Mike Dean Launches M.W.A. Label With Dice Soho as Flagship Artist

After spending more than two decades as a premier record producer, Mike Dean has decided to take his responsibilities to the next level. Today, Billboard reports the longtime production heavyweight is launching M.W.A., a brand new record label with the ascendant Dice Soho as his flagship artist.

For Dean, the decision to start a label was a natural one. After all, plenty of up-and-comers are looking to work with him anyway.

"Just a lot of new young artists that's been asking to get down with me and have me work on their projects and help them get deals," Dean explained when asked why he decided to start M.W.A. "I figured I'd start a label and sign some new acts. Seems like a good time to start it. I got a studio out here [in Los Angeles] and I'm able to meet a lot of new artists."

As for the label's name? "That's just what I call myself when I DJ. Mexican Wrestling Association," he explained. "It's something that I've done with the merch, so I just figured I'd keep the name going."

Elsewhere,  Dean explained the moment he realized Soho was special. Describing the young Houston MC as an artist with "a nice swag," Dean detailed the time they recorded "Goin' Up."

"The first session we did was the 'Goin' Up' song... I was like, 'Oh, okay. This guy has something.' He came out and we smoked a few blunts in the studio. I made the beat on the spot. Then he wrote his shit as I made the beat. It actually started out as a different song. We changed the hook. We thought it needed flavor."

Dean's also apparently interested in signing some rappers from Atlanta and Cali next, as well as a group from Brooklyn, though he didn't say who. Gotta wonder if it's Gloss Gang, or maybe even Fame School. We'll have to wait and see.

If you missed it, read our interview with Dice Soho where he talks about his influences, his 2017 plans and his goal in hip-hop.

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