According to XXL Magazine, the inimitable (except for his music) Jim Jones has jumped ship from his deal at Columbia Records and signed with E1 Music for his next solo record. E1, formerly Koch Records, has a long history with Jones and was the home to his first trio of solo records and other assorted projects. The move makes a lot of sense considering that Jones became the vice president for urban A&R at the label last January.

"Jim Jones put Koch on the map," said E1 president Alan Grunblatt earlier this year. "He truly knows what it takes to make a hit record. I am thrilled to be working with him for many years to come."

It's unknown if Jones left Columbia on his own accord. Over the summer, rumors swirled that the rapper had been dropped by the label due to disappointing sales figures. He disappeared from the label's website in June and the discussion has been mostly quiet since then.

"I wish [I was dropped from Columbia]," said Jones at the time. "Funny thing about that is I'm not an artist over there, I'm a partner. I have a venture. I wish it was that easy lol."

On his relationship with E1, Jones was more upbeat. He praised the label for recognizing his talent as a scout with an eye for up and coming acts.

"It feels good to know that the hard work has been recognized by the same people that have helped me get to this point in my career," Jones reflected. "They recognize that I'm not only an artist but a person that can smell talent and be able to mold a superstar."

Jones new album is slated to hit shelves in Spring 2010.

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