(AllHipHop News) E1 Music has confirmed with AllHipHop.com the signing of seasoned Bronx rapper and Terror Squad leader Fat Joe, who will drop a new album The Dark Side this summer. Joe’s last offering with 2009’s Jealous Ones Still Envy 2 (J.O.S.E. 2), released on EMI subsidiary Imperial Records. It has been 17 years since Fat Joe made his debut with the 1993 boom bap single “Flow Joe,” and the album Represent. From initial humble beginnings with the critically-acclaimed Diggin’ In the Crates crew, the self-proclaimed Don Cartagena has gone on to sell over 2.5 million records. E1 president Alan Grunblatt was one of the parties who brokered the Bronx emcee’s first deal with Relativity, and expects fans to be impressed with Joe’s latest work. “I originally signed Fat Joe to his first record deal and was blown away by the new material Joe played me,” Grunblatt explained. “Fate has brought us back together; trust me when I tell you he’s got bangers for days!” As an artist that’s experienced both major and indie label situations, Joe revealed his choice rested with his trust in Alan Grunblatt’s previous track record and vision. Also, the Terror Squad founder pointed to E1’s success in marketing Hip-Hop acts with devoted fan bases. “It’s been a long time coming. I have a long history with Alan Grunblatt and everyone at E1,” Fat Joe detailed in a statement. “Although it’s a small label, they have the best marketing and promotion staff in the hip hop game and I’m looking forward to working with them on my new album, The Dark Side.” The first single, “Slow Down,” features Young Jeezy and will debut soon in urban radio outlets. The Dark Side is scheduled to be released on June 29th.
