NEW YORK (Top40 Charts/ Universal Republic Records)- Universal Republic Records has signed Grammy Award winning recording artist, rapper, producer, mogul and all-around hip hop Renaissance man, Lil Jon, it was announced today by Monte Lipman, President and CEO of Universal Republic Records.
Lil Jon, who has even founded a much talked about vineyard, Little Jonathan Winery, burst on to the hip hop scene more than a decade ago as the indomitable �King of Crunk.' The charismatic star will not only deliver records via his own label at Universal Republic - his first album due out in the first half of 2009 - but the multi-talented Atlanta entrepreneur will don several unique hats at his new home, thanks to a multi-faceted deal crafted by Lipman that includes a label imprint, a recording agreement, a production arm, a digital presence, and a pivotal A&R consultant role at the company.
'Lil Jon is a larger than life figure who casts a giant shadow over every facet of the entertainment business,' stated Mr. Lipman. 'His name is synonymous with brand-building and we want him plugged into multiple Universal Republic platforms for maximum results. I view him as our Urban Music Czar! Now, if he'd only send me a couple of cases of that wine.'
Lil Jon also commented: "I'm excited to find a new home in Universal Republic, they've got a great team over there. A lot of big things comin' from me, get ready! I been workin' hard on my new material and it's time everybody hears it!"
Recognized as an entertaining and provocative entrepreneur with a penchant for launching breakthrough brands, Lil Jon first came to prominence with his groundbreaking �dirty south' movement. He and his band the East Side Boyz have sold more than 12 million records, with Lil Jon winning dozens of awards, including numerous BET, Soul Train, MTV and People's Choice trophies, as well as a 2005 Grammy award for Best Rap Collaboration for his contribution to Usher's smash 2004 hit 'Yeah!.' The effusive mogul has also launched his own Crunk Energy drink!!!, a limited edition signature sun glasses line with Oakley, and participated in a score of lucrative endorsement deals, including pacts with Subway, Heineken, and Video Game icons such as Tony Hawk.
One of the most in-demand producers of the decade, Lil Jon has never abandoned his club roots, helming his own signature hits such as 'Get Low,' 'What You Gon' Do,' and 'Lovers & Friends,' as well as stepping up for countless other artists, including Usher's Grammy winning 'Yeah!' Ciara's 'Goodies,' and most recently, working the knobs on Britney Spears' upcoming comeback album. He has recorded with superstars such as T.I., Kid Rock, and Three 6 Mafia, among others.
Cited for trademark albums such as 2002's Kings Of Crunk and 2004's Crunk Juice, Lil Jon's BME Recordings is also home to some of hip hop's most original artists, including Lil Scrappy and E-40, among others. The Atlanta native has recently been released of all contractual and recording obligations in regard to the recently bankrupt TVT Records.
