Timbaland Exits Fox’s “Empire”

Timbaland Exits Fox’s “Empire”

Timbaland, who has headed the music team on the Fox music drama “Empire” since it began, has exited the series, Billboard reports. Timbaland and his team were responsible for taking the writing team’s plot points and creating songs based on the themes. He will be replaced by producer Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins and songwriter Ester Dean for the show’s third season. 

“We were happy to work with Timbaland during the first two seasons,” Columbia Records senior VP of A&R Shawn Holiday told Billboard. “But we wanted to take a different approach for season 3.” Columbia releases the music on “Empire.” Other additions to the team include Johntá Austin (Mariah Carey, Mary J. Blige, Usher), Makeba Riddick (Beyoncé, Rihanna) and Jesse St. John (Britney Spears). Ne-Yo and J.R. Rotem, who worked with Timbaland last season, will return for the third season.

Recently, it was announced that Romeo Miller (fka Lil Romeo) will replace Kid Cudi on the show. Cudi was cast as a rival to rapper Hakeem back in July, but backed out due to “creative differences.” Other additions include new series regular Xzibit and guest stars Birdman, French Montana, and Biz Markie, among others. The third season of “Empire” will premiere September 21.

Read “A Guide to ‘Empire’s’ Real-Life Inspiration” on the Pitch. 

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