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 togetherwhich 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.
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.
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 infor 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……
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…..
Binghamton duo Tone Chop & Frost Gamblerelease 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 yoursthe 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.
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 albumwhich 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 PRHERE
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.
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
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 withas 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.
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 UKand 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’sthe real deal.
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 PRwho have been with ussince 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.
Shortly after releasing his new album “God of Barz”, Brick City rapper Tru Trilla spoke with Angelo Gingerelli for US online “The Pop Break” as part of their regular NJ Next interview series.
In the feature just published this week, the Newark native discusses his early days in hip hop, the construction of the new album which includes international production, his new upcoming projects and lists his top MCs, producers and live spots in New Jersey.
Coincidentally, Tru Trilla released the first video from the album during the week. “Real Rap”, produced by Barcelona’s Sumerio Square, also features fellow 050 Boyz group member Prince Ak and was shot in downtown Newark towards the end of 2019 and obviously prior to the impact of the Covid 19 pandemic. Check it out on Youtube
Released through New Dawn Records on May 29th, “God of Barz” is available to stream and download from all major digital platforms and stores worldwide including APPLE, TIDAL, AMAZON and SPOTIFY
