Lil Jon signs with Universal Republic where he plans to release his much delayed "Crunk Rock" album early in 2009.

Lil Jon has signed to the label as an artist and is in negotiations to take his BME Recordings imprint over to the label.

As part of the new deal Lil Jon will act as an A&R and production consultant for Universal Republic who also have the likes of Amy Winehouse, Chamillionaire and Damian Marley on their books.

Lil Jon was left without a label earlier this year when TVT Records filed for bankruptcy. TVT’s entire catalog, including the rapper’s works, were purchased by The Orchard, however, he was allowed to take all rights to his new album with him.

"Lil Jon is a larger than life figure who casts a giant shadow over every facet of the entertainment business," said Universal Republic Records President and CEO Monte Lipman . "His name is synonymous with brand-building and we want him plugged into multiple Universal Republic platforms for maximum results. I view him as our Urban Music Czar. Now, if he’d only send me a couple of cases of that wine."

"I’m excited to find a new home in Universal Republic, they’ve got a great team over there. A lot of big things comin’ from me, get ready. I been workin’ hard on my new material and it’s time everybody hears it," Lil Jon said of the deal.

Lil Jon’s last album, 2004’s "Crunk Juice," has sold over 2.5 million copies in the United States.

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