Sharp Notes April 11 2001

Souled out. Probably not inspired by their Stankonia album title, OutKast and protégé Slimm Calhoun have partnered with athletic footwear retailer Footaction USA for “a unique cross-promotional campaign.” Sounds very corporate. The hot hip-hop duo also is running with Nike and will debut their line of urban sportswear this summer. And OutKast has inked an exclusive agreement with Smirnoff to promote its Raspberry Twist beverage. The company plans to introduce the “Ms. Jackson,” a combination of the Raspberry Twist and Coke.

No kilts allowed. R.E.M.’s documentary, filmed at Scotland’s Stirling Castle during their final three dates on 1999’s Up tour, will make its worldwide premier in Atlanta. A Stirling Performance features concert footage and also documents the band’s impact on the small town. It debuts June 10 and 12 at the Atlanta Film Festival. Reveal, the trio’s new album, is released May 15.

Scratch this! Atlanta based DJs Faust & Shortee have begun work on their debut for Stray Records. The engaged couple, who have won numerous awards for their turntable skills, should have an album out in summer 2001. Hear the latest spins at www.faustandshortee .com. The duo also is featured in the turntablism documentary Scratch. The Atlanta Film Festival plans to screen this film as well.

Dancz scores again: Atlanta’s Steve Dancz composed the music for the National Geographic special, “Raising the Hunley.” “Hunley” is the 14th National Geographic score for Dancz, an Athens native who teaches jazz studies at the University of Georgia. The special airs at 8 and 11 p.m. April 13-14 on CNBC