Harlem Rapper A$AP Rocky Signs Major Label Record Deal

After receiving a healthy amount of buzz, underground Harlem rapper A$AP Rocky has inked a record deal with Polo Grounds Music/RCA Records. The 23-year-old has gained popularity for his songs 'Purple Swag' and 'Peso,' both which have received a combined total of over 1 million views on YouTube.

"I haven't seen an unsigned artist with this much hustle and confidence since I signed Pitbull and Lil Jon and Rocky being from Harlem (as I am) was gravy!" said Polo Ground Music head, Bryan Leach. "He dares to be himself which I love and will support fully. He's also created great alliances and built a solid unit. Winning Rocky & his team's confidence was not easy or fast but as they are partners I will make sure everything remains in his hands."

Rocky was equally excited about the deal, explaining his decision to sign with the label. "I feel great about the new deal; I believe it was destined and with a label like Polo Grounds & RCA behind me I don't see anything stopping us," he said in a statement. "I wanted go with the right partner that can help get a bigger platform to get me and my A$AP crew's music and movement out. I expect to be in the same league as today's most relevant artists, and there are just some things you can't do on your own. The plan is to not only release great music, culture, and style for myself and A$AP worldwide, but to also be the next major artist/exec in the business and make great business men out of my brothers."

Despite being a native of Harlem, Rocky doesn't consider himself a "typical New York rapper," revealing in an interview with the New York Times, that he is not fond of MCs from the Big Apple. "I don't even like New York rappers." he said.

Rocky is currently prepping the release of his debut mixtape, 'Live Love ASAP,' and has been added to Drake's Club Paradise tour, which was previously scheduled to begin before year's end but will now kick off at the top of 2012.