8Ball to release new solo album

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

Memphis-based rapper 8Ball, of 8Ball & MJG, will release his sixth solo album, Light Up The Bomb, on October 31st. The album will feature guest appearances by MJG, Juvenile, Dirtbag, and Big Gipp. The first single from the project is "Time2HitDaClub."

In related news, 8Ball & MJG will release their eighth album, Pure American Pimpin', later this year. The album will feature guest appearances by Big Boi from OutKast, T.I., Juvenile, Jazze Pha, Lil Jon, Avant, and Floetry.

8Ball & MJG have been releasing classics since 1993 but the group often feels like they don't get the recognition they deserve -- especially from the media. 8Ball said:"I think some of the magazines man, you know I don't want to call no names or nothing, but they belittle 8Ball & MJG like we just ain't done nothing."

The rapper added that the group has a cult following and that they've enjoyed longevity unlike many of their peers. He said: "We got a cult following that a lot of cats that have been in our same position... you know they haven't seen the longevity that we have seen and you know I feel like you know that we don't get the just desserts we should from a lot of the magazines."

The group's last release was 2004's gold certified, Livin Legends.