DX News Bits: MF DOOM, Planet Asia, Blackalicious

Fresno, California emcee Planet Asia has signed to a new label home. The Gold Chain Military leader announced this week that he’s inked a deal with Wandering Worx Music. The Vancouver, British Columbia-based label launched last month and has signed the Cali Agent to be a flagship artist for the fledgling imprint.

P.A.’s first album for Wandering Worx will be Black Belt Theatre, which is planned for early 2011. The album will feature Raekwon, Talib Kweli and Paul Wall. Previously, Asia has released albums through Avatar, ABB, Soul Assassins and RBC Records.

In other news, another veteran California Hip Hop act, Blackalicious, has partnered with retail giant Target this holiday season. The duo of Chief Xcel and Gift of Gab will appear on Target’s holiday free music compilation, The Christmas Gig. Contributing the song “Toy Jackpot,” Blackalicious’ appearance will be made available for free download after November 28, through the new year.

With Guster and Jenny O. also appearing on the compilation, it has been announced that eight of the songs will appear in Target television campaigns. There has been no word yet if Blackalicious’ song is included. The album will be downloadable at Target.com/HolidayAlbum.

Blackalicious, who has worked with DJ Shadow, Zack De La Roca and Cut Chemist, released their last album, The Craft, in 2005.

Lastly, another 1990s underground Hip Hop icon, MF DOOM (a/k/a DOOM), is heading to Australia for the first time. The veteran front-man for KMD and Madvillain/DangerDOOM member’s label, Lex Records, announced the following dates for 2011:

Wed 23 March – The Forum, Sydney
Thu 24 March – The Espy, Melbourne
Fri 25 March – Metro City, Perth
Sat 26 March – The Governor Hindmarsh Hotel, Adelaide

MF DOOM’s last release was 2009’s BORN LIKE THIS.