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We are very proud to announce the release today of yet another superb album, this time by Justo the MC and Edinburgh lofi hip hop producer Brelstaff.

In the true traditions of the art of storytelling, “Urban Testimony” depicts events before, during and after the Brooklyn rapper’s curtailed and troubled time studying at Clark Atlanta University some years ago. Documented in a deeply personal narrative, details unfold of a conflicted mind on a potential escape route to academia straying rapidly on a hedonistic path and the consequences incurred.

While regrets are clear, the spirit of resilience prevails. Emerging scathed but undaunted and emboldened by second chances, the final scenes present a renewed sense of optimism for the future with lessons duly learned.

A fascinating and brutally honest account is relayed through trademark slick rhymes and deft lyricism, the art of storytelling set to a suitably atmospheric soundtrack provided by Brelstaff’s blend of soulful chilled lofi hip hop beats and ambient electronica.

It is a remarkable piece of work by two masters of their craft which we are extremely pleased to share with you now on APPLE/iTunes, AMAZON, TIDAL and below on BANDCAMP & SPOTIFY.

    There are also official videos for every track which you can watch on the album’s playlist published on our Youtube channel.

    Of course earlier this year we released the instrumental version of the album, and several tracks were broadcast by BBC Radio 1 and BBC Radio 6 on their Focus Beats programme.

    It also has a full video playlist on our Youtube Channel and can be streamed on Spotify

    Justo will be performing tracks from “Urban Testimony” when he travels to upstate New York on Saturday November 18th as a special guest of Anthony Kannon and Frost Gamble for their ‘Cautionary Tales’ album launch party at Deep Dive in Ithaca.

    For more information about Justo and Brelstaff including all their social media details, visit their ARTIST PAGE on this site.

    For all media, press, audio & video podcats and radio station DJ inquiries about the release, please contact the official publicist, our in house promotional division UrbanElite PR HERE  

    As ever, enjoy the music and as always we thank everyone for their 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

    1

    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 delighted to announce the release today of the incredible new album “Lead by Example” by London’s Ramson Badbonez

    As a rapper, Ramson has been long established as a cornerstone of the UK hip hop scene, and the new album marks an additional chapter in his career with this being his first time behind the boards in what is one of the most impressive production debuts witnessed for many years.

    Coincidentally, it is almost exactly one year ago to the day when the first conversation took place which cultivated an idea and defined the concept for what would become one of the most unique albums of its kind, based originally on a selection of ready made beats.

    Rarely if ever has such a high quality line up of hip hop artists from the US, UK and Canada featured together on the one record, all specifically hand picked to suit beats mixing original funk, soul, rare groove, jazz and traditional boom bap. The result is an eclectic soundtrack which fuses the classic and modern eras, with Ramson himself dropping some additional jewels on selected tracks and a helping of turntablism thrown in for good measure.

    Available now to stream and download from all digital stores & platforms worldwide, including APPLE MUSIC, TIDAL MUSIC, AMAZON MUSIC, BANDCAMP & SPOTIFY

    We would like to take this opportunity to thank all the artists involved for their co-operation in assisting us along this journey, to Mark Fear who also features on the record for his mixing and mastering services over the 2020 festive period, to our in house promotional and production team UrbanElite for the logistical assistance in making this possible and to the media and public who have supported the release to date with the affiliated singles. It’s very much appreciated.

    One of the motivations on embarking upon this project was to give hip hop fans something a little exceptional and distinctive in light of the past 18 months everyone has had to endure with the Covid pandemic. We hope you enjoy what we feel sure will stand the test of time for years to come. This is how we used to do it back in the day, and the reason we came back.

    Peace

    TEAM NDR

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    We are proud to announce the release today of the new single “Stay True” by London based producer Ramson Badbonez, the first to be taken from his album “Lead by Example” out on August 27th 2021.

    The new joint features east coast warriors Reks, Ruste Juxx and Blacastan, all delivering their renowned verbal artillery, savagely tearing apart a booming head nodder that pulls no punches. Rugged and raw, truly formidable business.

    Available to stream and download now everywhere including APPLE MUSIC, TIDAL MUSIC, AMAZON MUSIC, SPOTIFY & BANDCAMP

    Already enjoying airplay worldwide, any DJ’s not already serviced with an MP3 can request it from our in house promotional division UrbanElite PR. Contact them HERE

    Thanks again to everyone for your continued support & enjoy the sounds

    TEAM NDR

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    2020 – a year few of us will have witnessed before or hopefully will in the future. Tragic in so many ways, and we offer our condolences to those who have lost friends or loved ones either directly or indirectly due to the Covid-19 virus, and offer our sympathies to those whose livelihoods have been adversely affected by the impact of multiple lockdowns and restrictive measures.

    Tragic also in the sense that history will not judge this well. Nations were warned 4 years ago of the impending likelihood of such a global pandemic and the relatively simple measures which would be required to mitigate the worst impact. Few heeded these warnings, prioritizing economic considerations in assessment to risk, instead of carrying out their fundamental duty of care to their citizens.

