BRITNEY SPEARS - ROTEM PLANS RAP ATTACK IN 2007

BRITNEY SPEARS' rumoured new boyfriend JR ROTEM will be playing producer to rap's heaviest hitters after landing deals to work on new albums by DR DRE and 50 CENT. The record maker admits working on Dre's comeback album DETOX is tough because the rap legend is "a perfectionist" but he's thrilled to discover 50 Cent is nothing like his tough guy image. Rotem says, "I'm working very closely with 50 and he doesn't seem angry. He's at the top of the game. He's focused on making an album to save hip-hop, and I think a lot of people feel that way. "He is an incredible force, who doesn't need to put out an album for money or respect. He's got both so we're trying to make a new sound." And Rotem thinks his rumoured lover and 50 have a lot in common: "He's a trendsetter like Britney is in pop music." It's shaping up to be a very busy year for Rotem - he has also been working on new records for Spears, RIHANNA, JENNIFER LOPEZ and actress HAYDEN PANETTIERE.