The Urban Wrestling Federation (UWF) will officially launch this June in New York City with a number of top rappers involved.

Gun Play from Rick Ross’ Maybach Music label, Brisco, Red Cafe, Big Block, Uncle Murda, Brisco, Gorilla Zoe, Billy Blue and Cuban Link have all signed onto UWF.

The rappers will back “professional wrestling thugs” like Homicide, Scorpio Sky, Ricky Reyes, Eddie Carnage, Grim Reefer and Lowlife Louis Ramos during UWF’s “First Blood,” which is being filmed for PPV.

“By combining urban music and professional wrestling, we’ve created the ideal opportunity for dynamic and exciting entertainment while opening an avenue that guarantees higher attendance with new marketing and sponsorship opportunities,” said UWF’s founder, Steve Karel.

Karel, who has worked in professional wrestling for over 30 years, was one of the original producers of Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW) in 1989.

The wrestling mogul said that he planned to bring the same, over the top wrestling style that made ECW famous, to the UWF.

The UWF is also positioning itself to promote the music of the rap artists involved with the organization as well.

The company has tapped Bob Chiappardi of Concrete Marketing to handle the promotions of the UWF and the music.

“Music, typically heavy metal or rock & roll, has always been a part of wrestling entertainment”, said Chiappardi.  “As opposed to matches of the past where music has filled the background, the UWF will bring music to the forefront showcasing established urban stars and rising talent.”

First Blood will tape on Friday, June 3rd and will air on PPV on Sunday, June 26th at 8:00PM on iN DEMAND, DirecTV, TVN Ent. and others.