Rawkus Records was once home to underground greats like Mos Def and Talib Kweli. Even industry heavyweights like Eminem have laid down vocals for the label. Now, in 2006 after a short hiatus, Rawkus is back and has signed Chicago emcee Naledge to lead the brand in the new millennium
The deal is a joint venture with Major League Entertainment & Kidz In The Hall in association with Hustle. If fans aren’t familiar with Hustle, they’re definitely familiar with one of the game’s biggest personalities, Kanye West(they’re affiliated with The College Dropout.
Naledge, also known as Prince of the Chi made some noise prior to being signed with the release of The College Graduate, a reworked version of Ye’sDropout debut.
“This deal is monumental for me. Not because it’s my first record deal
but because it’s a perfect marriage of a brand with an artist. I grew up off of the catalog of the old rawkus roster. It literally inspired me to become an emcee and for me to be an extension for the legacy, I am honored. I thank John Monopoly for making this deal happen. At the same time, I feel I am very much built to accept the responsibility of being one of the first artists on the label. I firmly believe I will be able to carve a classic debut album,”Naledge says.
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The Chi representer also made headlines after an appearance on Sway and Tech’sWake Up Show.
Naledge’s debut album will hit stores this summer and features production from Just Blaze. No collaborations have been announced as of press time.
