If you thought the Oscar and Felix tandem was odd, then the combination of hip-hop aristocrat Coolio and aging country & western star Kenny Rogers will seem downright abnormal. Nonetheless, the rapper and the roper have teamed to re-record Rogers' famed "The Gambler."

According to the song's producer, Devon Davis, Rogers will sing the hook and lead on the song, while Coolio will handle most of the verse duties. Davis has already laid down the backing track in a Los Angeles studio, which he calls "slamming." "It's better than 'Gangsta's Paradise,'" he adds, comparing it to Coolio's biggest hit. "It's off the hook, it's tight."

Davis says it was primarily his idea to re-record the song. "I used to have a gambling problem," he admits. The song will initially be released as a single any time between late March and June, according to Davis, and later be included on a film soundtrack, Coolio's next album or Davis' debut, due out in June. A music video for 'The Gambler '98', featuring Coolio and Rogers, is also in the works, and will be shot in Atlanta or Los Angeles.

In related news, Coolio is close to ending his relationship with Tommy Boy Records and signing a new deal with a major label, reportedly Maverick Records.

BLAIR R. FISCHER