T.I. Protege To Release Debut Album On Capitol Records

T.I.'s Grand Hustle label has partnered with Capitol Records, it was announced today, to release the Atlanta rapper's protege Alfamega and his debut, I Am Alfamega. The album is due September 16.

"Alfamega is not only a good storyteller, he has a unique story to tell," T.I. said in a statement. "Not many people have experienced or have walked in the shoes he has.

"We are looking forward to launching Alfamega with Capitol and showing the world what he has to offer," Grand Hustle co-founder Jason Geter added.

Alfamega gained notoriety through the underground on collaborations with T.I. such as "Southern Boyz" before his appearance on Tip's hit "Hurt," along with Busta Rhymes, from T.I. vs T.I.P, brought him mainstream attention.

Bus-a-Bus joins Alfamega again on "Headbanger," of the upstart's debut, as does Tip and Nitti on the scheduled first single, "Uhh Huh."

Alfamega will make a promo run soon. In the meantime, he joins T.I. as the opener on the Grand Hustle head's tour. Dates are as follows:

6/13 Columbus, Georgia: Columbus Civic Center

6/14 Atlanta, Georgia: Philips Arena

6/20 Kansas City, Kansas: Capital Federal Park at Sandstone

6/21 St. Louis, Missouri: Verizon Amphitheatre

7/5 Milwaukee, Wisconsin: U.S. Cellular Arena

---XXL staff