    Hopefully with the roll out of vaccines and the precedents set by countries such as South Korea in how to handle such an event and avoid a catastrophe, as we move forward into 2021 lessons will have been learned and people can finally look forward to a brighter future. We wish everyone well.

    The first half of the year saw the bulk of our releases, beginning with “The Seymour Chronicles” EP by New Jersey rapper Tru Trilla, a high quality offering in its own right and the warm up for the explosive album “God of Barz” which followed soon after.

    With production by Barcelona’s Sumerio Square, the UK’s Chat One, Chicago’s DNA Beatz and Jamal Nueve (NJ/LA), it’s all thrillers and no fillers. Rammed full of banging beats and turntablism, featured artists Prince Ak, Middy Murdock, Confucious and Fly Kwa all bring fierce rhymes and killer bars to the table. Literally a hip hop classic.

    From the album, check out the snippets of “God’s Sympathy” and “Fake Views”

    Both releases available to stream on all digital platforms including Spotify, Apple and Tidal. Also available to download at Bandcamp

    The term “masterpiece” is often over used, but in the case of “Panacea” by London’s rapper and producer duo Phoenix da Icefire & Husky Brown, it’s no exaggeration. Nominated for “Best Independent Album” at this year’s AIM Awards, Husky’s rare blend of hip hop, r&b, soul, electronica, dub and funk provides the backdrop for a narrative which would prove uncannily prescient for 2020. Phoenix addresses mental health, racism, well being & spirituality, climate change, knife crime, aspiration, social justice and equal opportunities with the skills of a lyricist at the height of their game, all delivered with the refreshing underlying message of hope and reconciliation.

    A quite phenomenal record which will stand the test of time for years to come. From it, a snippet of the single Cosmic Soul

    “Panacea” is streaming on all digital platforms, and also available to download at Bandcamp

    As we reached early summer, we had great pleasure in releasing the new album “Dopeliss” by New Jersey rapper and producer Az Izz, once of the legendary group The Outsidaz. His first official album for some considerable time after time taken out to pursue other production projects for tv & film, it was a welcome return to the fold.

    Encompassing hip hop sounds through the ages from boom bap to high octane electronica, a number of his fellow group members including Pace Won, D.U. and the late Slang Ton also appeared as featured guests, with further production by DJ Profluent, DJ 3rd Rell and Quazmo. An album with a narrative that mixes beefs, street tales, social justice, aspirations and humour in equal measure, and as always reppin’ Brick City.

    Add them to your Spotify playlists, and you can also download the album at Bandcamp

    In the past few months we’ve been heavily involved in the developing of a new producer album featuring hip hop heavyweights from the USA, UK and Canada in what will be a unique and exceptional release. With the hardships everyone has shared worldwide in 2020, it’s just our own way of giving the global hip hop community something a little more positive and special to share in 2021. Expect an announcement in the not too distant future.

    Meantime, as ever, we thank everyone for their continued support over the past year and wish everyone the best of health and success in 2021.

    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

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    To mark what has felt an incredibly quick, but also a busy and fulfilling first year back since re-launching, we got DJ Santoi to put together a special “Re:Generation” mix of singles and tracks we have released in the past 12 months

    Included in the set are Underground Cartel, Tru Trilla, Belles in Monica, Az Izz, Phoenix da Icefire & Husky Brown and Krash Slaughta, artists from the USA, UK and Europe. Cool blend of hip hop beats, dope rhymes and turntablism….a little somethin’ to beat the lockdown blues.

    The full track versions can be heard on the corresponding Spotify Playlist we set up here, but meantime give it a spin on Mixcloud…enjoy!

    Stay the course and stay safe people

    Team NDR

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    Earlier this year we released the EP’s “Y’All in Meltdown” & “Natsukashii” by legendary hip hop crew Belles in Monica, and the “Sapientia EP” by Underground Cartel, an international hip hop collaboration featuring artists from the USA, UK, Europe and Africa.

    All were made available to stream and download from Spotify, Apple, Amazon, Beatport, Deezer & Soundcloud, and we have just added all the tracks to our own Youtube channel where you can also view video trailers and future official video releases.

    Y’ALL IN MELTDOWN – LAZARUS EP VOLUME 1 FULL PLAYLIST
    SAPIENTIA EP FULL PLAYLIST
    NATSUKASHII – LAZARUS EP VOL 2 FULL PLAYLIST

    We release the Krash Slaughta vs B.I.M. ” ’18 Showdown ” EP on December 6th, with the single “What D’Ya Need (H.A.R.D. mix) out November 19th. Again all will be available to stream and download from the usual online platforms and stores including our own Youtube channel where there is already a video trailer.

    Drop by the official New Dawn Records Youtube channel and subscribe to be kept up to date with all new videos and audio releases. Remember we have some of these releases on vinyl, so visit the Store to check for availability. New signings for 2020 will be announced here very shortly.

    Our thanks to everyone who has supported us during this our year of re-launch

    TEAM NEW DAWN RECORDS