Asher Roth is stepping back into the spotlight. The Philadelphia-based MC has officially announced his signing to Def Jam Recordings and is prepping his sophomore album Is This Too Orange? for a spring release.

With the ink fresh on the paper, Roth has been in the studio with Pharrell, Jim Jonsin, and others working on the follow-up to his 2008 debut Asleep in the Bread Aisle, due in March on SRC Records/Def Jam.

“Def Jam is a great place to call home,” said the 26-year-old rapper, who was previously signed to SRC/Universal Motown. “I’m excited to get back to the basics with good, honest music.”

Island Def Jam President and COO Steve Bartels welcomed him to the family. “The Def Jam brand stands for quality, creativity, and authenticity,” he stated. “We believe Asher Roth delivers all this and more. He’s a great fit for us and we look forward to delivering Asher’s special brand of great hip-hop music as only Def Jam can.”

SRC Records CEO Steve Rifkind added, “Partnering up with Def Jam on Asher’s album is a great opportunity for all parties involved.”

Following the release of his mixtape Seared Fois Gras with Quince and Cranberry and The Rawth EP, a free album with producer Nottz, Roth will release Pabst & Jazz Sessions, a collaboration with The Cool Kids’ Chuck Inglish and production duo Blended Babies. His latest collection will be available December 20 on iTunes, with Asher’s proceeds benefitting The Philadelphia Hunger Coalition.