Dilated Peoples rapper/producer Evidence has signed a multi-album deal with Rhymesayers Entertainment.

While it’s not specified how many albums Evidence has agreed to, the Minneapolis-based indie label plans to release Evidence’s sophomore solo LP Cats & Dogs early next year.

“This is the most natural move I could have made to further the evolution of my career, while maintaining my identity and passion for the music,” Evidence said via a press release. “Rhymesayers has a proven track record of being focused and dedicated to their artists and I’m excited to be a part of that.”

While fans await Cats & Dogs, they can catch Evidence on the road this fall with Brother Ali, on the Fresh Air Tour.

Also on Rhymesayers’ release schedule is Freeway and Jake One’s collaboration project, The Stimulus Package. Free is linking up with the Seattle producer for a full-length album, slated for a late 2009 release.

Evidence dropped five albums as a member of the Los Angeles trio, Dilated People. He went the solo route in 2007 with The Weatherman LP, and released The Layover EP last year.