SMALL FACES: Rapper Queen Latifah recently tested...

SMALL FACES: Rapper Queen Latifah recently tested for the lead role in the movie, “The Bessie Smith Story,” which will be directed by Bruce Beresford, best known for such films as “Driving Miss Daisy.” Reportedly she’ll do her own singing if she gets the role as the ‘20s jazz-blues legend. . . . Duran Duran (remember Duran Duran?) has an album due out in February and will tour next year for the first time in four years. But if Simon Le Bon keeps up his motorcycle racing, they may be looking for a new lead singer. Le Bon got busted up riding in the Supersport 400 in Wales in late July and is recovering from a broken wrist and collarbone. . . .

The debut album by Marvin Gaye’s 18-year-old daughter Nona Gaye finally has a release date--Sept. 29--and a title--”Love For the Future.” It’s R&B; dance music, and no, she doesn’t do any of her dad’s material. . . .

The notorious Butthole Surfers once titled an album “Hairway to Steven,” a play on “Stairway to Heaven,” so it makes sense that its major-label debut is being produced by Led Zeppelin bassist John Paul Jones. . . . Actress and former underage porn star Traci Lords has signed to MCA-distributed Radioactive Records. An album is expected to be released early next year.