SMALL FACES

As if the disappointing sales showing of its last album weren’t enough, Oasis now has more incentive to make its next release a hit. Last week the band was hit with an $880,000 settlement in a suit filed by its former drummer Tony McCarroll, claiming unlawful termination in 1995. . . .

Michael Jackson has hired Rodney Jerkins, hot off his hits with Whitney Houston and the Grammy-winning Brandy-Monica pairing, to complete production on his upcoming album. Others who have contributed production include Sean “Puffy” Combs, Dutch and Mase. Jerkins, who had three Grammy writing and production nominations, is also about to start on Toni Braxton’s next album and is working with the Spice Girls. Having recently finished Jennifer Lopez’s debut, he’s also just signed a label deal for his Dark Child Records through Sony Music. . . .

Roots member Rahzel has finished his first solo album, due May 11 and featuring production by Pete Rock, De La Soul and the Roots and guest appearances by Me’Shell Ndegeocello, Branford Marsalis, A Tribe Called Quest’s Q Tip and Aaron Hall. . . .

Beck brought Bay Area rapper Kool Keith (of Dr. Octagon) to his house recently to collaborate on three songs for his next album. Keith is also working on an album, his first solo project, to be released later this year on Ruffhouse Records. . . .

Ivan Neville, son of Neville Brother Charles and sometime member of Keith Richards’ side band, has joined the Spin Doctors, with work underway on a new album for Universal Music, the first since the group split with Epic. . . .

Chante Moore is finishing her third album, due in May and titled “This Moment Is Mine.” Jo-Jo (of K-Ci & Jo-Jo) is a guest on one song, with Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis and Babyface among the producers and a new Diane Warren song featured.