L.A. Reid Travels to Belize to Sign Shyne

Last week we reported that Shyne, who was recently released from prison and immediately deported to his birth country, Belize, had signed with Def Jam Records.

Now we have confirmation that that the label's chairman L.A. Reid flew to Belize Monday (Feb. 22) to personally oversea the finalization of the deal. According to reports, Shyne will receive between $1 million to $5 million for signing with Def Jam.

"I have come here to stand by Shyne and to officially kick off our partnership with Island Def Jam Music Group and Gangland Records," Reid explained. "So it is really an honor to be here, really very special place. I am here because great people are worthy of traveling many, many miles for it and I come here to say that your country is great and I hope you guys know that this is a great man from your country who deserves this kind of respect and who deserves this kind of support. So that is why we are here."

According to reports, Def Jam will not only release Shyne's music, they will also provide distribution for Shyne's Gangland Records imprint.

"It is an honor and a pleasure, not just for me but for Belize," Shyne said. "Chairman Reid is on the level of Berry Gordy, Clive Davis -- the biggest music men in the history of music -- and so to have a partnership with Gangland Records and Island/Def Jam is incredible for me."

Shyne has been signed to Def Jam in the past, releasing his 2004 album, 'Godfather: Buried Alive,' which sold disappointingly, resulting in Shyne making public complaints about the label's promotion.

Def Jam has yet to release an official statement about the signing.