Atlantic Records has announced the signing of Latin rap superstar Tego Calderón via a long-term, worldwide deal with Calderón's own Jiggiri Records label. Heralded as the king of the Puerto Rican-bred music known as reggaeton, Calderón is the first artist in this rapidly burgeoning genre to ink a global pact with a major label. His debut Jiggiri/Atlantic album, to be entitled "THE UNDERDOG," is slated for release in October.   The announcement was made today by Atlantic Co-Chairman/COO Craig Kallman, who commented: "With the continuing creative and commercial explosion of new Latin music in the U.S., I am thrilled that one of its signature artists, the brilliant Tego Calderón, has joined the Atlantic family.

The reggaetón and Latin hip-hop movements are rapidly merging into the mainstream of American music and media, and Tego's innovative style, street credibility, and charismatic presence have already made him a cultural icon, placing him at the leading edge of the vibrant new urban-driven Latin scene. Atlantic is committed to the aggressive development of Latin artists, nurturing their music and broadening their reach into the global mainstream. The signing of Tego is a proud moment in Atlantic history, signaling our enthusiasm and our long-term belief in this boundary-crossing music."

"This is a new stage in my life, and I am very excited about my venture with Atlantic Records," stated Tego Calderón. "I have the freedom I have been looking for, and I am proud to have Atlantic's and Craig's support backing me up with a team that believes in me. For the first time, I feel like I have control of my career."

Born and raised in Puerto Rico, Tego Calderón - AKA "El Abayarde" - has earned international acclaim for his unique musical style, which mixes salsa and Afro-Caribbean rhythms with hip-hop and dancehall reggae influences. Lyrically, he has forged a revolutionary flow inspired by his authentic street roots, creating a social chronicle that openly addresses such issues as racism, poverty, and class oppression. Combining hip '60s slang with modern urban language, and set apart by his unmistakable Afro hairstyle and captivating stage presence, Calderón's appeal transcends economic, social, and age barriers, as he creates music with truly universal appeal.

Among Calderón's achievements are Latin Grammy and Billboard award nominations, the 2004 Source Hip-Hop Music Award for International Artist of the Year, a Tu Música award, and nominations for La Gente and Lo Nuestro awards. Calderón's debut was followed in January 2004 by a remix collection entitled "EL ENEMY DE LOS GUASÍBIRI." Primarily a compilation of material recorded prior to the launch of his solo career, its heavy street influence reflected Calderón's belief that traditional salsa music needed to be in closer touch with the reality of the young Latin audience.