Cypress Hill: Snoop Dogg Signs Group To EMI/Priority Records

via Hip Hop DX

This morning it was announced that pioneering Latino Hip Hop group Cypress Hill will release their April 6th album RISE UP through Priority/EMI Records. This is the group's first album in six years, and the first Priority signing since Snoop Dogg assumed role of Creative Chairman of the historic Rap label presently celebrating its 25th anniversary.

"My role as Creative Chairman of Priority Records has put me in the driver's seat to help revive the most important west coast hip hop label," said Snoop in a statement this morning. "As such, I'm excited to announce my first signing as Cypress Hill. Cypress Hill is undeniably one of the most important Hip Hop groups in music history, not only are they incredibly talented and the first Latino Hip Hop group to go platinum, they are also from the west coast-so this signing is the perfect marriage."

RISE UP was recorded over the course of the past three years at B-Real's studio, The Temple, in Los Angeles. "Making this record was so much fun," said Sen Dog. "It felt like the first record we ever made together. We recorded whatever we wanted to with no musical boundaries. And having the chance to work with one of my favorite guitar players of all time, Tom Morello, was amazing. I always knew we would make some kickass music together." Morello is best known for his work with Rage Against The Machine, though he's played with Rap acts dating back to KRS-One and Run-DMC.

"We took a little break after the last record to work on individual projects," added B-Real. "Both Sen Dog and I wanted to put out our own solo records, which we had been working on for some time. And though we were doing other things, we each kept ideas in mind for Cypress Hill and would go into the studio periodically to record. It was great to work at our own pace and without a deadline hanging over us. We'd get together at my studio and record whenever we felt that burst of creativity. It was an amazing way to work and resulted in what I think is our best record yet."

Snoop Finds Home For New Album And Becomes Creative Chairman For Label

via Hits Daily Double & press release.

Legendary rapper Snoop Dogg has been named Creative Chairman for EMI Music’s Priority Records Label, and will release a new studio album, Malice N Wonderland, his 10th studio CD, on the label in December, will have production and mixing by The-Dream, Christopher 'Tricky' Stewart, Dr. Dre, Pharrell, Danja, Nottz, and will feature cameos by Soulja Boy, Lil Jon, R. Kelly, The-Dream, Brandy and Jazmine Sullivan. As Creative Chairman of the label that established West Coast rap as an influential musical force, Snoop will “re-launch its legacy and drive efforts to maximize digital and branding opportunities.” Not to mention smoke enough herb to prompt the purchase of an office vaporizer. He will also serve as Executive Producer for a new series of Priority releases slated to begin hitting the market next year to commemorate the label's 25th anniversary, which includes classic recordings by Snoop, as well as N.W.A, Eazy-E, Master P, Ice Cube, Westside Connection and EPMD, among others.

“Starting fresh with EMI is a great feeling. It’s a new partnership, a new Priority Records, and a new Snoop Dogg: the Creative Chairman...the Boss Dogg...the Dogg Father,” said Snoop. “The business model we’ve developed will bring the musical heritage of groups like N.W.A. to the forefront. And you definitely got to get ready for my new album “Malice N Wonderland” in December to kick it all off -- this is going to be the most potent dose of Snoop Dogg yet!”

“The world knows and loves Snoop as a unique and undeniably influential artist. His innate understanding of the urban music scene and his ability to strike a chord with fans, time and again are why he has built a successful career,” said Nick Gatfield, President, New Music for EMI Music in North America, UK & Ireland. “EMI’s mission is to truly understand and serve music fans around the world, and we recognize that Snoop is a creative talent who ‘gets’ his fan base and recognizes great music and entertainment trends. We join with millions of fans around the world in anticipation of a new Snoop album and the other exciting projects that Snoop will drive at Priority.”

“Snoop has been a huge force in Rap and a big influence on the Urban genre in general,” said Leonard Brooks, Senior Vice President of Urban A&R for EMI Music in the US. “In addition to possessing an original artistic voice, Snoop is also a true tastemaker, trendsetter of style and a global ambassador of Hip-Hop. We’re elated to release his next record, and to have Snoop re-introduce some of the most ground-breaking Rap recordings to new fans as Creative Chairman of Priority Records.”

"We’re excited to have such a talented artist and urban music legend like Snoop at Priority. We look forward to working with him to showcase this legendary label’s music to a new generation of fans,” says Bill Gagnon, Senior Vice President and General Manager of EMI Music North America’s Catalog division. “Snoop is the ideal cultural and musical visionary to join our team as we celebrate Priority’s 25th anniversary and take this pioneering label into the future."