Despite rumors circulating that Lil’ Flip had severed ties with Columbia Records, the rapper will release his sophomore album through the label next month.
“Lil’ Flip is [still] on Columbia,” a source with the label told AllHipHop.com via e-mail. “His new record hits streets on 3/23.”
Though the rapper’s first album, Undaground Legend, struck platinum, promotion waned following the release of the video for the first single, “The Way We Ball.” A second video was never released.
Lil’ Flip, however, continued to promote himself as he collaborated with several high-profile rappers such as Three 6 Mafia, Juvenile, and The Neptunes. Most recently, the Houston native worked with David Banner; Last year, the duo tentatively announced they would partner for a full-length album.
But before fans line up at records stores to purchase a Flip and Banner album, the rapper will release U Gotta Feel Me, the follow up to his major label debut album.
The first single, “Game Over,” has been released in the Houston native’s hometown. The song has even been adopted by the Houston Rockets and can be heard during their games.
Flip said drew his inspiration for the song from sports. As an avid fan he wanted to create a song that harnessed energy much like the crowd of a sporting event.
“I wanted the song to have the energy of the Compaq Center after the Rockets wins,” the rapper said in a statement.
U Gotta Feel Me is scheduled to arrive in stores March 23. The double CD will feature Cam’ron, Ludacris and production by The Neptunes.