Fans of Royce Da 5’9 are one step closer to receiving his next studio album.
The highly anticipated Street Hop will be delivered in early 2009 via his M.I.C. Records imprint, through a new deal with One Records, the Detroit rapper has announced.
“One Records is proud to be in business with Royce,” said the label’s owner, Hanley Halem. “He is an amazing talent and we feel that he has yet to reach his peak as an artist. Street Hop is a breath of fresh air, at a time when the industry really needs it and we are anxiously looking forward to releasing it.”
The latest Royce Da 5’9 release will be his fourth since unproductive deals with both Tommy Boy Records and Columbia Records led to the independent release of his 2002 debut Rock City (Version 2.0).
The new album will be executive produced by DJ Premier, who provided Royce with “Boom,” the underground hit single from Rock City.
Additional production on Street Hop will come courtesy of Nottz, Green Lantern, Carlos Broady, Ski, Kay Gee, Emile, and of course Premier.
The album will also feature guest appearances by Bun B, Joe Budden, Joell Ortiz and Crooked I, to name a few.
No word on whether the buzz worthy single “The Slaughter House” featuring Royce, Budden, Ortiz and Crooked I will make the album.
“I’m happy about my new partnership between M.I.C and One Records, because it’s time to ignite the streets,” Royce told AllHipHop.com in a statement. “This album will definitely show the world why I’m the one to watch right now. I’m ready to show all these other rappers just how wack they really are.”
The Detroit underground king will remain active in the months leading up to the first quarter release of Street Hop.
On November 12, he will embark on a tour with D-12 and Joe Budden during which he will be promoting his recently released Bar Exam 2 and previewing tracks from Street Hop.
Royce is also readying the release of a video for the album’s first single, “Shake This,” produced by DJ Premier.
The video will be directed by Rik Cordero, who recently directed clips by Nas, Q-Tip, Jadakiss, and Ace Hood, to name a few.
Codero will also create the visual for Royce’s follow up single “Part of Me,” which was produced by Carlos Broady.