Run-D.M.C. are realizing the words of one their immortal rap classics:"It's is tricky to rock a rhyme that's right on time." Crown Royal, the rap legends' highly anticipated, star-studded new album,has been pushed back several times. Contrary to recent advertisements thatlisted a Tuesday (February 27) release date, Arista Records now plans toput the album out April 3. When fans finally get to hear the record — whichoriginally was slated for release in fall 1999 — they may be surprised tofind that some reported collaborations did not make the final cut. Advancecopies of Crown Royal include no tracks featuring Aerosmith, the Beastie Boys,Slick Rick and Ol' Dirty Bastard. Time conflicts kept the rap trio — Run (born Joseph Simmons), D.M.C.(born Darryl McDaniels) and DJ Jam Master Jay (born Jason Mizell) —from recording with Aerosmith and the Beastie Boys, according to Run-D.M.C.spokesperson Tracey Miller. Miller was unsure why the tracks with Slick Rick and Ol' Dirty Bastard are not on the album but suggested that either therecordings were not finished or Arista was not satisfied with them. A publicist at Arista Records was unaware of any missing collaborations. Despite the omissions, Crown Royal is still a prime time affair. Guests on thealbum include Limp Bizkit's Fred Durst, Everlast, Kid Rock, Method Man, Sugar Ray,Mobb Deep's Prodigy, Jermaine Dupri and Jagged Edge, who previously included Runon a remix of their hit "Let's Get Married." Run-D.M.C. are scheduled to celebrate the release of the album with an April 3show at the Roxy in New York. Meanwhile, D.M.C. will release his autobiography,"King of Rock: Respect, Responsibility, and My Life With Run-D.M.C.," on March 14, through St. Martins Press. Will Smith penned the introduction for the 224-page tome. Coinciding with the release of his book, D.M.C. is independently releasing"Cadillac Cars," the first single from his upcoming solo album, to radio stationsacross the country. Although a major label has yet to sign on, Miller said Checks, Thugs and Rock 'n' Roll is set for a summer release. D.M.C. has been open about hisdisdain for Crown Royal, which mostly features Run in collaboration mode. Aristahead Antonio "L.A." Reid, along with Run and Pete Ganbarg, executive produced thealbum, which has been called the hip-hop Supernatural, referring to the Santana'scollaboration-heavy comeback album. "Rock Show," which was produced by and features Third Eye Blind singer StephanJenkins, is the album's first single, though some modern rock stations, such asChicago's Q101, have opted to play "Them Girls," which features Fred Durst. "It's Over," with Jermaine Dupri, is also scheduled for single and video treatment. Crown Royal is the first album from the veteran rappers since 1993's Down Withthe King. Run-D.M.C., who are among the most influential acts in the history ofhip-hop, released their self-titled debut album in 1984. The complete track listing for Crown Royal: "It's Over" (Jermaine Dupri) "Queens Day" (Nas and Prodigy of Mobb Deep) "Crown Royal" "Them Girls" (Fred Durst) "The School of Old" (Kid Rock) "Take the Money and Run" (Everlast) "Rock Show" (Stephan Jenkins of Third Eye Blind) "Here We Go" (Sugar Ray) "Ahhh" (Chris Davis) "Let's Stay Together (Together Forever)" (Jagged Edge) "Ay Papi" (Fat Joe) "Simmons Incorporated" (Method Man) source: mtv.com