For the second time in recent weeks we were delighted to learn that another of our releases had been picked by online store Bandcamp to feature on their front page’s “New and Notable” spotlight section.
“Urban Testimony” by Brooklyn rapper Justo the MC and Edinburgh lo fi hip hop producer Brelstaffis an exceptional piece of work. Lyrically, the narrative reads like a booktelling the story of a pivotal time in Justo’s life before during and after his curtailed and turbulent attendance at Clark Atlanta University some years ago.
The underlying themes of potential opportunities presented by the escape route of academia being missed as a conflicted mind strayed on the path of hedonism is a brutally honest accountof events as they unfolded.However, the story ends on a more optimistic note of survival and progression with lessons learned.
The accompanying soundtrack by Brelstaff perfectly captures each mood perfectly. The blend of lo fi hip hop beats, jazz fusion and soul acts almost like a film score, the instrumental versions of several having been broadcast by BBC Radio 1’s ‘Focus Beats’ programme earlier in the year.
Both the vocal version of the album and instrumental version are available on Bandcamp
You can learn more about Justo and Brelstaff in their specially designated Artist Page on this website.
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.
Focus Beats, produced by Reform Radio, broadcasts weekly through the night, initially on Saturdays aired on BBC Radio 6 and repeated on BBC Radio 1 every Wednesday.
The world renowned station has recently scheduled various programmes of a similar nature, mirroring the phenomenon which has grown exponentially in recent years on Youtube and Spotify playlists.Typically playing a mix of instrumental lo-fi hip hop, chill, and ambient electronica, all designed to assist with relaxation, stress relief, meditation and in particular there is extensive usage by students using these sounds to help with focusing on stud. It is the musical extension of ASMR.
This week’s programme can be streamed for the next six weeks on BBC Sounds and you can listen back HERE
Itincludes tracks affiliated to New Dawn Records’ releases by three different artists
Brelstaff – “Fine Line (instrumental)”Taken from Urban Testimony [The Instrumentals]” released earlier this year, the original version appears on the vocal version of the album, a collaboration with Brooklyn rapper Justo the MC which drops on November 3rd. The first single “High” will be made available on August 1st.
Urban Testimony [The Instrumentals] on Spotify
Urban Testimony – Official Album Video Trailer on Youtube
Frost Gamble “Long Ride (instrumental)”. This is the instrumental of the track appearing on the album “Cautionary Tales”, another collaborative project this time between the producer originally from Binghamton NY and now resident in Canada, and award winning upstate NY rapper Anthony Kannon
Releasing on October 20th, the first single “Pitfalls” dropped in June with the new single “Make It Rain”ready to make its appearance next week on Tuesday July 18th.
Pitfalls is available on all digital platforms including Bandcamp, Apple, Tidal, Deezer, Amazon and here on Spotify
Cautionary Tales – Official Album Video Trailer on Youtube
Phoenix da Icefire & Husky Brown “Veganite (instrumental)”. The instrumental of the track which appeared on “Panacea”, released by us in 2020 and which was nominated for “Best Independent Album” at the AIM Awards that year.
It remains an immense piece of work by the London duo, with Husky fusing hip hop, funk, soul, dub, electronic and lo-fi sounds as a soundtrack to a narrative by Phoenix addressing prominent issues such as institutional racism, mental health, physical well being, spirituality, climate change, knife crime and aspirations, all delivered with the underlying message of empathy and hope for the future.
A remarkable album that will continue to stand the test of time which you can hear on all digital platforms including Bandcamp, Apple, Tidal and here on Spotify
All the artists we work with have their own page designated for them on this website which includes background information and all of their social media links, so simply go to the ARTISTS section in the Menufor further details.
All international media and DJ enquries about any of our releases can be sent to our in house promotional division, UrbanElite PR. Their contact details are HERE
In May 2020, New Dawn Records brought you “Panacea” by London rapper Phoenix da Icefire & producer Husky Brown. Nominated for “Best Independent Album” at the AIM Awards 2020 due to its incredible mix of hip hop, soul, r&b, dub and electronica providing the soundtrack for one of the most creative, relevant and prescient narratives of these turbulent times. Issues relating to the environment, physical and mental health, racism, prejudice, street life, aspirations and interdependence were all addressed with a refreshing underlying theme of hope for the future.
In August 2021 the label released “Lead by Example” by renowned London rapper Ramson Badbonez, his first time behind the boards. One of the most impressive production debuts witnessed for many years is also very rare in nature with such a phenomenal line up of guest featured artists from the UK, US and Canada all standing shoulder to shoulder on the one record delivering a showcase of the highest calibre beats, rhymes and turntablism.
Finally after the long term impact of the Covid 19 restrictions, you have the first chance to see tracks from these fantastic albums performed live on the same night at London’s Brixton Jamm on Friday November 12th 2021 thanks to our friends at Hoochinoo, the event organizer. A night not to be missed for all hip hop connoisseurs.
DOWNLOAD & STREAM THE ALBUM “PANACEA” ON BANDCAMP & SPOTIFY
DOWNLOAD & STREAM THE ALBUM “LEAD BY EXAMPLE” ON BANDCAMP & SPOTIFY
All international media & DJ enquiries about our releases can be sent to our in house promotional division UrbanElite PR. Their contact details are HERE
Delighted to announce the release of the new single today by London duo Phoenix da Icefire & Husky Brown, the double A side “Dark Rainbow Light” b/w “Sins of Gaia”
Taken from the album “Panacea” out May 5th where the themes covered by The Triple Darkness member address the environment, mental health, knife crime, racism, well being and aspiration. The narrative is delivered with the highest caliber of lyricism and figurative wordplay over a soundtrack provided by Husky which skillfully blends a fresh fusion of hip hop, soul, r&b, electronica, dub and bass.
Following on from their first single “Cosmic Soul” b/w “Seasons of You” released earlier this month, Husky laces “Dark Rainbow Light” with some soulful traditional hip hop flavours as Phoenix reflects on the challenges of inner city life while searching a better path. Meanwhile, the lo fi beats of Sins of Gaia paints the backdrop for an attack on institutional racism with the remix provided by Kashmere (YNR Productions, Tru Thoughts, High Focus).
Distributed by Ingrooves / Universal, and available to stream and download from all major digital platforms and stores including Apple, Amazon, Deezer, Napster & Tidal. Also on Spotify and Soundcloud
Phoenix and Husky planned their album launch party at Brixton Jamm on May 8th. Obviously given the current situation worldwide with the COVID-19 outbreak and resulting interim restrictions implemented, the event may well have to be postponed until a later date. However the situation is still relatively fluid depending on the decisions made at each review interval, the first one being due at the Easter Weekend, April 10th.
We would advise you keep updated on this situation via the duo’s social media, Phoenix da Icefire on Twitter & Instagram, Husky Brown on Twitter & Instagram
New Dawn Records hope all our friends worldwide are safe and well at this time. As frustrating as the current situation will be for many, these are unique circumstances not witnessed since 1945. If everyone follows the basic principle of social distancing, the early indications at least suggest a direction of traffic leading to this being over sooner rather than later. Take care.
