In another effort to offer Hip-Hop fans an eclectic roster to choose from, Duck Down Records has announced a new solo album deal with Cypress Hill frontman B-Real.
With the acquisition, B-Real becomes the latest big name to join the Duck Down family.
Pioneer KRS-One recently completed a collaboration album with Buckshot scheduled for release next year.
For the rest of 2008, Duck Down will release DJ Revolution’s King of the Decks (September 16) and Heltah Skeltah’s D.I.R.T. (Da Incredible Rap Team), the group’s first album in 10 years.
Duck Down co-owner Dru Ha emphasized to AllHipHop.com that his label’s vision is to maintain a strong, independent entity to showcase Hip-Hop music thriving away from the mainstream.
“Adding another living legend in B-Real to our roster is really giving Duck Down a ‘dream team’ lineup for independent Hip-Hop,” Dru explained to AllHipHop.com. “Buckshot and I have been strategic with our label partnerships mixing the right blend of emerging artists with proven veterans.”
Another example of that vision is the breakout success of newcomers Kidz in the Hall, who recently filmed a video for their second single “Love Hangover,” featuring UK songbird Estelle.
Dru Ha details that a pending super-group project will push the label to bigger heights in 2009.
“When you add the upcoming Random Axe Project (Sean Price, Guilty Simpson, and Black Milk), we’re excited about our ability to continue contributing quality Hip-Hop albums to the game,” he states.
Entitled Smoke N Mirrors, B-Real’s Duck Down debut features Snoop Dogg, Buckshot, Damian Marley, Sean Price and Sen Dogg.
Production for the project will be handled by DJ Quik, Fredwreck, Scoop Deville, and B-Real himself for Audio Hustlerz.
B-Real is currently on the Rock the Bells Tour with Nas, A Tribe Called Quest, Method Man, Ghostface, Immortal Technique, and Kidz In the Hall.
Smoke N Mirrors is scheduled for release on January 27, 2009.