Teena Marie Signs With Cash Money Records

NEW YORK (T. Marie Fans Website) - R&B singer-producer Teena Marie has signed a recording deal with Cash Money Records, according to the label's CEO and Marie's website.

Cash Money CEO Brian "Baby" Williams told reporters, "Yeah, Teena Marie signed to us." A statement on Marie's website (teenamarie.com) confirmed, "Teena Marie has signed with Cash Money Records."

Williams added that his sibling and business partner Ronald "Godfather" Williams brokered the deal. "My brother hooked that up," the Cash Money CEO said, adding that Marie approached the label about joining its roster.

Marie's album, Black Rain, will include production from herself as well as the label's resident producer Mannie Fresh, and it is expected for release next spring or summer. "She did a lot of her own stuff," Brian Williams said. "Fresh will probably do two or three."

Williams, a Marie fan who describes her as "bad" and a "real good performer," said that he would have liked to feature her on his album, Birdman Vol. 1, which is due out in September. "My album done," Williams said. "I would put her on there. I ain't got a problem with that."

Last month, Cash Money Records announced that producer Rodney Jerkins--whose credits include songs for Michael Jackson, Jennifer Lopez, and Brandy--had inked a label deal with the company known for its platinum acts the Hot Boys, Lil' Wayne, and the Big Tymers.

Teena Marie released her debut album, Wild And Peaceful, in 1979 on Motown Records. Throughout a career that has included collaborations such as "Fire And Desire" with Rick James, Marie has scored a number of additional hits like "Square Biz," "Portuguese Love," and "Lovergirl." In 1995, the Fugees released "Fu-Gee-La," which included an interpolation of Marie's song, "Ooo La La La."