since being
released from prison earlier this year, Black Rob has become a free agent ... and just recently, has he inked a new record deal.
Unlike his days with a major label, signing with Bad Boy Records back in the late 1990s, the New York rapper has opted to go indie, inking a new deal with Duck Down Music.
"I always respected their movement and also been a fan of their music," Rob said of the indie label. "If I'm going independent, why not go with a team I respect, and they have always had a true family setting & environment."
With the new deal in place, Black Rob is poised to release his first studio album in over five years, following a four year prison term due to a grand larceny charge in 2006.
Over the past seven months, the Harlem rapper has returned to the studio where he's always felt most comfortable.
Rob call his upcoming LP a "testimony of what I stand for and how I feel. The people have been asking for true hip hop music, and that's what I'm giving them. I stayed away from features. I've been away for four joints, so I feel the people deserve to hear me. When I came home, I went right to work, and didn't have time to reach out to cats. On my next project, you will get that."
The rapper continues, explaining that he's been working with a slew of music producers, mostly up-and-comers.
"As for producers, I have some up-and-coming cats on there. I believe in giving cats a chance," Rob explained. "As far as named producers you may hear a joint or two from Buckwild, Self Service, Bishop, Scram Jones and Pete Rock."
During the course of his career, Black Rob has recorded several successful projects. In 2000, he released
Life Story, which has sold over 1 million units and featured his biggest hit to date, "WHOA!" Five years later, he returned with
The Black Rob Report, which surpassed sales of 100,000 units.
Again, five years later, Black Rob is readying a new album, entitled
Game Tested & Street Approved.
Fans in New York City will get to see Black Rob perform at the upcoming Duck Down VS Blacksmith CMJ Showcase on October 19th at the Le Poisson Rouge. For tickets, visit
LePoissonRouge.com.