Metta World Peace, formerly Ron Artest, star player for the Los Angeles Lakers and his label, Artest Media Group, is showing he knows more than how to defend the top scorers in the NBA. He knows how to design a team of hip-hop stars and align them to produce a single.

World Peace launched Tru Warier Records in 2002, named after a nickname he received growing up in the Queensbridge projects in New York. Living in the heart of the birthplace of Hip Hop, music became just as much a driving force for him as basketball. Recently, Artest Media Group was created as a multi-media platform to encompass all Mettas entertainment endeavors. Artest Media Group has found a partner to assist him in successfully marketing his venture in SMC Recording. Under this new partnership the successful independent label SMC Recordings and Artest Media Group will be creating a stellar roster. SMC Recordings and Artest Media Group will be marketing the existing artists already signed to AMG as well as jointly pursuing established Hip Hop acts.

Ralph Tashjian, CEO for SMC Recordings said "Partnering with Metta World Peace and his Artest Media Group puts us in an incredible position for acquiring new artists. Mettas passion for the music and entertainment business, as well as his incredible reach to already established Hip Hop acts, makes this a perfect marriage."

"I am really happy to partner with SMC, this will be my first real shot of getting the music of myself and my new artists out." World Peace shared, "I love music and I love my fans so I am looking forward to sharing this with them."

"Metta's passion for music is insatiable. He is focused and dedicated to winning and this is an simple extension of that attitude. Myself and Fontana Distribution are looking forward to strengthening our partnership with SMC as a result of working with Mr. World Peace and ensuring we continue to win in the marketplace." said Ron Spaulding President of Fontana Distribution.

From overcoming his tumultuous childhood to the controversy that has swirled around him throughout his career; World Peace has always championed adversity. With this new team and strong focus on music, he is ready to win big again.