Obie Trice Launches His Own Label

Shady Records alum Obie Trice is set to launch his own imprint, Black Market Entertainment LLC, this Spring.

Trice told AllHipHop that the new label is intended to spotlight up-and-coming Detroit emcees. "Recognition for Detroit artists is a must, and Black Market Entertainment will be a conduit," he said. Black Market Entertainment will have it's official launch on May 7 in the Motor City, where friends and supporters including Eminem, Dr. Dre, Akon, Royce Da 5'9 and D12 members are expected to show up.

In addition to launching his new label, Obie has also linked with Universal Music Group to put out his fourth solo album 'Bottom's Up' later this year. In December, the Detroit native released his third solo album, 'Special Reserve' with Canadian producer MoSS. The album was released on MoSS's own label, Mossappeal Music, marking Obie Trice's first release outside of Shady Records.

Obie Trice parted ways with Shady Records in 2008 after releasing two albums -- 2003's 'Cheers' and 2006's 'Second Round's on Me' -- which sold over 1.5 million copies combined. In 2008, the Detroit emcee released the track 'Giant' hinting that Shady Records' distributing label, Interscope, might have been the reason for his departure.