One of the biggest producers behind the sound of the Dirty South is also one of its most unassuming. Jazze Pha may not be a household name on par with self-promoters like the Neptunes and Timbaland, but for 10 years he's been crucial to developing the South as the new epicenter of hip-hop.

And when he goes into the studio this week to work with "American Idol" victor Ruben Studdard, he'll kick off one of the most prolific periods of his career.

"I'm going in with him to work on some new songs. He needs some Jazze in his life," the producer, whose real name is Phalon Alexander, said with a laugh.

The two will work on a track called "DJ, Play My Song," which will be just one of many hip-hop-style Studdard tracks (see "Fat Joe, 'Idol' Studdard Team Up To Say 'Can I Get Your Attention' "). "Actually, I need some Ruben Studdard in my life. The big boys gotta unite, you know? Maybe we can walk the red carpet together."

After working with the Cash Money and No Limit Records camps for close to a decade (see "Jazze Pha Sprinkles Cash Money, Ludacris Cuts With Real Mack Effervescence"), Jazze Pha is venturing into new territory with artists like Studdard. If you turn on any hip-hop station, chances are you'll catch at least one of four Jazze-produced tracks currently in rotation from artists like Atlanta rapper T.I. ("Let's Get Away"), Nelly cronie Murphy Lee ("Luv Me Baby") and Big Boi, who features Jazze's vocals on his album cut "Bowtie."

Jazze also has a hit on his hands with "Come Over," the current posthumous single from Aaliyah. "Actually, we did that song a long time ago, but I guess I got caught in the wave of politics back then," explained Jazze. "We finally figured it out and put it out there. It feels great because now I can say I was a part of her career."

But the current lineup of songs is only the tip of the iceberg. In the coming months, Jazze Phe will have singles out by artists like Cee-Lo, Lil' Wayne, Mario and Ol' Dirty Bastard. He got behind the boards for Angie Stone's silky-smooth new single, "Your Love Is Gangsta," featuring Snoop Dogg.

The one song Jazze Pha is most excited about, however, is a new track he rigged for the always enthusiastic Busta Rhymes, tentatively titled "Shakin' Them Hips."

"It's for his new album — he's still working on it. But oh my God, this sh-- is awesome. I'm singin' the hook, and you talk about some energy? This is going to be one of the hottest records of the year."

Of course, Jazze is not turning his back on the Cash Money crew. In addition to upcoming studio dates with Juvenile, he produced three tracks for the upcoming Big Tymers album, including "Southern," which puts Baby, Mannie Fresh, Ludacris, UGK and himself on the same Southern all-star song.

Even though he and Cash Money beatmaker Mannie Fresh are both producers, Jazze said they work well together. They might even work on a collaborative album soon, tentatively titled Big Luv.

"We both like to just turn on the drum machine and go for it," Jazze said. "You never know what's gonna come out. It's like trying to find an Easter egg or something — you don't know if you're going to find a green one or a pink one."

Only after the current wave of songs subsides will Jazze Pha begin working on his own solo album. "I want it to be in the same kind of format as the first [Dr. Dre album], The Chronic — really workin' with a lot of the younger artists I've got."

For now Jazze Pha is going to continue spending time in the studio, hoping his work speaks for itself. "It feels real good right now, real good. When people start to consider you among the elite — the Jermaine Dupris, the Neptunes — that's big."