Despite rumors that X-Factor's Astro would sign to Jay-Z's Roc Nation, the 15-year-old Brooklyn MC has inked a deal with mentor L.A. Reid over at Epic Records.

After the Astronomical Kid was booted off the show during the December 1 episode, the rumor mill began to turn with chatter about where he would possibly sign. During an interview with XXLMag.com last month, Astor's stepfather and manager, Collin West, said he wouldn't be able to confirm nor deny the rumors. “We can’t talk about anything right now," he said.

A few days later, the pint-sized MC told MTV News he wasn't signed to Jay-Z's label. “I don’t have a check or a contract, so as far as I know, I’m not signed,” he said. “I have never met anyone from Roc Nation. I’d love to, but I’m not signed right now to anyone. Nobody ever hit me up about that — just go on the Internet and it’s up there. But I’m not signed as far as I know.

“I just want to be in a place where I’m comfortable 100 percent,” he continued. “I just want to be able to release my music, do my movies, [and] everything is fair."

No word on when Astro will drop his debut album as of press time. —Gina Montana

More From XXL