AKON and NE-YO are helping RIHANNA bounce back from her CHRIS BROWN drama - with an "edgier" and "angrier" sound. The singer has yet to speak out about her ex-boyfriend's attack on her, but Ne-Yo has revealed she's getting her anger out in the studio.

He tells Eonline.com, "Expect an edgier, almost angrier Rihanna on this one. Rihanna says some things on this album that you've never heard her say before."But Akon is hoping to lighten-up proceedings: "I don't want an angry Rihanna."

Brown was sentenced to five years probation and ordered to stay away from his ex in August (09) after pleading guilty to the attack on Rihanna, who was left black and blue after a vicious bust-up in February (09).