LYOR’S GAME: MURDER INC.

The Island Def Jam Music Group has re-signed urban label Murder Inc. to an exclusive agreement. The deal was mutually announced by IDJ’s President/CEO Lyor Cohen, Def Jam/Def Soul President Kevin Liles and Murder Inc. Founder/CEO Irv Gotti.

Upcoming releases under the new deal include new music from Ashanti, Charlie "Chuck" Baltimore and Caddillac Tah.

"We are thrilled to continue our very successful partnership with Irv Gotti and Murder Inc.," said Cohen. "Through his leadership and musical innovation Irv has not only played a major role in developing the careers of some of our label’s most popular and respected artists, but has launched musical movements in the process."

Liles added: "Irv Gotti and Murder Inc. have been an incredible inspiration to the culture of the Def Jam Music Group. His ability to discover, develop and break talent is unparalleled."

Murder Inc. was founded in 1997 by urban music producer Gotti. His production credits include Jay-Z, DMX, Ja Rule, Mary J. Blige, Macy Gray and Michael Jackson, among others. Gotti started Murder Inc. after serving in A&R at Def Jam, where he signed such multi-platinum acts as DMX and Ja Rule.

"I re-signed with Island Def Jam because of my relationship with ‘Lansky’ AKA Lyor Cohen, who I feel is like my father in the music business. I started with him and I’m going to finish with him. There is no other company that compliments Murder Inc. or is a better partner for us."