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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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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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