(AllHipHop News) Production master Timothy “Timbaland” Mosley led the music supervision for Empire for the Fox series’ first two seasons.
Timbaland is no longer working with the program, and two other veteran songwriters have been brought in. Billboard reports Grammy-winner Rodney Jerkins and “Rude Boy” co-writer Ester Dean are part of the new team at Empire.
“Rodney is a dynamic, multi-format producer experienced in urban, rhythmic and pop. And Dean excels at writing big songs with catchy hooks,” said Shawn Holiday, senior VP of A&R for Columbia Records.
Ne-Yo and J.R. Rotem are returning after being added for season 2. Johntá Austin, Makeba Riddick, and Jesse St. John will contribute to season 3 as well.
Besides being a hit tv show, Empire has also had success on the music charts. The Hip Hop drama earned a #1 album on the Billboard 200 chart and several Top 20 entries on the Hot R&B Songs chart.
The third season of Empire premieres on September 21.