Atlanta rapper Nessly has informed XXL that he's signed to Republic Records. A rep at Republic has confirmed the new partnership.

The 22-year-old hip-hop upstart is preparing to release his major label debut project, Wildflower, this fall. Producer TM88, along with his frequent collaborators Take A Daytrip, will be the executive producers for Nessly's forthcoming project. "Popstar" featuring Blackbear and AJ Tracey will be the first single off Wildflower. The song drops this Friday (July 21).

Nessly, who's been on an indie wave since he entered the game, took his time before signing the dotted line. "Today is my Groundhog Day," Nessly says to XXL. "As the underdog, [people] keep their fingers crossed that you remain underground, they are afraid of you gaining a platform where you can shine. There was no rush for me to sign. After meeting after meeting, I was searching for a home team, one where I know we'll make every shot and take home the trophy. I never came in with the intention to remain small and I wanted to make sure I partnered with the most focused and driven team."

Rather than a flash in the pan career, Nessly is looking at the bigger picture. "Republic understands my plan to push a stronger sound and elevate into an every day name without a gimmick," he shares. "Longevity is at the top of my list and this is the initial step."

The red-haired crooner recently linked up with Zaytoven and dropped the track “Lonzo Ball!" He previously released “Falling Down” with production from TM88 released Solo Boy Band and Still Finessin EP last year. If you don't know much about Nessly, read up on him on The Break.

Congrats, young sir.

Chinedu Nwakadu