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As we continue to mark our label’s 30th anniversary throughout 2026, we revisit a project whose origins date back to our earliest days in the late 1990’s with this new video release.

Underground Cartel was an international hip hop collaboration spearheaded by Belles in Monica producer Kruze, which initially owed its existence to the relationships built with independent artists from around the world by our then fledgling in house promotional division UrbanElite PR.    

Those connections provided the opportunity to develop a concept where male and female rappers from all over Europe, Canada, Africa and the United States could stand shoulder to shoulder performing in their native languages as a representation of the progression and unifying impact hip hop had made on a global scale.  In essence, a celebration of a shared culture. 

Following the debut taster “Dropzone EP”, released on CD and vinyl in 2004, recording began on “Sapientia” in 2005 with a broader reach of artists and territories.  Various circumstances dictated that completion would be delayed for some considerable time, but was eventually released in digital format in 2019.

Taken from it is this new visual representation of “U Owe It 2 Yourself”, a recently edited version of the original.  It features Boston’s The Yukonn MC who together with Oak Lonetree formed the group My Mans N’ Them.  His appearance is due in no small way to the connection he built with another of the featured artists, Swiss Precise. 

For some time previously, the Long Beach rapper introduced a host of releases from the West Coast underground scene to UEP, familiarising them with names such as Halfway House MCees, 8th & Dawson Records and Blown Celeb with Dizzy Dustin. As a graffiti artist affiliated with the KBH crew, Swiss also designed the Underground Cartel logo.

With both coasts repped, female rapper Marya brings some Italian seasoning to the mix.  Based at the time in Milan, the sister of rap artists Tormento and Esa first gained attention due to her work with Sottotono before embarking on various solo and collaborative projects over the years including the all female group Mascara.

NEW VIDEO ON YOUTUBE

Others who appear on the “Sapientia EP” include the sadly missed Primo Brown (R.I.P.) of Rome’s legendary Cor Veleno crew, El Meswy, originally of Madrid and now based in Brooklyn, Beni Blanco of Montpellier group “Originaire du Sud”, Zimbabwean Dumi Right now based in the DMV, Bleekwonder of Den Haag, Netherlands, Grizu of Augsburg Germany and Croatian Magellano.

Manchester’s Mr CRF and London’s Creamo fly the flag for England, while the States were further represented by Brandon J Atlas of Des Moins, Tone Rome of Baltimore crew Raw Dialect, Sacramento’s Crazy Ballhead aka Mr Hooper, Virginian Black Market and female rapper Lockness from New York City. 

EP ON SPOTIFY

A lil’ taste of hip hop history, but what can we say, we been around, ya heeeeard…..     

Ciao e grazie mille !

TEAM NDR

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New Dawn Records are pleased to announce a new partnership with Australian Independent Digital Distribution company Xelon Entertainment.

This marks an exciting new chapter in our journey since re-launching in 2019 after a fifteen year hiatus in which time we’ve had the privilege of working with fantastic hip hop artists from both sides of the Atlantic.   We would also like to place on record our appreciation for all the assistance and logistical support provided by the staff  based at Ingrooves’ London office in helping our development over the past few years which proved to be invaluable on many occasions.

After a chance discussion with a long time industry friend and associate, who also happens to be Xelon’s Global Operations Manager, the decision was taken to progress down this new avenue and we are very much looking forward to working with them in the coming years.

A number of future projects are currently in the works and we will provide further updates shortly, but meantime you can find out more about Xelon at their official website www.xelondigital.com and of course still dig through our digital crates of back catalogue – here’s a little selection to get you started

TRU TRILLA “XVI : RETURN OF THE GODS” ALBUM

RAMSON BADBONEZ “LEAD BY EXAMPLE” ALBUM

JUSTO THE MC & BRELSTAFF “URBAN TESTIMONY” ALBUM

ANTHONY KANNON & FROST GAMBLE “CAUTIONARY TALES” ALBUM

PHOENIX DA ICEFIRE & HUSKY BROWN “PANACEA” ALBUM

You can also check out a selection of videos on our official Youtube Channel HERE

In addition, all of our releases are available from our official Bandcamp Page HERE

We thank everyone for your support over the past 6 years and look forward to connecting again soon….the beat goes on ! 

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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As the year draws to a close, here’s a little look back at our releases in 2023

BRELSTAFF – URBAN TESTIMONY [The Instrumentals]

In the Spring, we released “Urban Testimony [The Instrumentals]”. Produced by Edinburgh’s Brelstaff, this was the pre-cursor to the full version of the album he recorded with Brooklyn rapper Justo the MC which would follow later in the year.

Several from the album were used by “Focus Beats”, broadcast on both BBC Radio 1 and BBC Radio 6 over the summer months, beginning with “Is She” in June.

A mix of lofi hip hop, chilled out electronica and downtempo soulful vibes which is available to stream on Spotify, with full visuals on the album’s Youtube playlist

ANTHONY KANNON & FROST GAMBLE – CAUTIONARY TALES

Following a series of singles over the summer, “Cautionary Tales” by award winning New York State rapper Anthony Kannon and producer Frost Gamble released on October 20th.

