Rapper Obie Trice is at work in his native Detroit on his debut album, Cheers, which should be out this summer. As for the title's inspiration, Trice explains, "I'm just happy to be here. A lot of people where I'm from, they didn't make it. I'm cheers-ing my first album."

Trice, who appeared on The Eminem Show's VD rant "Drips," has already worked with Slim Shady on the song's sequel ("Hey Lady") as well as on Cheers' title track. Other hip-hop heavyweights on the CD include Dr. Dre, Rocwilder and Timbaland, all of who Trice promises will bring their "signature sounds."

Label boss Eminem is predicting a monster breakthrough: "He'll sell 60 million copies in the first day."

DAVE PEISNER
(April 21, 2003)