The Infamous is back in the house once again. MTV News has learned that Mobb Deep have signed their Infamous Records with RED Distribution, the independent distribution system of Sony Music. Havoc and Prodigy will drop their self-titled ninth album as well any others that they sign and any film projects they choose to take on under the new deal.
"After almost 20 years in this industry, it was inevitable for us to take matters into our own hands. We feel that RED is the perfect home for our brand," Prodigy said in a press release issued to MTV News. "We know who our fans are and what they want from Mobb Deep. We're excited to take a new step in our career," Havoc added.
President of RED Distribution Bob Morelli offered his support of the newly inked group and label. "Mobb Deep is an iconic act, having been on the cutting edge of music and social commentary for years. We are happy and excited to distribute the next chapter in their musical career."
Read what Havoc said about Mobb Deep's initial plans to stay independent.
This isn't the first time the group has been in the Sony fold. After releasing their debut album Juvenile Hell on 4th and B'way in 1993, M-O-B-B signed on to the Sony-affiliated Loud Records and dropped their breakout album The Infamous two years later. They remained under Sony up until the release of their 2001 album Infamy. Since then, there has been an indie deal with Land Speed (2003's Free Agents), a deal with Jive (2004's Amerikaz Nightmare) and one with 50 Cent's G-Unit Records (2006 Blood Money), but ever since Prodigy's release from prison for gun possession in March, the group has been without a label.
The group has managed to stay in the news this year thanks to Prodigy's tell-all book "My Infamous Life: The Autobiography of Mobb Deep's Prodigy." Many rappers, including N.O.R.E., his partner Capone and Ja Rule, took exception to P's accounts of certain events described in the book.
Though there is no release date for the Mobb Deep album. The duo is currently on the road as part of the Rock the Bells Tour alongside Lauryn Hill, Nas, Common and Erykah Badu.
What do you think of Mobb Deep's new deal? Tell us in the comments.