Having committed to spearheading the launch of Mass Appeal Records, Nas is finally stepping into the label boss shoes like many legends before him. After snapping up Detroit rapper Boldy James, the Queensbridge veteran has added to his growing roster by signing Fresno, Calif., rhymer Fashawn, who he calls "one of the most underrated in the game."

While the deal has been quietly known for some time already (the same goes for young New York rapper Bishop Nehru, whose signing will likely be announced soon), both Nas and Fashawn decided to make the news official yesterday. "Welcome to the #MassAppeal fam @Fashawn," Mr. Jones wrote on Twitter.

With the signing comes more great news for Fashawn fans: his long-awaited sophomore album, 'The Ecology,' will drop on Sept. 30 via Mass Appeal Records. Just like the Cen Cal spitter's 2009 debut, 'Boy Meets World,' the album will be executive produced by Exile. His new boss Nas and Aloe Blacc are expected to make guest appearances.

Having worked on the project for the last five years, it goes without saying that Fashawn is just a little bit excited to finally drop 'The Ecology.' "Expect an album music listeners and hip-hop fans have been waiting to hear for a long time," he told HipHopDX. "I put my all into this project. I can say that 'The Ecology' is going to be something special. My 2014 just got that much more interesting."

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