Nas is continuing to expand his Mass Appeal imprint with the recent signing of Fashawn.

The rapper announced his new deal on Wednesday (July 9), tweeting: "It's official!!!!! "The Ecology" out September 30th.. #TheEcology #MassAppeal" He's been itching to drop his sophomore project, The Ecology, at least since November 2013, when he released the first single, "The Beginning."

Not only is the West Coast rapper elated about the deal, but his new boss is ready to get to work as well. "Fashawn is one of the most underrated in the game," said Nas on the deal. "The world is gonna know soon. We're excited to have him as a part of the family."

Fash hit the scene in 2009 with his critically acclaimed album Boy Meets World, which earned him a spot in the 2010 XXL Freshman Class. He continued to make a name for himself on tracks like "Medicine Man (Drug Free)" with Wiz Khalifa, not to mention his killer performance at the Mass Appeal showcase in Austin for SXSW in March.

In the past, rumors swirled claiming God's Son signed the Detroit emcee Boldy James to Mass Appeal, however in April Boldy denied that there was an actual deal in place. He tweeted, "Can I get a deal on the table 1st before people start with the rumors. Still the most slept on unsigned hype in the Game. #BoldyBlocks227."

In any event, it looks like Esco is gearing up a squad of lyricists. In the three months since he invested six-figures on the hip hop magazine, he has been focused on continuing to build its brand. 

BET.com is your #1 source for Black celebrity news, photos, exclusive videos and all the latest in the world of hip hop and R&B music.

Click here to subscribe to our newsletter.

(Photos from Left: Larry Busacca/Getty Images for VH1, Tim Mosenfelder/Getty Images)