May 07, 2008

By By Mariel Concepcion, N.Y.

Rapper Yung Joc has inked a one-off deal with Jive Records for his Swagg Team imprint. Via the agreement, the Block Entertainment/Bad Boy South artist will release the single "Lookin' Boy," by the Chicago trio Hotstylz.

Originally titled "Lookin' A$$ N*gga," Hotstylz -- known as a comedy-rap group -- initially created an online sensation with the humorous track early last year. The remixed, radio-friendly version features Yung Joc and was serviced to radio earlier this month. An accompanying video will premiere on BET television network on May 17.

Yung Joc is banking on the interest already garnered by the song, both locally and via the group's MySpace page, to help him land a larger label situation for Swagg Team down the line, at which time he plans on releasing Hotstylz' debut album.

The Atlanta rapper's sophomore album, 2007's "Hustlenomics," has sold 197,000 copies in the United States to date, according to Nielsen SoundScan.

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