Duck Down Records Inks Deals with The History Channel & Youtube

New York based Duck Down Records announced on Wednesday (December 5) that they have entered into a new licensing agreement with the History Channel for the network's new series Gangland. Through the deal, Blackmoon and Buckshot have recorded an original theme and additional promo music for the series, which focuses on some of the world’s most notorious prison and street gangs. Alternative versions of the theme have also been created, including one by West Coast legend Ice-T.

Duck Down has also announced a new content partnership with online video site Youtube that will allow them to customize the label’s page on the site, upload larger video files, and receive video placement throughout Youtube’s featured playlists. “A few years ago (during our Triple Threat campaign) we were phasing videos out, because there were so few outlets for them to air, that it did not justify the expense,” Duck Down co-owner Dru Ha explained. “Today, we again have a reason to make videos, and while national TV networks like MTV and BET may not offer us coverage, Youtube allows us to put our visuals in front of millions of people. It definitely levels the playing field and gives us a voice.”

In related news, longtime Duck Down duo Heltah Skeltah, which is comprised of Sean Price a.k.a. Ruck and Rock, have officially resigned with the label. The two MC’s will release their third LP, D.I.R.T. (Da Incredible Rap Team) through Duck Down during the summer of 2008. “There is no denying that Sean Price has re-invented himself as one of the premier solo artists in the game, but his legacy is also that of one-half of Heltah Skeltah,” Buckshot said of the pair’s new deal. “Rock and Ruck have been in the studio daily working on this album with early production coming from Marco Polo, Evidence and Nottz fans can expect that real gritty Heltah Skeltah feel. Trust me these two will not disappoint.”