Shortly after Bad Boy Records announced the signing of former child star Bow Wow, the label has made yet another move, linking up with a major label for distribution. Epic Records has not only signed Bad Boy, the label will be distributing two albums from Diddy as well.
It's pretty common knowledge that Bad Boy isn't really at the top of the rap totem pole these days, at least when it comes to artist-run labels. Puff still has French Montana and Machine Gun Kelly, both of whom have kind of dwindled in buzz. We'll see if Epic is able to give Bad Boy a much-needed push. Billboard reports that the deal includes regular label services for Bad Boy, such as marketing, promotion, distribution and sales (in addition to the two albums from Diddy).
Diddy released a statement about the new venture, saying, "I have known L.A. Reid since the very beginning and together we have enjoyed countless successes over our long friendship. To now work with L.A. in this capacity feels more like a homecoming than a new beginning. Not only is he a fearless and smart businessman, he believes in artists and understands music better than anyone. He embodies hard work and true success, evident in all of his endeavors. To collaborate with L.A. Reid is to collaborate with the very best."
Puff plans to celebrate the deal by performing new music during the BET Hip-Hop Awards in Atlanta on October 13th.