After three albums and several hits, R&B singer Lloyd has announced that he’s parting ways with The Inc., the company that launched his career.

Lloyd’s departure marks the second exit in recent months for the house that Irv Gotti built. Singer Ashanti was released from the label last month after her last effort failed to live up to expectations.

Lloyd, who burst onto the scene in 2004 with “Southside,” says he did not fall out with his former recording home, but that the time has come for new horizons in the business.

"I'm ready for a change,” the 23-year-old singer says. “There's no bad blood. I just feel I need to take more control over my career and get a fresh start. Hopefully Irv can understand my position."

The break with The Inc. does not signal an extended vacation. Lloyd is also hard at work on a mixtape and an untitled fourth album. While the singer is eyeing some big names in the industry, look for future collaborations with the man that originally made him a star.

“We have plans to get in the studio with Jim Jonsin, The Runners, Cool & Dre, Rodney Jerkins and others,” he says. “In the future, I still hope to work with Irv as a producer as well.”

Lloyd’s most recent release, 2008’s “Lessons In Love,” featured the hit single “Girls Around The World” with Lil Wayne. A free mixtape to accompany the album, “Lessons In Love 2.0” is available on Lloyd’s MySpace page at www.myspace.com/lloyd.