has learned that Houston, Texas rapper Lil' Flip is recovering from a car crash that totaled his ride and injured his wrist and shoulder.

A label rep for Flip at BCD Music Group told that the "freestyle king" had missed a meeting they'd set up earlier this week, then he got the email with the bad news. But, he said the southern rapper is doing a lot better.

"He's doing fine," the rep said. "He has since been released from the hospital. His injuries were to his wrist and shoulder. He's wearing a neck brace just as a precaution. We are always concerned about our artist and friends here at BCD. This is always tough news to get."

Tongues were wagging in forums a couple of months ago about "how hard" Lil' Flip had "fallen off." But amidst the naysayers, Flip has been back in the studio and is about to drop another disc.