Atlanta-based
Big Cat Records is ending 2006 on a high note, after signing a seven figure deal
with Atlantic Records for Atlanta rapper Gucci Mane.Atlantic’s
track record of developing the careers of artists proved to be the catalyst for
Big Cat owner Marlon "Big Cat" Rowe to make the deal official. "We’re
excited about the deal with Gucci Mane and Atlantic Records," said Big Cat
Records President Mel Breeden. "Major distribution will help artists who
are really out there trying to tour. We have sold a great amount of albums with
Gucci Mane, but Atlantic will create a bigger demand that will ultimately affect
records sells as a whole."Gucci
Mane, born Radric David, is best known for his hit single "Icy." The
track, which features former friend-turned-foe Young Jeezy, stayed on the singles
charts for almost eight weeks and helped the rapper’s album Trap House
sell more than 130,000 copies when it was released in May 2005. The
placement of the single on Trap House sparked a
deadly feud between Gucci Mane and Young Jeezy, who also wanted the single
for his album Thug Motivation: Let’s Get It. Gucci
Mane Gucci Mane, born Radric David, was charged with the murder of Henry “Pookie
Loc” Clark III, after Clark and four other men burst into a house and attempted
to rob and assault him in May of 2005.Clark
was shot and his body was found a short time later. In December of 2005, prosecutors
dropped the murder charges against Gucci Mane, citing a lack of evidence. Gucci
Mane followed up Trap House’s success this year with Hard to Kill, which
was powered by the song "Go Head." Big
Cat Records is currently developing other artists while preparing albums for its
current roster, which includes Maceo and Young Snead.Maceo’s album, Black
Magic, is scheduled to hit stores in the second quarter of 2007.