D.I.T.C. member O.C.
has signed with the indie label Hiero Imperium and plans to release his fifth
solo album Smoke & Mirrors later this year.
Described as a concept album
about conflict and hypocrisy in the entertainment industry, Smoke &
Mirrors is intended to finally launch O.C.’s rap career, after numerous
fruitless attempts.
"Knowing my history
and work ethic, Hiero said to me, ‘We don’t have to baby-sit you, just do your
thing,’" said O.C. in a statement. "Now, how many labels do you know
of that say that to their artists?"
The rapper also said he
has been given complete artistic control for the first time in his career with
the label, which was founded in 1997.
"The cats from Hiero
experienced the same music industry bulllsh*t as me," said O.C., who is
the first East Coast artist associated with the label. "I think part of
the reason for their success is their egalitarian attitude. With Hiero, I’m
treated more like a partner than just an artist."
Hiero Imperium is the label
founded by the pioneering Bay area rap collective, Hieroglyphics.
Smoke &
Mirrors
hits stores on November 1.
