Canadian rapper Belly has been in the game for a minute now, dating back to an album titled The Revolution that he released way back in 2007. Since then, he’s worked a lot behind-the-scenes, and more recently, linked up with and forged a bond with fellow Canadian, The Weeknd. Together, the pair co-wrote six of Weeknd‘s songs – including his smash “The Hills” – and now, Belly is ready for the big leagues. His new deal with Jay Z‘s Roc Nation imprint will certainly help.

“I think I just got the right ears with it to the point where Jay Z was interested and heard it and invited me over,” Belly tells Billboard. “And we had a conversation and that was that, you know? A man’s handshake, that’s all it takes sometimes.”

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In response to the great news, The Weeknd tweeted the following:

“i’m so fucking proud of you @reBELLYus . 2016 gonna be bumpin! #ROCNATIONXO”

I first got put on to Belly just last year on Weeknd‘s “King of the Fall” remix with him and Ty Dolla $ign, and I’m looking forward to hearing more! Congrats!

Source: Billboard