Rhythm, Rap And The Blues

PUTTING ON HIS GAME FACE: Master P is definitely no stranger to the game called the music business. The 10-year industry veteran and No Limit Records founder and CEO is ready to take his company to the next level, eyeing the crossover market. Re-christened New No Limit following its recent transition from Priority to Universal Records, the label bows the first album under that partnership Dec. 18, Master P's Gameface.

The 16-track set sports production by Master P, Presidential Campaign—a cadre of up-and-coming producers from Canada—and another newcomer, Myke Diesel. What also sets this album apart from past efforts is a shift from Master P's signature southern sound and the use of samples, ranging from such artists as Teena Marie, the Isley Brothers, and Bee Gees.

"It was time to move on and open up other marketplaces," the rapper/entrepreneur says. "It feels great. This is the most mature record I've put out and the most radio-friendly. It also works for the streets and clubs. There's something for everybody."

It's also his most family-oriented project, with his brothers Silkk the Shocker and C and son Lil' Romeo on board. Having-fun first single "Ooohhhwee" features Master P's latest rap protégé, Weebie. Two other labelmates—R&B singer Sera-Lynn and new rapper Krazy—are spotlighted on the tracks "Real Love" and "Rock It," respectively.

The New No Limit roster also includes Mr. Magic and pop-crossover act 6-Piece, both of which are recording material; an upcoming set is also planned by Silkk the Shocker.

In the meantime, Master P is also wearing his actor's hat. He has roles in the upcoming Undisputed with Wesley Snipes and Ving Rhames; Popcorn Shrimp, written and directed by Christopher Walken; and Plague Season with Kurt Russell. Then there's Lil' Romeo's new Nickelodeon TV series, Pieces of the Puzzle, described as a "Partridge Family-style show." It bows in February 2002.

"But don't worry," Master P says, laughing, "I'm still planning to keep my hands in music."



STUDIO CHATTER: In addition to working on Will Smith's 2002 album, producer Lofey has been busy in the studio with the likes of Scarface ("Between Us" featuring Nas on Def Jam South), Nas ("My Country 'Tis of Thee" on Sony), Capone ("Money Don't Move Me" on Def Jam South), and Shawnna (working title "I Just Wanna" on Def Jam South) . . . With two tracks on the new Busta Rhymes Genesis CD ("There's Only One" with Mary J. Blige and "You Ain't F***in' Wit Me"), producer/songwriter Michael Angelo Saulsberry is back behind the boards working with Deborah Cox, Nona Gaye, and new J Records artist J Bubble. He also produced the lead track from Snoop Dogg's forthcoming album, Whatever.



ON THE RECORD: Rap veteran KRS-One has a new album streeting Jan. 22, 2002—his first gospel project. Spiritual Minded is the title of the 12-song collection that's coming via Front Page/In the Paint/Koch. It includes the ballad "No More Tears," a Sept. 11 tribute . . . Death Row Records (aka Tha Row) has signed a three-year pact with New York City-based Koch entertainment. See Chris Morris' Declarations of Independents column, page 58 . . . Anita Baker is no longer with Atlantic Records.



HOLIDAY RAP: Stevie Wonder's sixth annual House Full of Toys benefit concert takes place Dec. 15 at Los Angeles' Great Western Forum. The lineup includes Babyface, Brian McKnight, India.Arie, and Musiq Soulchild . . . Among the lineup for the fourth annual Sears Soul Train Christmas StarFest are Tyrese, Kenny Lattimore, and James Ingram (performing "The Three Kings"); the syndicated offering airs Dec. 5-17. Soul Train, MCA Records, and Coca-Cola are staging the annual Soul Train Christmas Toyfest for L.A.-area children Dec. 17 at L.A.'s Sunset Room. MCA act the O'Jays are slated to perform . . . Also, at 8 p.m. on Dec. 17, Fox airs the new animated holiday special Santa, Baby! featuring the voices of Gregory Hines, Patti LaBelle, Vanessa Williams, Eartha Kitt, and radio personality Tom Joyner. Fashioned around the song "Santa, Baby" that Kitt made popular in 1953, the special was developed by Coca-Cola and Rankin/Bass Productions.