Asher Roth Breaks Silence On Def Jam Deal, "Major Labels Kind Of Get A Bad Rap"

Following last week's unexpected news of rapper Asher Roth's move to Def Jam, the Pennsylvania-bred emcee has clarified his current label situation.

While he is now officially inked to Def Jam, Roth claims his music will still carry the SRC Records imprint.

"We understand that Def Jam is ready to compete in a changing music business and a music business that's changed drastically even since the last time I was out doing commercial music," he said. "Def Jam has the mindset and resources to compete in this arena, and I know [SRC Records CEO] Steve Rifkind knows that. ... From a historical standpoint, when they asked me if I wanted to be with Def Jam for these upcoming projects, it's kind of a no-brainer. Major labels kind of get a bad rap -- I think that if you can supply them with this new age school of content, content, content, and they're willing to give you the freedom to do that using a major label strength and resources is a win-win." (XXL Mag)

If all goes accordingly, Roth's follow-up to 2008's Asleep In The Bread Aisle will drop next year.

Philadelphia-based rapper Asher Roth has announced that his sophomore album will drop on the legendary Def Jam Recordings in March of 2012. The follow-up to his critically acclaimed 2008 debut album Asleep In The Bread Aisle, Roth's first Def Jam offering promises to be a significant step for the young star. "Def Jam is a great place to call home," said Roth. "I'm excited to get back to the basics with good, honest music." (Market Watch)

A few days ago, SRC Records' CEO Steve Rifkind confirmed the rapper's new label situation and rebirth of Loud Records.

"I'm happy to be partnering with Def Jam on the new @asherrothproject let's go @scooterbraun," he tweeted November 18th.

"Not only are we partnering up with Def Jam on @asherroth album it will be under the LOUD RECORDS imprint" (Steve Rifkind's Twitter)

The label shift was also confirmed by a Def Jam executive.

Rapper Asher Roth has announced his signing with Def Jam for the release of his sophomore album next year. Roth had previously been signed with SRC Records, who released his 2009 debut, Asleep in the Bread Aisle. Def Jam executive Shawn Costner revealed that Roth's second album, Is This Too Orangeis slated for early in 2012. In the meantime, fans can expect Roth's latest mixtape "Pabst & Jazz" to hit the web next Monday (November 21st.) (Hip Hop Blog)