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With 2026 being our 30th anniversary as a label, we’ve been taking occasional leisurely strolls down memory lane, re-visiting some of our catalogue from more recent years and highlighting them on our social media platforms.

We now go much further back in time, to a track we released exactly 24 years to the day on May 6th 2002. “Meltdown” by hip hop group Belles in Monica was the second lifted from their only album release ‘Resistance is Futile’. The 12″ vinyl and CD formats included remixes by Phi Life Cypher’s DJ Nappa, scratch turntablist and DMC finalist Krash Slaughta (Monkey Mafia / II Tone Committee) and Manchester producer Gripper. Alongside previous single “Y’All Under Surveillance” it became one of the crew’s most recognizable tracks.

It also became one of their most contentious cuts in relation to its actual lyrical meaning, causing some consternation and hand wringing in certain quarters, mainly those of an eternally confused nature…..despite the clue being in the name and self evident to most at the time…..

Nevertheless, with all of the various historic interpretations, we felt the time had come to explain this once and for all through the medium of filmic references which will either finally bring clarity, or confuse further…..and both’s fine by us……

So without further ado, as we help ourselves to another slic of birthday cake – and very tasty it is too – may we present “the Box Office smash of 2026 just waiting to happen“, 24 YEARS LATER – BELLES IN MONICA “MELTDOWN” [Decoded] on Youtube

Formed a long time ago in a land time forgot, Belles in Monica went through many personnel line ups before settling on the trio of Kruze, Red and DJ Dema. Their first airplay came about in appropriately bizarre fashion in the Spring of 1994, when the then presenter of BBC Radio 1’s flagship breakfast show, the late Steve Wright, asked for demos to be sent in for possible broadcast. A demo was duly dispatched, and not thinking it had a hope in Hell of being played, they went on vacation….only to be told on their return by many who had heard the show that it had indeed been selected, played and received props from the presenters. All of which they’d missed…….

Seven years later having signed with New Dawn, they again enjoyed Radio 1 airplay as their aforementioned singles received strong support from Steve Lamacq, host of the renowned Evening Sessions show. Steve had form as a champion of UK hip hop at the time, something that’s not been forgotten. This was just before the BBC decided to launch its 1Xtra station specifically for this genre, the impression given at the time it “wasn’t quite right” for Radio 1 listeners….how times have changed. We remember George Ergatoudis, head of the new channel, contacting us and other labels at the time for vinyl to play and help kick start the new programming…..how times have changed. We also realise that for current generations this news post will have received a TL;DR after the first sentence…..how times have changed…..

All fun in the sun though. We released Belles in Monica’s catalogue in digital format for the first time in 2019, combining their first two singles in the “Y’All in Meltdown EP” It’s on Bandcamp and Spotify among others.

The full version of “Meltdown” is on Youtube

We hope you’ve enjoyed this little journey down Amnesia Alley. Must dash, the nurse says it’s custard and rhubarb on the menu tonight but it’s first come, first served and you know what him two rooms down’s like….

Returning to the original point momentarily though, it’s all in the mind……

Peace in the valley

TEAM NDR

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New Dawn Records are very proud to announce the release today of the new album “XVI : Return of the Gods” by New Jersey’s Tru Trilla.

This has been a long time in the making. We first discussed the idea behind it with Tru around three years ago, designed as a natural follow up and progression on from his previous album “God of Barz” which we released almost exactly 4 years ago to the day in 2020. It remains an absolute banger which you can hear on Spotify.

In the best traditions, Tru is an artist who crafts his art methodically and we were happy to give him all the time needed to produce this masterpiece, working in conjunction with our affiliates at UrbanElite Productions for logistical support where required.

It’s a magnificent album featuring the highest echelon guest featured artists and producers from all around the United States and beyond. We thank them for their contributions, and also our appreciation goes to Glasgow’s Paul Smith for the album’s front cover design together with UEP’s affiliates the Two BC crew for all the single cover designs and additional support.

