Philadelphia rapper Young Chris of Hip-Hop group Young Gunz, has inked a deal to become the first artist on a new label being launched by singer/songwriter Rico Love.

Rico Love has notched hits for artists like Usher (“Hey Daddy” “There Goes My Baby”), Beyonce (“Sweet Dreams”, “Radio”) and Dirty Money (“Hello, Good Morning”).

He recently launched his label Division 1, which has secured distribution from Universal/Motown.

As a member of Young Gunz, Young Chris was signed to Jay-Z and Dame Dash’s Roc-A-Fella label.

The group experienced success with their hit single “Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop” and also released two well received albums, Tough Luv (2004) and Brothers From Another (2005).

Additionally, Young Chris was featured on several albums with the Philly group, State Property.

“I’m happy that we finally close the situation, I’ve been a big fan for years,” Rico Love said. “My first time I met Jay-Z was when I was opening up for with Usher on ‘The Truth Tour’ in 2004. The first thing I said to Jay when I met him back stage was ‘yo I love Young Chris, I am big fan of Young Chris. He said ‘yeah that’s my little man, he has a bright future’ and I always remembered that.”

According to Rico Love, he ran into Young Chris when he was working with Philly hit makers Vidal & Dre in the studio.

He later met with Young Chris’ manager, industry veteran Marc Byers, who now also serves as the General Manager of Division 1.

After the pair hit it off, Rico Love flew Young Chris to Miami, where he signed the rapper to his new label. Young Chris is currently working on his debut album for Division 1.

On November 5th, R&B star Usher will head to Miami, where he will host the exclusive launch party for Rico Love’s Division 1 imprint.