May The Best Man Win: Jay-Z's Search For A Producer

Word from WENN is that Jay-Z is the in market for a producer on his next album. Who are the candidates? Long time collaborator Timbaland and producer turned artist, Kanye West. So the scoop is this: Jay-Z is such a p-i-m-p that he says there is somewhat of a “competition” to be the producer to the follow up of last year’s aptly titled American Gangster. “If Timbaland makes 10 great tracks then he produces the album, if Kanye West makes 10 great tracks then he produces the album; if he makes three, I'll take three. I let the music dictate the direction.

Though the professional and personal relationship between he and Timbaland is strong—Timbaland was the producer on American Gangster—Jay-Z says that doesn’t guarantee a collaboration. In an interview with Rolling Stone, the Rocafella turned Def Jam exec stated, “You know I love Timbaland, he is like a brother to me, but until the music is done it's premature.” It seems as though not everyone believes neptitsim is alive and well. Go Jay-Z! Your attention to professionalism is a breath of fresh air in this industry—where it truly is all about who you know.