TIMBALAND'S MOSLEY MUSIC HEADS SOUTH WITH UMG NASHVILLE

R&B/hip-hop titan Timbaland is taking his talents to UMG Nashville as part of a deal for his label, Mosley Music. The companies are said to be "actively exploring rising talent and new discoveries."

A recent Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee, Timbaland has previously blended rap and country sensibilities in his work with such artists as Brad Paisley, Bubba Sparxxx and For King + Country.

"I love their mission of taking chances on special artists to meet the culture," he said of UMGN. Added UMGN Chair/CEO Cindy Mabe, "Over the past year, we've been working with Timbaland on developing artists together and bridging the gaps in country music. I'm so happy to finally announce our collaboration with Mosley Music."

Timbaland, Busta Rhymes and Ciara are currently on the road opening for Missy Elliott's first proper headlining tour, which rolls into Newark, New Jersey, tonight (8/9).

We're undecided as to how much freak we will be getting on, but clearly feeling supa dupa fly above are (front row) Mabe, Timbaland and UMGN's Charlene Bryant, (middle row) Mosley Music Group's Gary Marella, Bluestone Publishing's Eric Spence, UMGN's Mike Harris and (back row) UMGN's Lori Christian, Rob Femia and Chelsea Blythe.