Dave East Signs With Def Jam

A big congratulations is in order for 2016 XXL Freshman Dave East, who appeared on Power 105's The Breakfast Club Thursday morning (Sept. 29) to announce that he's signed with Def Jam. East, who is still linked to Nas' label Mass Appeal, says the move is a joint deal that will allow him to expand his audience.

"It wasn’t the average me just signing to a major. I’m actually partners with them," he says. "Mass Appeal is still the family. Nas is still going to be able to executive produce my album. It was a step forward for me. I was with Mass Appeal solely for almost two years. Nas really introduced the world to me. So that was ideal as far as me first coming in. It’s at a time now where a machine really helps what I’m trying to do, especially being from New York and not trying to stay in New York. Like I told y’all before, I’m not trying to be underground or classified as a certain type of dude. I feel like this was a good move to really get what I’m trying to do, my brand, my movement, across the world."

East's Kairi Chanel mixtape featuring Cam'ron, 2 Chainz, Fabolous and more drops tomorrow. Worth noting: Nas himself is signed to Def Jam, so the new deal isn't as much of a departure from East's previous situation as it might seem. Some congratulatory tweets are included below.

Go Behind the Scenes With Dave East at 2016 XXL Freshman Class Cover Shoot