{blackbabes} Mary J. Blige to release first Christmas album

The holiday season may be a ways off yet, but Mary J. Blige is already making a list for her fans -- and it includes a Christmas album.

The Queen of Hip-Hop-Soul is set to release A Merry Christmas in October, featuring her interpretations of classic holiday tunes. It will be the diva's 11th studio album, and her first of seasonal favorites.

Following in the footsteps of many stars before her, Blige will work on the collection with producer David Foster, who has previously helmed yuletide albums for Michael Buble, Rod Stewart, Celine Dion, Josh Groban and Andrea Bocelli.