By |

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

By |

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

By |

New Dawn Records are pleased to present the new single “Gawdbrovas Connect” by NY State rapper and producer duo Tone Chop & Frost Gamble. Featuring fellow New York native Grea8gawd, this is the fourth from their upcoming album ‘Beautiful Foundations’ out on May 15th.

A celebration of their own partnership stretching over three decades, the album includes those with whom they’ve built over the years by way of the specially invited guest featured artists, all of whom add to a showcase of the highest caliber rhymes skills, beats and turntablism.    

In line with previous singles ‘Beautiful Foundations [Single Edition]’, ‘Play No Games’ with cuts by DJ Eclipse and ‘The Smoothest’ ft Decon Blu & Pa Pa Fresh, the new cut being the latest case in point. Frost’s grimy bass laden production fuels the intensity from the outset. Gauntlet laid down, Chop and Gawd step up to the plate with the full artillery, detonating bars straight from the cerebral chamber in a fierce exchange. With targets demolished in a relentless volley of take downs, spent verbal cartridges litter the battle zone as the prize fighters leave with the spoils of war.

Available now to stream and download on all major digital platforms including APPLE / iTUNES, TIDAL MUSIC and below on BANDCAMP & SPOTIFY

Official visuals for the single have also just been published on our Youtube channel

Following the release of the album in a few weeks, the pair will be premiering a filmed documentary on Youtube which covers their entire careers from the early beginnings to the present day, much in line with the themes of the album, and will then celebrate the release at a listening party in their home city of Binghamton.

It takes place on the evening of Saturday May 30th at Stellar Human, 159 Washington Street. Entry is completely free with doors opening at 6pm EST, so get along and meet the artists who will also be discussing the making the of the album and showing the documentary in full.

All media, press an DJ enquiries about this or any of our releases can be directed to our official in house promotional division UrbanElite PR. Their contact details are HERE

Our appreciation as always for the support this project has received to date by the media and public worldwide. Chop and Frost spent three years putting their heart and soul into what of course is a perticularly meaningful release for them, so it means a lot to all concerned. Thank you.

TEAM NDR

By |

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

By |

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

By |

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

By |

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

By |

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

By |

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

By |

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