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New Dawn Records are proud to announce the release today of the new album “Beautiful Foundations” by New York State rapper and producer duo Tone Chop & Frost Gamble.

A celebration of the pair’s working relationship and friendship spanning over 30 years, it reflects on the earliest days together in their home city of Binghamton, interrupted only for a time by Frost’s relocation to Canada, before reuniting in 2014 to become one of the most prolific partnerships in hip hop over recent years.

Dedicated to, and active in, the traditional elements of the culture from the very beginning, their music draws from the Golden Era of boom bap, turntablism and lyricism while incorporating contemporary progression. The result ia a highly impressive offering which remains fundamentally tru to its roots, delivered in a showcase of skilled wordplay, gritty rhymes and polished production.

The guest featured artists are those with whom they’ve built as part of their journey including DJ Eclipse, Grea8gawd, Pf Cuttin, The Bad Seed, Decon Blu, Pa Pa Fresh, DJ J Smooth, Fresh I.E. and more.

The album is available to stream and download at multiple digital stores including APPLE MUSIC, TIDAL and below on BANDCAMP & SPOTIFY.

All the tracks appear in the full album’s video playlist on our Youtube Channel

In line with the theme of the album, a superb filmed documentary covering Chop and Frost’s entire story will be premiered to Youtube on May 20th, while their special launch event will take place on the evening of Saturday May 30th. Entry will be free at Binghamton’s Stellar Human vintage clothes store, and will include an album listening session, artist q&a and a screening of the documentary.

It is of course a happy coincidence that we too are in celebratory mode marking our own 30th anniversary as a label, and we would wish to place on record our sincerest appreciation to our in house teams at UrbanElite Productions and UrbanElite Promotions for their incredible work both in preparing and delivering this campaign, without which much would not have been possible.

And as ever, our thanks to the public and media worldwide for the ongoing support. Enjoy this fantastic album.

TEAM NDR

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

Featuring fellow upstate marksmen Decon Blu and Pa Pa Fresh, the latter also lacing the joint with additional cuts, this is the third single from the Binghamton pair’s album “Beautiful Foundations” out on May 15th.

Following on from the album’s title track released in December, and “Play No Games” featuring DJ Eclipse which dropped last month, the new cut is a tribute to the lyrical golden era of New York in a showcase of wordplay delivering a salvo of old and new school slang.  Chop’s trademark bullish bars and the effortless flows of Decon Blu and Pa Pa Fresh dictate the narrative, the three re-united from their earlier Four Sportsmen project.  

Driven along by Frost’s customary slick productions, it’s a classic recipe of seasoned campaigners shelling rhymes with ease over a luscious beat immersed in soulful flavas and exquisite turntablism. 

Available to download and stream from all digital platforms including Apple Music, Tidal Music and below on Bandcamp and Spotify

Official visuals have also been published on Youtube

 

It was also confirmed recently that Chop & Frost will celebrate the release of the album with a special free vinyl listening event at Binghamton’s Stellar Human store on Saturday May 30th, which will include a public screening of their upcoming biographical documentary and a Question & Answer session. More details to follow in the weeks ahead.

Meantime, all media enquiries about the release can be sent to our in house promotional division UrbanElite PR via the CONTACT PAGE on their site.

Our appreciation as ever to all for your generous support as we continue to celebrate our own 30th anniversay this year.

TEAM NDR

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We are pleased to announce the first release of 2026, our 30th anniversary year.

“Play No Games” is the second single to be taken from the album “Beautiful Foundations” by New York State rapper and producer duo Tone Chop & Frost Gamble” out on May 15th, and follows the single edition of the album’s title track which dropped in December.

With additional cuts by legendary turntablist DJ Eclipse, host of the long running “Rap Is Outta Control Show” on Sirius XM channel Shade 45, this joint has all the trademark qualities displayed by the pair over many years.

Classic grimy boom bap beats the backdrop for the veteran rap battle champion’s hard bars, as Chop goes hunting for would be title contenders. Knockout punchlines, bangin beats and supreme turntablism in a heavyweight bout for the heads. Slick business from the Binghamton boys who will soon announce details of a special launch event due to take place in their home town shortly after the album’s release and the premiere of their filmed autobiographical documentary.

“Play No Games” is available to stream and download from a wide variety of digital stores and platforms including APPLE MUSIC, TIDAL MUSIC and below on Bandcamp and Spotify

The official accompanying music video, filmed by Frost himself, is also now available to watch on Youtube

All international media and DJ enquiries about this, or any of our releases, can be addressed to our in house promotional division UrbanElite PR via their CONTACT PAGE

As ever, we greatly appreciate all the support we’ve had over the years, primarily as a result of the fantastic artists we’ve been fortunate enough to work with – it’s a reflection of their immense talent. The journey continues…..

TEAM NDR

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Binghamton duo Tone Chop & Frost Gamble release their new album “Beautiful Foundations” through ourselves on May 15th this year.

The title track was released as a single in December complete with the accompanying official video, and is available on all streaming and download digital platforms including Apple Music, Bandcamp and Spotify

They have also just recorded a special freestyle specifically linked to the album where Chop includes all of the track names in his bars. He had the opportunity recently to hook up with local video producer Lil Kurby of New Wave Vizions, who also filmed the official video of the single, and they have just released the visuals of the “Beautiful Foundations Freestyle” on to Youtube

Look out for a further series of singles from the album in the coming months, beginning with “Play No Games” on February 10th which includes cuts by Sirius XM’s “Rap Is Outta Control Show” presenter DJ Eclipse who broadcasts every Sunday night on the station’s Shade 45 channel.

A film documentary about Chop & Frost’s careers together will also be released shortly after the album in May, and plans are also underway for a special launch event to take place in Binghamton around that time.

Meantime, as 2026 represents our own 30th anniversary, we’ll be taking a little trip down memory lane over the next 12 months, dust off a few crates and highlight some choice gems by the brilliant artists we’ve been fortunate enough to work with over the decades.

All involved with New Dawn Records would like to take the opportunity to wish you and yours the very best for the new year ahead, and again thank everyone for the support we’ve had from the very beginning. It’s very much appreciated.

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 pleased to announce the release today of the new AA side single “Respectfully” by New Jersey rapper Tru Trilla, which also marks our first with new distribution partner Xelon Digital.

Featuring Brooklyn’s Justo the MC and Floridian NapsNdreds, the original version produced by Frost Gamble first appeared on Tru’s album “XVI : Return of the Gods” last year. This earned a front page Spotligh Feature on Bandcamp, in no small way due to the kind of bullish bars and beats present throughout further enhanced by a heavyweight line up of guest featured artists and producers.

Those include Reks, Lakim Shabazz, Skyzoo, Ruste Juxx, N.B.S., Guilty Simpson, Julius Luciano of Shoe Gang, Recognize Ali, Juxx Diamondz, Tone Spliff, Jamal Nueve, LG Roc, and many more.

The latest cut is a further testament to the levels, with the narraitive reinforced by the brand new “Qataban Remix” courtesy of label affiliate Shahin, flipping the script with an intense fusion of strings, breaks and sub Saharan flavas.

Available to stream and download on multiple digital stores and platforms including APPLE MUSIC / iTUNES, AMAZON, TIDAL MUSIC and below on BANDCAMP & SPOTIFY.

There is also a new official video for the Qataban Remix on our Youtube channel

Original version on Youtube

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

Our thanks to everyone again for your continued support as we edge closer to our 30th anniversary next year, it always will, and has been, appreciated.

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