TRACKLIST

1 SUN RAYS ft Reks & Lakim Shabazz [produced by LG Roc]

2 END THE DAY ft Ruste Juxx & Julius Luciano of Shoe Gang [produced by Frost Gamble]

3 ONE ANOTHER [produced & cuts by Tone Spliff]

4 RESPECTFULLY ft Justo the MC & NapsNdreds [produced by Frost Gamble]

5 THE ONLY ONE ft Trilly Trills [produced by Four Limbs]

6 NO JOKING AROUND ft N.B.S. & Recognize Ali [produced by Jamal Nueve]

7 GOOD OLE DAYZ [produced by Tru Trilla]

8 WE UP ft Yah Ra [produced by Ramson Badbonez]

9 WINTER HEART [produced by Tone Spliff]

10 TURN THAT DOWN ft Guilty Simpson & Skyzoo [produced by Frost Gamble]

11 GET IT RIGHT BACK ft Trilly Trills & Prince Ak [produced by LG Roc]

12 EXECUTION ft Fly Kwa [produced by Frost Gamble]

13 STAY DANGEROUS [produced & cuts by Tone Spliff]

14 PRINCIPLES [produced by Sumerio Square]

15 TO THE ROOF ft Prince Ak [produced by DNA Beatz]

16 DROP JEWELS ft Prince Ak & Juxx Diamondz [produced & cuts by Tone Spliff]

AVAILABLE TO STREAM & DOWNLOAD AT ALL MAJOR DIGITAL PLATFORMS & STORES INCLUDING APPLE / ITUNES, AMAZON, TIDAL MUSIC AND BELOW ON BANDCAMP & SPOTIFY

THERE IS ALSO A FULL ALBUM PLAYLIST ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL

Expect to see more releases including new remixes and official visuals from this album in the months ahead. Any press, media or DJ inquiries regarding any of our releases can be sent to our in house promotional division UrbanElite PR HERE

This, along with everything else we’ve released since relaunching in 2019, is the latest example of why we came back after a fifteen year “hiatus”, and we again thank everyone in the media and public for their support. Certainly for ourselves but more importantly for the immensely talented artists we’ve had the opportunity to work with – they more than deserve it.

TEAM NDR

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New Dawn Records are happy to announce the release today of the new single “Turn That Down” by New Jersey rapper Tru Trilla, the fourth taken from his new album ‘XVI : Return of the Gods’ which releases very shortly on May 31st.

Following previous single ‘Sun Rays’ ft Reks & Lakim Shabazz, No Joking Around ft N.B.S. & Recognize Ali, and ‘End the Day’ ft Ruste Juxx & Julius Luciano of Shoe Gang, the new cut is just the latest example of the mic skills and production levels evident throughout the upcoming release.

NY State producer Frost Gamble makes another appearance, his stylish soundtrack platforming a showcase of slick and conscious bars delivered in customary fashion by masters of the craft. This time standing shoulder to shoulder with the Newark native are Detroit’s Guilty Simpson and Brooklyn’s Skyzoo, icons of the game sharing their unique cerebral pearls.

Available at multiple online streaming and download stores including Apple Music, Amazon Music, Tidal Music and below on Bandcamp and Spotify.

The official video is playing on our Youtube channel

Enjoy the new joint and remember to get it in the diary, MAY 31ST, “XVI : RETURN OF THE GODS”. It’s a special one !

All media and radio DJ inquiries about any of our releases can be sent to our in house promotional division UrbanElite PR. Their contact information is HERE

Our thanks to everyone who continue to support what we do, and most importantly support the highly talented artists we work with, it’s genuinely very much appreciated.

TEAM NDR

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New Dawn Records are delighted to announce the release today of the new single “No Joking Around” by New Jersey rapper Tru Trilla featuring Boston’s Flash & V Knuckles of N.B.S. and Recognize Ali.

Coincidentally today marks our fifth anniversary since re-launching in 2019 after a 15 year hiatus, and what a journey it’s been having had the opportunity to work with so many talented artists from the USA and UK and presenting their fantastic releases to the world.

Following on from January’s “Sun Rays” featuring Reks and Lakim Shabazz, the new joint is the second to be taken from the album “XVI : Return of the Gods” out in May. On the new cut, the Brick City veteran has recruited another Garden State native in the form of Jamal Nueve, originally affiliated with the legendary Flavor Unit crew when operating as DJ Jamal #9.

The multi credited producer has delivered a funk fuelled banger which has, just like its predecessor, enjoyed extensive airplay worldwide.

Laced with ferocious bars from lyrical marksmen in the heavyweight division, Boston’s Flash and V Knuckles of N.B.S. join Tru and Recognize Ali on the rampage, exchanging punchlines like combinations thrown in a barrage of body blows to would be contenders. You’re here for it, we came back for it, it’s the real deal.

