By: Alexander Fruchter
Published: Sep. 19, 2007 - New York, NY

Fat Joe is gearing up for the release of his new album, Elephant In The Room. The BX emcee has inked a new distribution deal joining Terror Squad Entertainment with EMI's Imperial Entertainment, and is looking to drop the album in 2008. The album is Joe's follow-up to Me, Myself, and I, which contained the single "Make It Rain" featuring Lil' Wayne.

Imperial Records has a good thing going with Joe. Me, Myself, and I, which was released in 2006, peaked at #3 on the Billboard R&B/Hip Hop Charts. "Make It Rain" was Imperial's first Top 10 single in 40 years, and is also a certified platinum ringtone. Fat Joe also feels good about the partnership. He said, "Working with Imperial is one of the greatest moves I ever made in my life! I never made as much money in my career as I have since I went independent. The Elephant In The Room is guaranteed to be a classic! Believe Dat!"

The Elephant In The Room is Joe's 8th album, and features production by Scott Storch, DJ Khaled, Cool & Dre, The Runners, and Danjahandz. Diddy, Rick Ross, and Fabolous are all slated to appear on the album as well.

Fat Joe began his career as part of the legendary Diggin' In The Crates crew, which also counted Big L, Lord Finesse, and OC among its members. He also launched the career of Big Pun, who after the release of Capital Punishment, became the first Latin rapper to go platinum.

The folks at Imperial are looking forward to the new album as well. Imperial's VP, Neil Levine, said, "Fat Joe is in a zone on this album which is now his 8th solo work and I think it's his strongest to date. It's truly amazing to be working with an artist that's getting better and better over time. He's never sounded more confident. I'm extremely pleased to be working with Joe once again and we're getting ready to do big things!"