After dropping a string of street anthems—2008’s “Paper Touchin’,” 2009’s “Da Hottest in da Hood,” 2010’s “I’m Ill,” and more recently, “Money, Money, Money” feat. Diddy and Fabolous—Brooklyn MC Red Café is finally getting closer to releasing his long overdue debut.

The Bad Boy Records artist tells BET.com that the still untitled album is scheduled for a summer release and should more than live up to the expectations he's set via his previous street bangers.

“That’s where I want it to be with this project, there limitless possibilities,” says the rapper. “In my mind I’m a slum dog billionaire and feel like anything is possible. So as long as I work hard I can get anything that I want and we gon’ live above the clouds.” 

Café’s tireless work ethic is proven in how he’s maintained a solid presence in hip hop through his relentless mixtape grind. In March the self-assured rhyme slinger released the mixtape Above the Cloudz, which features the Rick Ross assisted “Faded” and “We Get It On,” featuring Omarion, as well as appearances by Fabolous, Lloyd Banks and Curren$y.

And as Bad Boy’s most relevant rap act outside of Diddy, Café credits his persistent approach to working so closely with the energized entertainment magnate.

“Puff is a genius at what he does in marketing and bringing energy to a situation,” Café says of the music mogul. “He’s a motivator, and for me to be able to just work with him, it’s definitely a beautiful situation for me. I’m excited. I’m inspired by working with him and very motivated.” 

Case and point, Café is currently on the road opening up for Diddy and Dirty Money. 

(Photo: Amanda Edwards/PictureGroup)