Get the heat at APPLE MUSIC, AMAZON MUSIC, TIDAL MUSIC and below on BANDCAMP and SPOTIFY

There are also official visuals just published on our Youtube channel

All press, media and radio DJ inquiries about any of our releases can be addressed to our in house promotional division UrbanElite PR who have been with us since pretty much the beginning back in the 90’s, so many happy returns to them and their production team also! They can be contacted HERE

Today especially, we’d just like to convey our greatest appreciation to everyone for their support whether since 2019, or to those who remember us from way back in the day. We hope you’ve all enjoyed the ride as much as ourselves….peace.

TEAM NDR

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We are pleased to announce the release today of “Cold Start”, the fourth single taken from the upcoming album release “Cautionary Tales” by Anthony Kannon and Frost Gamble, and finds the award winning Ithacan rapper in aspirational mood.

Through a free flowing stream of quick fire rhymes, the desire to break free from the shackles forged by the code of the streets through the power of the pen is clear.  The optimism of ambition to emerge from the rat race focused and unscathed is the narrative, underpinned by Frost’s uptempo soundtrack fused by soulful breaks and beats.

As reported earlier, the pair have also just announced two upcoming live events to mark the release of the album on October 20th.  On Thursday October 26th, the pair play The Osborne Taphouse in Winnipeg followed by a further show on Saturday November 18th at Deep Dive in Ithaca where Anthony will perform the entire album with a live band and special guest Justo the MC, while Frost provides a DJ set.

“Cold Start” is available to stream and download on all major digital platforms including APPLE, TIDAL, AMAZON and below on Bandcamp and Spotify

Official visuals playing on Youtube

All media, press and radio station DJ enquiries regarding our releases can be sent to our in house promotional division UrbanElite PR. Their contact details are HERE

All information regarding Anthony Kannon and Frost Gamble, including their various social media platforms, is available at their specially designated artist page on this site HERE

Enjoy the music and thanks for the support

TEAM NDR

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What is real ? Do you want to know…..what….it…..is……?

You can see it for yourself when you watch this video playlist……

You can feel it in this Spotify playlist…..

It is also all around us on Soundcloud…….

All we are offering is the truth, nothing more……

Welcome…..to the real

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NDR

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Releasing on October 20th 2023, “Cautionary Tales” by upstate New York rapper Anthony Kannon and producer Frost Gamble is now available to pre-order for downloading and streaming pre-save. You can do so on Apple Music and Spotify via the multi store link HERE

By doing so, all four singles will be made available to you immediately. “Pitfalls” and “Make It Rain” which have already been released, plus “Second Floor” and “Cold Start” due out in August and September respectively.

The album, just as with all singles on release, will also be available on a much wider selection of online stores and streaming platforms including Bandcamp and Tidal.

The singles have enjoyed extensive online coverage and airplay on stations worldwide, including a special feature by Public Enemy’s legendary Chuck D on his Rapstation show. In addition, the instrumental version of album track “Long Ride” was aired by Focus Beats this month which is broadcast on the world renowned BBC Radio 1 and BBC Radio 6.

With much more to come leading up to release, Anthony and Frost have been busy arranging two separate album launch events due to take place in Canada and Ithaca in October and November. We will have further news regarding those dates shortly.

Meantime, you can check out the videos for “Pitfalls” and “Make It Rain” on Youtube

For more information about the artists, including all their social media platforms, visit their specially designated artist page provided on this site HERE

For all media and DJ enquiries regarding any of our releases, contact our in house promotional division UrbanElite PR HERE

As ever, all the support received has been greatly appreciated.

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TEAM NDR

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New Dawn Records are pleased to announce the release of the new single “Pitfalls” today by New York State rapper Anthony Kannon and producer Frost Gamble.

Recipient of the title “Best Rapper” at the Ithaca Music Awards in 2019, Anthony has enjoyed a rapid rise in recognition as one of the most highly rated talents to emerge from NY State in recent years. 

The single is the first to be taken from the new album “Cautionary Tales”. Out on October 20th, it is a collaborative project by the duo, Frost originally being from nearby Binghamton and now resident in Canada.

Local NY State media outlets were quick to pick up on the story of Anthony’s signing with us for the release including a feature in The Ithaca Voice newspaper, a report aired live on tv news station WENY and an interview broadcast on local commercial radio station Z95.5 FM.

