Forget Houston.  Compton, we have a Problem, as in one of the most sought after lyricists and writers on the West Coast, Problem, announced his singles deal signing with Universal Republic today.  Problem joins the label and home to five-time Grammy Award Winning singer, Amy Winehouse, The Shop Boyz and St. Louis-bred rapper Stank. The Los Angeles native is set to release his power single, “Toe Up” through the record behemoth.

Combine the song range of Ludacris, the style of Juelz Santana and Lil’ Wayne and the West Coast claims of Snoop and The Game, and you have Problem, a veteran who has worked with the likes of Snoop Dogg, DJ Quik, Lil' Wayne and producers Cool and Dre.  A name given to him on the basketball courts in the inner city, Problem never wondered “if” a deal would happen, but “when”.  Problem knew he was on his way to a successful career when his debut mixtape, Second Round Knockout sold 13,000 copies.  When Universal caught wind of his single, “Toe Up” on Los Angeles' Power 106, it was only a matter of weeks before he was on a plane to New York and his fate sealed on the dotted line.

“That single was just me being loaded one night and the next morning playing around,” he explains about his life-altering record.

And the force continues to grow stronger as the demand for his single, “Toe Up” is being requested heavily throughout the West Coast radio and club circuit.  With his eyes set on Hip-Hop greatness, Problem promises that he will not be a one-hit wonder.

“I’m here for the mainstay,” he assures. “It’s going to be a problem for a long time.”