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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 video released today on Youtube, “Enough” appears on the album ‘Beautiful Foundations’ by New York State rapper & producer duo Tone Chop and Frost Gamble which we released on May 15th.

Featuring fellow Binghamton native Doc Holiday, it’s a sobering account of an all too familiar issue experienced in most towns and cities. The lyricism is on point as Chop reflects on the devastating effect Class A addiction has had on his community, and particularly as a father himself, the young lives left in ruins.

The rage against heroin, meth and those who peddle for profit is a measured retaliation against the destruction caused by the few, yet felt by the many. Impeccable social commentary from the veteran wordsmith. The video also ends with a helpline to call for anyone affected by the issues addressed.

The album, which also includes guest featured artists The Bad Seed, Grea8gawd, DJ Eclipse, Pf Cuttin, Decon Blu, Pa Pa Fresh and DJ J Smooth, is of course available now on multiple digital platforms including Bandcamp and Spotify.

To celebrate the release of the album, the pair have a special launch event this coming Saturday, May 30th, at the Stellar Human vintage clothes store in Binghamton.

From 6pm, entry is free and will include an album listening session, artist discussion about the album plus q&a, and a screening of their autobiographical documentary which was first premiered on Youtube last week.

TEAM NDR

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On Friday May 15th, we released the album “Beautiful Foundations” by New York State rapper & producer duo Tone Chop and Frost Gamble.

It is in essence a celebration of the pair’s working relationship and friendship which spans back over three decades, and in the same spirit the guest featured artists are those with whom they’ve built during that time including DJ Eclipse, The Bad Seed, Pf Cuttin, Grea8gawd, Decon Blu, Pa Pa Fresh and many more.

To mark the occasion further they have filmed a documentary about their entire time together which has just been published on Youtube today. In a highly impressive presentation, they delve deeper into their earliest days growing up in Binghamton and the impact hip hop culture had on them, and ultimately how they came to meet and work together for the first time.

They describe their initial recording sessions in Frost’s basement, referenced in the album’s title, and chart their subsequent journey including Frost’s move to Canada, reuniting several years later and building once more to become one of the most prolific partnerships in hip hop over recent years.

Industry trials and tribulations along the way are also covered and will resonate with many independent music artists from any genre, making this not only an overall fascinating insight to their own story, but will also likely hold significance for those with a particular interest in hip hop’s own progression over the years.

BEAUTIFUL FOUNDATIONS – OUT NOW

BANDCAMP

SPOTIFY

FULL ALBUM PLAYLIST ON YOUTUBE

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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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 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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Released today on our Youtube channel, the new video “Qataban”.

Produced by Shahin principally as a remix for a forthcoming single release by New Jersey rapper Tru Trilla, he wished for the extended instrumental version and accompanying visuals to be used as a message of support for the women and girls of Afghanistan, Iran, Africa and indeed all around the world suffering at the hands of oppression, domestic & mental abuse, physical brutality and injustice.

Effectively a sequel to his earlier release “Anuket” following a similar theme of struggle and redemption, it is another timely reminder that while turbulent global affairs have attentions turned elsewhere, their plight has not been forgotten. A testimonial to the bravery and dignity with which the fight continues to be fought. Our warrior queens will prevail.

In memory of Mahsa Amini R.I.P.

“Qataban” on Youtube

“Anuket” on Youtube

Peace

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