CHICAGO (thefutoncritic.com) -- Rap stars Method Man and Redman will join the FOX family next season as the network announced today it has given a 13-episode order to the duo's series "Method & Red."

The project, which comes from Regency Television and 20th Century Fox Television, sees the pair (real names: Clifford Smith and Reggie Noble) playing two highly successful hip-hop stars who move into a predominantly white, affluent gated community in New Jersey. In addition to the fish-out-of-water antics that ensue, additional conflict comes in the form of Method Man's mother (Ella Joyce), who decides to move in with them and restore a little order to the house.

Beth Littleford ("Spin City"), Peter Jacobson ("A.U.S.A."), David Henrie ("The Pitts") and Lahmard Tate ("Moesha") also star in the comedy, which comes from executive producers Kell Cahoon ("Just Shoot Me") and Will Gluck ("Luis").

The news marks the second year in a row FOX has gotten a jump on the 2004-05 season. Last April, FOX gave early 13-episode orders to both "The O.C." and "Wonderfalls" (read the story). "Method & Red" was one of several pilots FOX fast-tracked this season in order to move to a more year-round development cycle. Like "The O.C.," it's possible "Method & Red" could bow this summer however FOX has yet to formally announce a launch date.