Newly freed from his previous album deal under Cam’Ron, Def Jam rapper Juelz Santana is looking forward to making up for lost time in 2009.
With four years passing since his 2005 debut What the Game’s Been Missing!, Santana assures fans that they will see the release of his opt-delayed third offering Built To Lose, Born To Win in 2009.
“I am just blessed to be able to finally put out an album,” Santana told AllHipHop.com. “It was just time for me to move on and I am grateful for having my needs met and I’m excited about my album finally coming out this year. The Bird is still flying high. It’s DipSet for life and Skull Gang forever.”
Santana’s newly formed Skull (Street Kids United by Loyalty and Loot) Gang has already secured album deal under Koch Records.
The six man team is hopeful to release their debut album this spring.
Besides his own team, Santana expressed happiness in sharing in the success of close friend Lil Wayne’s chart-topping Tha Carter III.
Through Santana’s spot on “You Ain’t Got Nuthin,” the Harlemite also earned Grammy recognition as a featured artist on the nominated Album of the Year.
“I’m blessed to have been a part of Wayne’s album and I congratulate my brother for all his success,” Santana added.
Last Friday (January 16), Juelz Santana welcomed 300 friends and family members to the opening weekend screening of Notorious.
The event took place at NYC’s Loews/AMC on 3rd Avenue, and drew such celebrities as Maino, Angie Martinez, Miss Info, and DJ Enuff.
Recalling the evening, Santana states that B.I.G. was given a fitting tribute on screen and by those in attendance.
“We had a blast,” Santana exclaimed. “Not only was this my way of paying tribute to B.I.G., but it was also my way of saying thanks to all of the folks who have been supportive of me over the years.”
Juelz Santana’s next mixtape project is set to drop by the end of January.