Robin Thicke’s next album isn’t far off. The R&B star tells Rap-Up.com he’s looking to release his fifth studio effort either at the end of 2011 or early 2012. Robin says he’s been handling all the writing and producing, but adds that famed beatmaker Pharrell Williams would like to work on the record before it’s finished. When he’s not occupied by his next album, Robin is checking out new music and artists. He says he’s really been enjoying Janelle Monae’s work, although he admits he was just recently introduced to her music.

Robin Thicke’s last album was “Sex Therapy,” which arrived at the end of 2009. The record went on to peak at number two on Billboard’s Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.