Junior Mafia Inks Deal With New Label; Preps Sophomore Album
Published: Monday - April 18, 2005
Words by Jay Casteel
Lil Cease (Photo: Atlantic)
After a long-term hiatus since Biggie's deal and their split with Lil Kim, the remaining members of the Junior Mafia have returned, announcing that they have inked a new record deal, where they plan to release their sophomore album.
The group signed a deal with the newly formed Mega Media Records, and their new forthcoming album, titled Riot Music, includes a who's who of guest appearances. The respect the group still gets today is what drew the newly formed label to them, according to the label's President
"We're very excited about Mega Media's partnership with hip-hop's first family, Junior Mafia," said Roget Romain, President of Mega Media. "They are one of the most respected groups out there and we're extremely happy they've decided to join the Mega Media team."
Riot Music, which includes production from the Heatmakers, will feature guest appearances by Beanie Sigel, Memphis Bleek, Jadakiss, Prodigy of Mobb Deep, and the late Notorious B.I.G.
According to the group, even though they have been away for quite some time, their music will be just as relevant today as it was in the past.
"On Riot Music, we wanted to take it back to the crunk days," said Lil Cease. "That's what the title of the album means 'cause we've been doing that rowdy stuff for years. Loud guitars and chattin' hooks, we made the record not just for our hood but for every hood out there. You've got to be versatile and that's what Riot Music is about."
"All these rappers coming up now, they learned from us," added Bang, "I can't see us tryin' to fit in when everybody is just now doing what we did."
Junior Mafia entered into the hip-hop scene in 1995, when the Notorious B.I.G. hand-picked the nine member Brooklyn crew that once boasted Lil' Kim. Together, they crafted hits such as "Player's Anthem" and "Get Money," making Junior Mafia one of hip-hop's first families. Now with Biggie providing spiritual guidance, Junior Mafia members -- Lil' Cease, Banger (formerly Larceny) and Klept -- plan to carry the legendary Brooklyn crew to new heights.
"Junior Mafia is a brand name, it's a name that will never go away," Lil Cease stresses. "We just want to make good music; we don't want to diss anyone. It's about the creativity, the ideas and the energy."
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