Dave "Jam" Hall began his career as both a producer and CEO of his own label, Hall of Fame Records, which was distributed by Sony Music. All this at the ripe age of 24. His signature sound _ moody, beat-driven, jazz- tinged R&B/hip-hop _ along with his ability to lock street sounds with old- school classic grooves, brought his skills to the attention of Sean "Puffy" Combs, who was then honing his own craft at Uptown Records. Hall's style soon found its way onto Mary J. Blige's 1992 hit album, "What's The 411?," on songs such as "Love No Limit," "You Remind Me," and "Reminisce." Now, after a six-year hiatus that included parting company with Sony, Hall is reviving his career as a songwriter and producer. He still has his label, which is now distributed by A&M Records.

"I have no hard feelings toward Sony. We came to a mutual agreement to part company," says Hall. "I think the market right now favors the smaller independent label. That's why I decided to come [back] now."

He says that producing, writing, and label projects are already rolling in. "I am scheduled to work [as a songwriter/producer] on the Jackson 5 project, as well as Michael Jackson's upcoming solo project, contributing songs," says Hall, adding that he was approached about the former by A&M vice president of talent John McClain, who will also executive-produce the Jackson 5 reunion album. The songs for the project, he adds, will be finalized in about four weeks.

Hall is also working as producer and songwriter on projects for Horace Brown; Kurupt; Shelene, a new vocalist/rapper whom he says sings like Chaka Khan and raps like Missy Elliott; and R&B group the Blend. The albums for the latter two acts, he says, are planned for a first-quarter release on Hall of Fame. In addition, Hall says, he is collaborating with songwriter Gordon Chambers on tracks for Whitney Houston's upcoming album.

Hall's past work includes production, remixing, or songwriting for such artists as Jackson, Madonna, Mariah Carey, Aaliyah, Vanessa Williams, CeCe Peniston, Kenny Lattimore, Brownstone, the late Phyllis Hyman, Usher, Jeff Redd, Stephanie Mills, Changing Faces, En Vogue, Tina Turner, Heavy D, Taylor Dayne, and Brand Nubian.