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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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We are pleased to announce the release today of the new single “Beautiful Foundations” by New York State rapper and producer duo Tone Chop and Frost Gamble.

Featuring fellow Binghamton native Will K, this is the single edition of the title track from the forthcoming album which releases on May 15th 2026, and the first to be taken from it with more to follow in the months ahead.

The album “Beautiful Foundations” itself took several years in the making, masterfully crafted as a celebration of the pair’s friendship and working relationship spreading back over 30 years.

From the early days of recording demos in their Binghamton basement to becoming one of the most prolific partnerships in recent years with a quite phenomenal back catalogue of singles and EP’s in their armoury, the landmark release documents their journey and pays homage to the close bond built between the pair.

Immersed in hip hop culture from their teenage years, the album reflects their dedication to the true essence while embracing evolution.  Chop’s trademark hard bars, a legacy of his rap battle days, and Frost’s dynamic range of beats are bolstered throughout by a generous helping of turntablism courtesy of DJ Eclipse, Pa Pa Fresh and  DJ J Smooth.  Space is reserved for friends and allies by way of the special guest featured artists including The Bad Seed, Pf Cuttin, Decon Blu, Grea8gawd and Fresh I.E.

In this first offering, Chop sets the agenda reflecting on those first times working together as young and passionate kids still learning the ropes, sowing seeds for the future set to a potent soundtrack marinated with soul. It’s something you live…

Available to stream and download on a wide range of digital platforms including APPLE / iTUNES, AMAZON, TIDAL and below on Bandcamp and Spotify

The official video, filmed around Binghamton, is also playing on our Youtube channel

All media, press & radio Dj enquiries regarding this, or any of our releases, can be sent to our in house promotional division UrbanElite PR HERE

We very much look forward to bringing you more from this fantastic album as we head towards 2026, which itself is our own 30th anniversary as a label.

Meantime we thank everyone for the continued support and wish you all the very best for the new year.

TEAM NDR

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New Dawn Records are proud to announce the upcoming release of the new album “Beautiful Foundations” by New York State rapper and producer duo Tone Chop and Frost Gamble on May 15th 2026, digitally distributed by Xelon Entertainment.

The release holds special importance for the Binghamton pair, celebrating both their long term friendship and working partnership of 35 years.   We as a label, coincidentally celebrating our own 30th anniversary next year, are thrilled to join them on the latest part of their journey which dates back to their earliest days of recording demo’s and mixtapes in a basement, armed with a Four Track, MPC60 and Gemini DJ Sampler.

Originally part of the crew Binghamton’s Most Wanted, Chop had already built a fearsome reputation in the local rap battle scene prior to the link up with Frost, but from their first meeting, a strong connection was made and a lasting bond built, both musically and personally.

The turning of the page into the 21st Century also marked a temporary pause for this close collaboration as Frost made the move to Canada.  Now permanently relocated, he began production work on projects with artists such as Young Bleed, Sadat X and Fresh I.E.,  while back in New York, Chop remained prolific dropping upwards of 50 mixtapes including the “Chopper City” series.

However some ties can never be broken.  Destiny determined the inevitable, with the pair re-uniting to deliver the “Veteran EP” in 2016, their first official release together. Our in house promotional division UrbanElite PR handled the publicity at the time for both the EP and the album “Respect is Earned Not Given” the following year.  The resulting worldwide media coverage and public response would act as the catalyst for what would become their most prolific period of output, with a quite phenomenal back catalogue of singles and EP’s built up over recent years.

The reflective and celebratory nature of the new album also represents Chop and Frost’s steadfast passion for all aspects of the culture through the years, embracing change while being true to the essence.  This is never more evident than in a new short documentary they have just filmed which will be premiered shortly after the album release.   A fascinating autobiographical account of their story which also provides a historical narrative of hip hop’s own development through the decades.

Heads get ready for this.  Beats, bars, turntablism, the culture….hip hop is something you live

WATCH THE OFFICIAL ALBUM VIDEO TRAILER ON YOUTUBE

Four singles will be released ahead of the album, beginning with the title track on December 9th.  All will be available to download and stream on Bandcamp, Apple / iTunes, Spotify, Tidal, Amazon and more. Visuals 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

You can connect with the artists directly on Social Media. They have a joint Facebook Page @tonechopfrostgamble They also have individual accounts on Twitter / X @tonechop @frostgamble and on Instagram @tonechop @frost.gamble

We would again like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their support since we re-launched the label in 2019, the public, the media and of course the artists we’ve worked with as we move forward into the completion of our third decade in existence overall. From the beginning all these years ago to now, it’s been quite a ride, so our appreciation to all.

