Atlanta-based Big Cat Records is ending 2006 on a high note, after signing a seven
figure deal with Atlantic Records for Atlanta rapper Gucci Mane.

Atlantic’s track record of developing the careers of artists proved to be the
catalyst for Big Cat owner Marlon "Big Cat" Rowe
to make the deal official. "We’re excited about the deal with Gucci Mane
and Atlantic Records," said Big Cat Records President Mel Breeden. "Major
distribution will help artists who are really out there trying to tour. We have
sold a great amount of albums with Gucci Mane, but Atlantic will create a bigger
demand that will ultimately affect records sells as a whole."

Gucci Mane, born Radric David, is best known for his hit single "Icy."
The track, which features former friend-turned-foe Young Jeezy,
stayed on the singles charts for almost eight weeks and helped the rapper’s
album Trap House sell more than 130,000 copies when it was released in May 2005.
The placement of the single on Trap House sparked a deadly feud between Gucci
Mane and Young Jeezy, who also wanted the single for his album Thug Motivation:
Let’s Get It.

Gucci Mane Gucci Mane, born Radric David, was charged with the murder of Henry
“Pookie Loc” Clark III, after Clark and four other men burst into
a house and attempted to rob and assault him in May of 2005. Clark was shot
and his body was found a short time later. In December of 2005, prosecutors
dropped the murder charges against Gucci Mane, citing a lack of evidence. Gucci
Mane followed up Trap House’s success this year with Hard to Kill, which was
powered by the song "Go Head."

Big Cat Records is currently developing other artists while preparing albums
for its current roster, which includes Maceo and Young
Snead. Maceo’s album, Black Magic, is scheduled to hit stores in the
second quarter of 2007.