Brooklyn rapper Maino has recently inked a deal with Atlantic Records, and who does he have to thank? 50 Cent. Yep, the G-Unit General put in a call on the rapper's behalf, which resulted in Maino inking a new deal.

In a statement released Monday (August 27), the rapper's camp revealed the news.

"With the help of 50 Cent's personal phone call to Craig Kallman (CEO of Atlantic Records), Maino has found a new home at Atlantic Records," the statement read. "This new venture has cultivated a strong alliance with label mate T.I. and his Grand Hustle team, which allows Maino to explore the opportunity of expanding his Hustle Hard brand."

Maino has been a long-time Lil Kim affiliate, and last year he won Most Consistent Artist Award from DVD Magazine. He is currently in the studio working on his debut album, Death Before Dishonor, which is expected to drop in early 2008.

In addition to the new deal, the rapper has also established Hustle Hard Publishing, where he plans to publish books aimed at the street audience. The book publisher's first title, Gangstas Don't Die, will hit stores this fall.