SMALL FACES

New tracks by Biggie Smalls, the Wu-Tang Clan, MC Eiht, Busta Rhymes and A Tribe Called Quest are among those set for a rap all-star collection being compiled as the soundtrack for “Rhyme & Reason,” a documentary of hip-hop life by director Peter Spirer. The film is being screened for distributors, with plans for an October release. The album, being assembled by former Cypress Hill manager Happy Walters, will be released on his Immortal Records through Priority. . . .

Alice in Chains, having stayed off the road in part due to singer Layne Staley’s drug dependency battles, is set to open the first four dates of the KISS tour, replacing Stone Temple Pilots, which canceled due to singer Scott Weiland’s drug treatment. But Alice is making no plans for more shows at this time. . . .

Harlem rappers Wreckx-N-Effect’s first album in four years, titled “Rap’s New Generation” and due Aug. 13, is a concept tribute to hip-hop heroes. Each song’s title and inspiration comes from a key old-school track (though with original music and lyrics). Among those honored are KRS-One’s “Criminal Minded,” Afrika Bambaataa’s “Planet Rock” and EPMD’s “So What Cha Sayin.’ ” . . .