; singer Karyn White’s next album is due in late September. Her husband, Terry Lewis, and his partner Jimmy Jam, are among the producers.*