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Stevie Wonder plans 2 albums next year

Stevie Wonder plans to release two albums next year, including some newly written songs, and he’s working on a third.

The 63-year-old performer said in an interview Tuesday that his first albums in eight years would be “When the World Began,” collaboration with producer David Foster, and “Ten Billion Hearts.”

“I listen a lot to rap, and I’m inspired to take it, to use it in another way, to get the message across,” Wonder said.

Rolling Stone reported over the summer that the album with Foster would include reworked versions of several of his biggest hits played with a symphony orchestra.

Wonder also plans to fulfill a promise to his mother Lula, who died in 2006, by recording a gospel album in her memory.

Wonder also plans a celebration of one of his most acclaimed albums, 1976’s “Songs in the Key of Life.”

Joined by musicians from the original recording as well as contemporary recording artists, Wonder will perform the album in its entirety for the first time Dec. 21 at his annual Los Angeles charity concert. Last year’s House Full of Toys benefit concert included performances from Justin Bieber and Drake.