By Ismael AbduSalaam
Sidetracked for years by label disputes that held up scores of material, Brooklyn duo M.O.P. has finally confirmed the release of their first album of new material in 9 years.
Christened The Foundation, the new LP will represent a return to M.O.P.’s 90’s form.
Serving as co-executive producer will be DJ Premier, with additional production from DR Period, Nottz, Buckwild, Red Spider, and Fizzy Womack (Lil Fame).
Now that the long wait is over, the Brownsville natives are thankful to their fans of nearly two decades for their patience and faithfulness to the M.O.P. brand.
To make up for lost time, the duo plan to have The Foundation serve as the first salvo in an ambitious plan to release 3 albums over the next 12 months.
“I told y’all we would outlast both George Bushes,” Billy Danze quipped to AllHipHop.com.
In order to release the new album, the group had to first secure a release from their June 2005 contract with 50 Cent’s G Unit Records.
According to an M.O.P. spokesman, both parties remain on good terms, and an agreement was finalized which will give G Unit Records financial compensation for the new project.
M.O.P. achieved the greatest commercial success on their last major-label album, 2000’s Warriorz.
Helmed by the anthemic singles “Ante Up” and “Cold As Ice,” the LP sold close to one million copies.
At press time, The Foundation is set for release on June 30 through E1, formerly Koch Records.