(CelebrityAccess MediaWire) —
Atlantic Records has signed of Latin rap superstar Tego Calderón via a long-term, worldwide deal with Calderón's own Jiggiri Records label. Heralded as the king of the Puerto Rican-bred music known as reggaetón, Calderón is the first artist in this rapidly burgeoning genre to ink a global pact with a major label. His debut Jiggiri/Atlantic album, to be entitled "The Underdog," is slated for release in October.
"With the continuing creative and commercial explosion of new Latin music in the U.S., I am thrilled that one of its signature artists, the brilliant Tego Calderón, has joined the Atlantic family," said Atlantic Co-Chairman/COO Craig Kallman. "The reggaetón and Latin hip-hop movements are rapidly merging into the mainstream of American music and media, and Tego's innovative style, street credibility, and charismatic presence have already made him a cultural icon, placing him at the leading edge of the vibrant new urban-driven Latin scene. Atlantic is committed to the aggressive development of Latin artists, nurturing their music and broadening their reach into the global mainstream. The signing of Tego is a proud moment in Atlantic history, signaling our enthusiasm and our long-term belief in this boundary-crossing music."
"This is a new stage in my life, and I am very excited about my venture with Atlantic Records," stated Tego Calderón. "I have the freedom I have been looking for, and I am proud to have Atlantic's and Craig's support backing me up with a team that believes in me. For the first time, I feel like I have control of my career." –Bob Grossweiner and Jane Cohen