“Pitfalls” addresses Anthony’s own personal growth.  An evolution from the hustles of his younger days to more progressive paths while struggling to escape past legacies, the funk fuelled beat lending itself to the air of optimism for the future.   As with the entire album, this is the classic art of real life storytelling set to the perfect soundtrack.

Available now to stream and download on all major digital platforms including APPLE, TIDAL, AMAZON and below on Bandcamp & Spotify

OFFICIAL VISUALS ON YOUTUBE

For more information about Anthony and Frost including all their social media details, head to their ARTIST PAGE on this site

All media and radio station enquiries about the single and album can be sent to our in house promotional team UrbanElite PR. Their contact details are HERE

TEAM NDR

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As someone pointed out to us the other day, 2022 marks the twentieth anniversary of some of our original single releases which at the time enjoyed healthy support, often appearing in DJ Magazine’s hip hop club charts, reviews in UK & US publications and notable for the airplay afforded to them by among others, Steve Lamacq who hosted BBC Radio 1’s flagship Evening Sessions show.

Time flies indeed !

They were all by the crew Belles in Monica and included a number of remixes, all released on 12″ & CD formats. We in fact still have a very limited amount of original stock available of both formats, details at our STORE.

“Y’All Under Surveillance” with remixes by G-Sharp (including cuts by DJ Devestator), DJ Nappa of Phil Life Cypher and The Runaways. Originally released on February 4th 2002

“Meltdown” with remixes by Krash Slaughta, Gripper and Phi Life Cypher’s DJ Nappa including cuts by DJ Mr Thing. Originally released May 6th 2002

What D’Ya Need with remixes by DJ Krash Slaughta and Unsung Heroes. Originally released September 23rd 2002

All of these together with most of our original back catalogue were of course made available in digital formats since we re-launched the label in 2019, streaming on Spotify, Tidal, Apple, Amazon and many more including on our Youtube channel. We have included some versions on our Youtube channel’s Singles Playlist

Included in the 18 track playlist are our most recent singles released over the past couple of years, taken from albums by London’s Ramson Badbonez, Phoenix da Icefire & Husky Brown and New Jersey’s Tru Trilla.

They include features by heavyweight names from both sides of the Atlantic including Reks, Skyzoo, Ruste Juxx, Recognize Ali, Genesis Elijah, Micall Parknsun, Jehst, Kashmere, Sleep Sinatra, Johaz of Dag Savage, MysDiggi, Truemendous, Juxx Diamondz, Justo the MC and the late, great Blacastan and Primo Brown of legendary Italian crew Cor Veleno.

Also added are the two singles from this summer, Qadir’s remix of “Bismillah” and Shahin’s re-working of “Lame Duck”. Dope rhymes, bangin’ beats and serious turntablist skillz from then and now as a soundtrack for your day – enjoy !

We’ll have news of new forthcoming joints and albums currently cooking in various kitchens shortly, so keep ’em peeled.

Peace

Team NDR

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New Dawn Records are pleased to present another new remix release this summer following on from Qadir’s re-work of “Bismillah” ft Justo the MC, Johaz & Sleep Sinatra in July.

“Lame Duck” originally appeared on London producer Ramson Badbonez’ album ‘Lead by Example’ which dropped in August 2021, and our affiliate Shahin’s new interpretation mixing classic funky drum and & bass loops underpins rugged and raw rhymes from New Jersey trio Tru Trilla, Fly Kwa and Prince Ak. Trading fierce bars and punchlines, an onslaught of potent hooks and jabs from the Brick City verbal marksmen are delivered to their targets in a series of lyrical body blows that leave contenders on the canvas.

Available to stream & download on all major digital platforms including APPLE, AMAZON, TIDAL

BANDCAMP

SPOTIFY

OFFICIAL VISUALS ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL

Our thanks to Okan of street crew TwoBC for the single cover artwork

Tru Trilla is currently recording a new album, the follow up to “God of Barz” which we released in 2020. We will be bringing you news of that in the months ahead but can tell you there is already an outstanding line up of producers and featured artists appearing on the new record. It will most definitely be worth the wait !

All international media enquiries about any of our releases can be directed to our in house promotional division UrbanElite PR, their contact information is HERE

Again, thanks to everyone for their support as we continue our journey since re-launching in 2019, it’s very much appreciated.

Team NDR