Ne-Yo has had a longstanding relationship with Beyoncé, having penned one of the biggest hits of her career, “Irreplaceable.” But after missing out on her last album I Am… Sasha Fierce, the singer-songwriter is back in the studio, working on B’s upcoming fourth solo release.

“It’s coming along nicely. I can’t speak too much on it, but it’s another direction for her, and she’s carving out her own niche,” he told Access Atlanta. “In a minute nobody will be in Beyoncé’s lane. They really can’t get in her lane now, but they really can’t get in her lane after this album.”

Mrs. Carter may be enjoying life at home with Jay-Z, but she appears eager to return to the lab. Jim Jonsin hinted that he might be getting back in the booth with B after sending her some music to listen to. “She may be recording, she may not,” the “Sweet Dreams” producer told Rap-Up TV in May.

Aside from his production and writing career, Ne-Yo is currently focused on his fourth album, Libra Scale. The LP, delayed to an October 19 release date, has already spawned the singles “One in a Million,” “Champagne Life,” and “Beautiful Monster.”