By Tai Saint Louis
West Coast rapper Kurupt is gearing up for what he hopes to be an exceptional New Year.
In addition to three new projects slated for release in 2009, the Dogg Pound co-founder has created a new imprint to be distributed through Fontana/Universal, he told AllHipHop.com exclusively.
The newly founded Penagon Entertainment will be operated jointly by Kurupt and his Atlanta-based management firm Lakeshow Management.
The distribution agreement with Fontana/Universal will allow the former Death Row Records VP to retain all creative control over his music and those signed to the label.
It also provides for the continued expansion of the label's roster, while growing his resume as a business man.
Kurupt is also adding to his lengthy catalog of collaborations, with the release of a new album with DJ Quik.
The new LP, entitled Blaqout, will be released via Quik's Mad Science Records, which is also distributed by Fontana/Universal.
The idea for the project came about while the two worked together on Snoop Dogg's album, Ego Trippin'.
During their many discussions about music, Kurupt said they came to the conclusion that they should create an album together.
"Me and Quik are like night and day," Kurupt said. "You can’t have one without the other - the perfect combination."
While putting the finishing touches on Blaqout, Kurupt is also preparing for the February release of his next solo LP, Street Lights, which will be the first project on Penagon/Fontana/Universal.
The album heavily features production by West Coast producer Terrance Martin, known for his work on Snoop's last album.
Also in the pipeline is 100 Wayz, the latest offering by Tha Dogg Pound, which is the first official album from the group since 2005's Dogg Food.
In past interviews, the group has said that their intermittent releases should be considered no more than official mixtapes.
In preparation for the new release, Daz and Kurupt recently partnered with DJ Drama for Tha Dogg Pound Gangsta Grill titled Full Circle.
The duo is also working on a collaborative project with producer Pete Rock.