Atlanta-based MC and artist Father has inked a deal with RCA Records for his Awful Records crew, in what's being called a creative partnership, Billboard has learned. The deal gives Awful Records the opportunity to sign artists to a joint Awful/RCA contract, or to utilize Sony's indie-leaning distributor The Orchard to develop and grow artists on its roster.

Awful Records has been a mainstay on Atlanta's independent circuit over the past few years, as Father rose to prominence alongside the likes of Key!, iLoveMakonnen and, later, Playboi Carti, among others. Awful's roster includes Tommy Genesis, ABRA, Danger Incorporated, Faye Webster and more.

“Awful has done a lot for indie music. We showed many just how far you can get on your own," Father said in a statement announcing the deal. "Now we finally have the opportunity to take things further and grander with RCA Records. Not only that, it was given to us on our own terms. When you put as much thought into the music as we do, you want it to be heard.”

The first release under the new partnership is set to be Father's next solo album, due out this fall. It'll be his fourth solo effort, following 2014's Young Hot Ebony, 2015's Who's Gonna Get F—ked First? and 2016's I'm A Piece of Sh-t. More releases are scheduled to be announced soon.