Words by Phil Chard

Two weeks ago I received word from several very reliable sources that Gemini Major had left Family Tree to work with Da L.E.S and his resurgent Fresh 2 Def imprint. When we reported on the issue Gemini dismissed our report as a fabrication and his manager urged us to await an official announcement.

Gemini Major has just left Family Tree and signed with Da L.E.S new imprint Fresh 2 Def. #Malawi #SouthAfricapic.twitter.com/NX0Z9KmKQp

— African Hip Hop Blog (@AfricanHHB) February 21, 2017

However a week later The Plug published an interview with Da L.E.S where the North God confirmed that he had now signed Gemini Major and the Malawian's newly formed imprint Rudebouy Records.

.@ThePlugSA interviewed @2freshLES and he confirmed that @GeminiMajor is indeed now part of Fresh 2 Def https://t.co/jehbCHDyN2 pic.twitter.com/9mhzE7LE6y

— African Hip Hop Blog (@AfricanHHB) February 27, 2017

Gemini and Cassper kept things very mum and the whole of Family Tree performed at the Metro FM Awards in Durban. Over the weekend Gemini finally broke his silence about the split, first speaking about it on SABC's Live Amp and then by releasing an official statement via his new Publicist. It would be interesting to see how things at Family Tree develop over the next few weeks as Cassper gears up for his album release in May.

Across the street however Da L.E.S seems to be crafting his own empire. Already having partnered with Yanga and his Young Legend imprint, he has now secured Gemini Major. He's also been hinting that similar "partnerships" could be on the cards with Stilo Magolide, L-Tido and Moozlie via some vague post on Instagram page. Not to mention DJ Double D who is official signed to the Fresh2Def label.

It's all looking very interesting indeed. Read the statement below;

Gemini Major announces the launch of his new label Rudebouy Major

Gemini Major wishes to announce his departure from Family Tree records. "It has been a great journey with special memories made and I'm thankful of all the opportunities, but now it's time to focus on other things and grow as an artist and brand," Gemini commented.

The prolific rapper and producer-extraordinaire responsible for some of hip-hop's biggest tracks is setting up his own record label called Rudebouy Major in partnership with Fresh 2 Def owned by rapper Da L.E.S.

Remarks Gemini Major: "The future is full of possibilities and I charge ahead with so much optimism and positive vibes. It's a matter of time before Rudebouy Major becomes a force to be reckoned with in the local music space. Watch out for us and all the new artists and collaborations we will unleash in the not so distant future."

Gemini Major has made a name for himself for producing massive hits like Ragga Ragga where he features Nadia Nakai, Riky Rick and Cassper Nyovest and Lifestyle of Da L.E.S where he features and dozens more collaborations.

Born Gilbert Kamoto, Gemini Major is a Malawian artist who moved to Durban to pursue his music dream. Although a celebrated force in hip-hop, his repertoire spans R&B, house, dancehall, pop and gospel. His portfolio includes production used in TV shows such as Gold Diggers, Forever Young and Mo Love.

Despite denying our reports 2 weeks ago, Gemini Major has released a statement confirming that he has left Family Tree to work with F2D pic.twitter.com/wCmZ4hjW8w

— African Hip Hop Blog (@AfricanHHB) March 6, 2017