Atlanta rapper and producer Lil Jon has found a new home at Universal Republic Records, a division of Universal Music Group.

Announced today, Lil Jon's deal with Universal Republic Records will include a label imprint, a recording agreement, a production arm, a digital presence and an A&R consultant role.

"I'm excited to find a new home in Universal Republic, they've got a great team over there," Lil Jon said in a statement. "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's first album with Universal Republic Records is expected to be released some time next year.

Along with this recent deal and his upcoming album, Lil Jon has also founded his own vineyard, Little Jonathan Winery [click to read], released his own energy drink [click to read], and has also released a limited edition line of "Thump" sunglasses with Oakley.

Reported by Salima Koroma