It's the middle of the second quarter when the–Dream struts into Philadelphia's Wachovia Center, where the 76ers are beating the Orlando Magic by six. His seats, at the end of the Sixers' bench, put him thigh to thigh with sweaty, six–foot–11–inch starting center Sam Dalembert, who gives Dream five. Sixers franchise star Andre Iguodala glances over and nearly sings "Radio killa!" — Dream's nickname — then says, "'Preciate your music, man." Coolly, Dream thanks...

Over the past couple of years, The–Dream has become, as he repeatedly boasts on Love vs. Money, a "radio killa . . . R&B gorilla." The Atlanta recording studio that the singer — songwriter shares with beat magician Tricky Stewart became a virtual hit factory, churning out tuneful and inventive smashes for the likes of Rihanna ("Umbrella") and Beyoncé ("Single Ladies").

But with...