The Roots landed a distribution deal through Red Distribution / Sony to start the independent label Okayplayer Records. The group is already at work and planning the label's first release for this summer. The compilation will feature tracks from Okayplayer artists such as Dilated Peoples and affiliates such as Skillz, Little Brother, Madlib, Aceyalone and Jean Grae. The will be executive produced by Ahmir "?uestlove" Thompson.

Okayplayer.com is hosting a competition on their site for two unsigned emcees to get on the compilations. The site is accepting submissions until Feb 13.