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 pleased to announce the release today of the new single “Drop Jewels” by New Jersey rapper Tru Trilla.

This is taken from the album “XVI : Return of the Gods” we released on May 31st which was immediately featured on Bandcamp’s front page “New & Notable” spotlight section. Since then, Tru appeared as the special guest of DJ Eclipse and DJ Riz on the Rap Is Outta Control Show alongside Prince Ak, broadcast on Shade 45 / Sirius XM on Sunday June 9th.

The new single featuring fellow Newark native Prince Ak and Brooklyn’s lyrical warrior Juxx Diamondz includes the original album version produced with additional cuts by Tone Spliff, plus a special remix by our long time affiliate Qadir who has delved back into the 1970’s for a filmic themed concoction to add a lil’ different twist.

Available together on APPLE MUSIC, AMAZON MUSIC, TIDAL MUSIC and below on BANDCAMP & SPOTIFY

New visuals have also been published for both versions on our Youtube channel.

Out thanks to Kloser of the TwoBC crew for the artwork and to everyone who has been supporting the album release in the past couple of weeks, it’s greatly appreciated.

All enquiries from media, press and DJ’s about this release should be forwarded to our in house promotional & production representatives UrbanElite PR who can, for example, provide official mp3’s for radio play if required. They can be contacted HERE

Enjoy the new music and look out for more in the months ahead.

TEAM NDR

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We are very grateful to the Bandcamp editorial team who have just featured our most recent album release on their front page “New and Notable” Spotlight section.

“XVI : Return of the Gods” by Newark rapper Tru Trilla has only been available since Friday last week, so its immediate inclusion for special focus by the online store is tremendous news indeed.

It is just reward for the hard work put in by all involved over the past few years in making this album possible, primarily by all of the artists but also due to the various forms of logistical support provided by our in house affiliates UrbanElite Productions.

There will be more coming from this album in the months ahead, beginning on June 18th with the release of the single “Drop Jewels” featuring Prince Ak & Juxx Diamondz, produced by Tone Spliff which will also include a special remix not previously available.

For now though, with production by Tone, Jamal Nueve, Frost Gamble, LG Roc, DNA Beatz, Sumerio Square, Ramson Badbonez and Four Limbs, plus guest featured artists including Reks, Lakim Shabazz, Ruste Juxx, Julius Luciano of Shoe Gang, N.B.S., Recognize Ali, Guilty Simpson, Skyzoo, NapsNdreds, Justo the MC, Yah Ra and more, download “XVI : Return of the Gods” below on Bandcamp.

All media, press and DJ inquiries (radio, club, mixshow, mixtape) regarding this album or any of the tracks from it should be sent to our in house promotional division UEP, their contact details are HERE

We thank everyone again for the fantastic support received

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 very pleased to announce the release today of the new single “End the Day” by New Jersey rapper Tru Trilla, featuring Brooklyn’s Ruste Juxx and Julius Luciano, brother of KXNG Crooked and member of Long Beach crew Shoe Gang.

Produced by Frost Gamble, whose album “Cautionary Tales” with NY State’s Anthony Kannon we released last year, this is the third to be taken from Tru’s album ‘XVI : Return of the Gods’ out on May 31st.

As with the two previous single ‘Sun Rays’ ft Reks & Lakim Shabazz, and ‘No Joking Around’ ft N.B.S. & Recognize Ali, the new joint packs a ferocious punch.

All three deliver a barrage of bars over a powerful head nodding beat, gritty rhymes dispensed out the chamber with no quarter given. Clinical twelve gauge skills coast to coast in full effect, straight fire.

Available to stream and download at APPLE / iTunes, Amazon, Tidal and below on Bandcamp and Spotify.

The official video is also now playing on our Youtube channel

There will be a lot more where this came from, beginning in May with another single just ahead of the release of the album itself, then over the summer and autumn expect to see further singles including special remixes and accompanying videos which are in the works right now.

All media, press & radio DJ inquiries about any of our releases can be sent directly to our in house promotional division UrbanElite PR HERE

Again we thank the public and media for the support received, both for ourselves and more importantly for the fantastic artists we’ve been fortunate to work with, it’s well deserved and remains much appreciated.

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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