Two weeks ago, Island/Def Jam signed a distribution deal with Slip-N-Slide, a Miami rap label whose stars include Trick Daddy and Trina. The latest in another series of high-profile moves by Island/Def Jam President Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter, it automatically turned relatively unknown Bankhead rapper Citty into an artist to watch.
"It's a good feeling, man. I didn't think I was going to be a part of Def Jam," says the cornrowed 22-year-old. Ironically, Citty is sitting in a conference room at WEA/Atlantic's Southeast office, one of the companies that unsuccessfully competed for his talents last fall.
Citty estimates he's performed more than 300 times in the past two years, rocking mics at clubs like the Peacock Lounge, 20 Grand and many others (often with rap partner Shock), and touring around the South with Field Mob. "I ain't even got a mix tape. I outperform artists," he says. His breakout song is "Cookie Man"; "cookie" is slang for a highly coveted item, whether it's drugs or food stamps. "It's not just a song about selling drugs. It's about selling anything you can to get money," he says. Leaked to DJs and industry folk last spring, it earned airplay on local stations like Hot 107.9 (WHTA-FM), and drew interest from several major labels, including Atlantic, Sony and So So Def/Virgin. In the end, Citty signed a deal with Slip-N-Slide.
After the interview, Citty dips into manager Ross' office and plays several tracks intended for his upcoming album. Many of them are rough and unpolished, and Ross cautions that they're demos, not radio-ready songs.
Still, Citty's lyricism is evident, belying the aphorism that Southern rappers can't rap. On "Cookie Man," he rhymes, "If you want some gold teeth, I'm a send your ass to Eddie [of Eddie's Gold Teeth in downtown Atlanta]/No discount, no bargain, no debit, no credit/Whatever you need, nigga, I got it, it's on deck/I got love in these streets, but I'm paid for my respect
Miami-based record label Slip-N-Slide Records has inked a multi-million dollar deal with Def Jam, headed by rapper/mogul Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter.
While Trina, Trick Daddy and Ft. Meyers rapper Plies will remain signed as Slip-N-Slide/Atlantic artists, newcomers Rick Ross, of Miami, and Citty, of Atlanta, will record under the new Slip-N-Slide/Def Jam imprint, where a new roster of talent will be developed.
"We met with every major label head across the country, but the level of respect that Def Jam showed for Slip-N-Slide was priceless," said Slip-N-Slide President Ted "Touche" Lucas. "Jay-Z saw Slip-N-Slide's vision and was willing to do everything in his power to make that vision a reality."
Founded by Lucas in 1993, Slip-N-Slide has sold over 8 million records, mostly powered by hits from Trick Daddy and Trina.
Lucas said he plans to expand the label's presence beyond Florida under the new venture and "form a cartel of new artists from other regions."
Rick Ross' debut album, Career Criminal, is slated for a summer release, while Citty's album, Da Cookie Man, is due before the end of the year.
"We have very high expectations for Rick Ross, Plies and Citty. We're going to have a big year," Lucas predicted.