Houston rapper and frequent object of Synthesis love, Devin the Dude has signed with Razor and Tie Entertainment. Here’s the shit

(New York, NY) – Razor & Tie Entertainment has announced the signing of veteran urban lyricist Devin The Dude to an exclusive worldwide multi-album recording contract.  With a knack for humorous rhymes and light-hearted storytelling, Devin possesses a strong fanbase garnered from four previous studio releases.  Complex Magazine has dubbed Devin, “the Richard Pryor of rap”, while Slate refers to him as “one of hip-hop’s best-loved underdogs among both fans and peers”.  The Florida-born, Houston-raised Devin has indeed earned his reputation as “the rappers’ rapper”, guesting on the albums of such high-profile artists as Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, De La Soul and Jay Z.

Devin The Dude is currently in the studio recording his fifth album, LANDING GEAR.  The album, Devin’s first for Razor & Tie, is scheduled for release in the early fall via his own Coughee Brothers imprint.  Razor & Tie’s opportunity to work with Devin was facilitated by Jon Shapiro and Jen McDaniels of Cinematic Music Group.  Shapiro and McDaniels will continue to be involved in the completion and set-up of LANDING GEAR, with Razor & Tie responsible for the marketing and distribution of the album.  Cinematic Music Group was founded in 2005 by Jon Shapiro. Based in New York City, it is a full service entertainment company that focuses on its record label, artist development, artist relations, management, production and film.  Cinematic is home to Sean Kingston, Yung Berg, and others.

Atlanta emo-pop titans Cartel and Wind-Up Records, home to such luminaries as Creed, Evanescence,  and Alter Bridge, have come to terms on a deal encompassing the band’s recordings, merch and  “artist development”:

New York — Wind-up Entertainment and the rock band Cartel have entered in to a number of agreements.  The band’s future recordings will be released by Wind-up Records.  Additionally, the sale of all Cartel merchandise at on-line, retail, and touring points of sale will be handled by Wind-up Entertainment’s Pronto Merch.  Lastly, Cartel has entered in to an agreement with Wind-up Artist Development Corporation, Inc.

The Atlanta-based quintet, featuring Will Pugh (Vocals / Guitar), Joseph Pepper (Guitar), Nic Hudson (Guitar), Jeff Lett (Bass) and Kevin Sanders (Drums), self-released their first EP titled RANSOM in March, 2004.  A deal with the Militia Group followed, and the CHROMA album was issued in 2005.  Epic Records re-released the title in the summer of 2006, delivering a significant groundswell.   The band’s self-titled follow-up CARTEL followed in 2007.  The band parted ways with the major label, opening the door for this alliance with Wind-up Entertainment.

Wind-up Entertainment President Ed Vetri shared, “In the continuing evolution of the music industry, Wind-up has been and continues to be a leader in developing a business model that forms true artist partnerships and provides for long term development.  We believe that bands like Cartel, and deals like this, are the future of this business.  We are excited to begin working with a group that has proven hard work, great songwriting, and a commitment to touring provides the basis for a long term career. We are excited to be in business with Cartel, and look forward to building on their already sizeable fan base.”

Cartel front man Will Pugh enthusiastically commented, “We are very excited to announce that we have signed with Wind-up Records. The overwhelmingly positive familial atmosphere of the label has us looking forward to what is certain to be a lasting and successful relationship. We’re extremely eager to begin this new chapter in the life of Cartel.  All five of us sincerely appreciate and thank our fans for their continuous heartfelt support throughout the lifetime of the band, especially over the last nine months or so.  With a new label home firmly secured and fresh winds filling our sails we foresee bigger and better opportunities for us to continue to grow and thrive as a band, while building off the same foundational elements that we have always embraced: hard work, endless touring, good vibes and fantastic fan-friendly relations.”

Cartel is currently working on the repertoire for their third album, and will enter the studio in the coming months.  The release is planned for early 2009.  Cartel will be co-headlining The Crocs Next Step Campus Tour August 29 through September 26 with Yung Joc (dates subject to change).

Well, there’s the shark, might as well jump it. Oh wait…they already did.