An outstanding piece of work documenting the remarkable story of the young MC’s life to date, Bandcamp chose to feature it on the store’s front page “New and Notable” section.

Available of course from Bandcamp, Spotify and all other digital platforms including Apple / iTunes, Amazon, Deezer and Tidal, with a full video playlist also on Youtube.

JUSTO THE MC & BRELSTAFF – URBAN TESTIMONY

Again after a series of singles spanning the summer and autumn, “Urban Testimony” by Brooklyn rapper Justo the MC and Edinburgh producer Brelstaff was released on November 3rd.

Another to be afforded front page billing by Bandcamp on release, the entire album is themed around Justo’s time studying at Clark University Atlanta several years ago. A fascinating depiction of events leading up to, during and after his curtailed time spent there relayed in a brutally honest account of a conflicted mind on a potential escape route through academia straying rapidly on a path to hedonism, the regrets, lessons learned, and ultimately the strength to survive for better days.

In addition to Apple / iTunes, Deezer and Tidal, check it out for yourself on Bandcamp, Spotify andf the full video playlist on Youtube.

TRU TRILLA – XVI : RETURN OF THE GODS

Finally, earlier this month we announced we would be releasing the new album “XVI : Return of the Gods” by New Jersey rapper Tru Trilla on May 31st 2024, this being the follow up to his album “God of Barz” which we also released in 2020.

Over two years in the making, a magnificent mix of hard bars, highest quality lyricism, beats and turntablism includes a stellar cast of producers and guest featured artists including Reks, Lakim Shabazz, Ruste Juxx, Recognize Ali, Skyzoo, Guilty Simpson, NapsNdreds, N.B.S., Julius of Shoe Gang and many more.

A trailer video for the album has recently been published on Youtube, and you can check out its predecessor on Spotify.

We once again thank everyone for their support since we re-launched the label in 2019, and would also like to take this opportunity of wishing you and yours the very best for the holiday season and the best of good fortune for 2024.

Welcome to the real……

TEAM NDR

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New Dawn Records are proud to announce the upcoming release of the new album “XVI : Return of the Gods” by New Jersey rapper Tru Trilla on May 31st 2024, distributed digitally by Ingrooves / Virgin Music.

For over two years the Brick City lyrical marksman has painstakingly crafted an absolute masterpiece, gathering together a stellar line up of guest featured artists and producers for what is the much anticipated  follow up to the classic banger ‘God of Barz’ released by ourselves almost exactly four years to the day in May 2020.

A long time affiliate of Naughty by Nature, Lords of the Underground and group member of 050 Boyz, the Newark native brings more of the same uncompromising energy as before, but this time moves the action further afield.

With original foot soldiers still flying the flag for the Garden State, Chicago and Barcelona, the legion’s been bolstered by additional heavy artillery from California, Detroit, New York, Florida, Boston, Canada, Japan and the UK.  

Where God of Barz set down a highly impressive early marker, the new album is its natural successor.  The broad range of production styles raise the levels on again while retaining the original core essence.  A diverse and powerful soundtrack for a blockbuster of fierce bars, slick rhymes and gritty lyricism delivered by some of hip hop’s most renowned verbal technicians at the top of their game.

With beats by Tone Spliff, Jamal Nueve, LG Roc, Frost Gamble, Four Limbs, Ramson Badbonez, DNA Beatz & Sumerio Square, and featured artists including Reks, Skyzoo, Lakim Shabazz, Julius of Shoe Gang, Ruste Juxx, N.B.S., Recognize Ali, Guilty Simpson, Justo the MC & NapsNDreds, this one’s for the warriors. 

Venimus. Vidimus. Vicimus.  Welcome to the real…….

WATCH THE OFFICIAL ALBUM VIDEO TRAILER ON YOUTUBE

A series of singles will precede the album release beginning with “Sun Rays” on January 30th. All will be available to download and stream on Bandcamp, Apple / iTunes, Spotify, Tidal, Amazon and more. Videos for all tracks will appear on our official Youtube channel @newdawnrecords

All press, multimedia and radio DJ inquiries can be addressed to our in-house promotional division UrbanElite PR

Tru loves connecting with people on social media, so holla at him on Instagram and Twitter

We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their support this year, it’s been much appreciated, and also to wish you & yours the best for the upcoming holiday season. Good health & prosperity for 2024 folks.

TEAM NDR

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We are pleased to announce that, finally, our new Bandcamp page has been launched

Initially we have uploaded our entire digital back catalogue there, with the options of full EP, album and individual track downloads provided. Check full availability HERE

We will broaden out the page to all formats over time, and we’d like to thank Bandcamp’s Head of Label and Artist liaison for the support provided during this process.

In addition, at their request, we were happy to assist several artists in the design and setting up of their own new Artist Pages. Click on the artist names to go directly to their pages – TRU TRILLA, PHOENIX DA ICEFIRE, AZ IZZ

Each allows fans to contact the artists directly and connect with them on social media via the links on the main page and by clicking the icons on their banners.

Look out for all future releases coming to Bandcamp as well of course as continuing to be made available to stream and download at Spotify, Apple, Tidal, Amazon, Deezer, Beatport and many more.

Meanwhile, here’s a little selection of what’s available now

So take a look around and enjoy the sounds !

TEAM NDR