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 pleased to announce the release today of the single “High” by prolific Brooklyn rapper Justo the MC and Edinburgh hip hop producer Brelstaff.

This is the first to be taken from their new album “Urban Testimony” out on November 3rd 2023, the entire theme of which is centred around events leading up to and including Justo’s curtailed time studying at Clark Atlanta University. It represents a fascinating insight depicted in a deeply personal narrative documenting the trials and tribulations he encountered there which ultimately led him to a turning point in life.

The instrumental version of the album was released earlier in the year, with tracks having featured recently on “Focus Beats”, broadcast by the world renowned BBC Radio 1 and Radio 6.

You can stream and download “High” on all digital platforms including APPLE, AMAZON, TIDAL and below on BANDCAMP & SPOTIFY

OFFICIAL VIDEO ON YOUTUBE

You can connect with Justo and Brelstaff directly on social media, all their details are included in their specially designated artist page HERE

All press, radio DJ and multimedia enquiries regarding any of our releases can be addressed to our in house promotional division UrbanElite PR. Their contact details are HERE

Thanks to everyone for your continued support

TEAM NDR

By |

New Dawn Records are proud to announce the upcoming release of the new album “Urban Testimony” by Brooklyn rapper Justo the MC and Edinburgh producer Brelstaff on November 3rd 2023 distributed digitally by Ingrooves / Universal.

Justo first emerged in 2010 while working with his cousin and producer DJ Vic Black of Gangstarr Foundation.  The video for their joint “It’s Our Year” released in 2011 featured DJ Premier, and after several years of mixtape releases, the pair would hook up again in 2017 on Justo’s album “Black Ops” produced entirely by DITC’s Showbiz, executively produced and curated by Vic assisted by DJ Premier. 

Since then there has been prolific output through worldwide collaborations including Canadian production team The Lost Info, Brooklyn’s Maticulous, Italy’s Bboy Enea, Nova Scotian DK, the UK’s Remulak and for the first time in 2021 with Brelstaff on their joint “Swagu”.

In  2014 while performing under his born name Daryl Donald, Brel released his debut EP “Kept” and the collaborative album “The Clockwork” with south London emcee Cutta Chase.  The release of his instrumental album “Solitude” in 2017 followed in 2019 by “Behold the Spirit” and “Full Circle” built up his reputation as one of the most respected new emerging underground lo fi hip hop producers from these shores, attracting a total of 450,000 listeners and a million streams on Spotify.

Subsequently having adopted the new pseudonym, he released the self titled “Brelstaff” in 2020, and returned to the public arena in February 2023 with the new joint “Cursive” featuring the legendary Fashawn, followed in April by the release of the instrumental version of the “Urban Testimony” through New Dawn, securing play on the BBC Radio 1 & Radio 6 show “Focus Beats” in the process.

The new album documents what Justo  describes as the “arrival at a crossroads from a life defining year”.  A deeply personal narrative which provides a fascinating insight depicting events leading up to and during his curtailed stay at Clark Atlanta University, and he has again turned to Brelstaff to accompany him on his journey.    Beautifully crafted, fuelled by skilful lyricism addressing the core messages of mental health, hedonism, loss of faith, redemption and renewed focus all set to the perfect musical score. The perfect partnership.  

The album can be pre-ordered from various store with effect from September 8th HERE

     

A series of singles will precede the album release beginning on August 1st with “High”.  All will be available to download and stream from major digital platforms including Spotify, Bandcamp, Apple Music, Tidal and Amazon.  Videos for all tracks will appear on our official Youtube channel @newdawnrecords where you can now watch the video trailer.

All international press and DJ enquiries can be addressed to our in house promotional division UrbanElite PR. Their contact details are HERE and the full official album press release can be read HERE

Again we’d encourage everyone to connect with the artists directly on their social media platforms. Just like everyone we work with, they always got a lot going on & they’ll holla back!

Justo on Twitter @MC_Justo IG @JustoTheMC FB @JustoTheMC

Brelstaff on Twitter @BrelstaffMusic IG @BrelstaffMusic FB @BrelstaffMusic

Thanks again to everyone for supporting not just what we do, but more importantly, what these talented artists do.

1

TEAM NDR

By |

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

By |

It will have appeared a little quiet over here at NDR towers recently, mainly because we’ve been busy behind the scenes assisting with the development of brand new projects, news of which will likely be published late 2022 / early 2023.

Meantime, we’ve also been re-connecting and catching up “post Covid” with some of our long time affiliated producer friends, the result being that we now have rare special releases to present, beginning today.

“Bismillah” originally appeared on the album “Lead by Example” we released last year, the phenomenal debut producer album by London’s Ramson Badbonez. This new remix by Qadir featuring Brooklyn’s Justo the MC, San Diego’s Johaz of Dag Savage and Deeprooted, and prolific Nebraskan Sleep Sinatra blends cool groove funk with soulful beats, fused together with a mix of heavy bass, guitar licks, brass and Arabian strings. A perfect joint to add to your heatwave summer 2022 soundtrack.

Available to stream & download on APPLE, AMAZON & TIDAL

SPOTIFY

BANDCAMP

OFFICIAL VISUALS ON YOUTUBE

Thanks also to Sezen of TwoBC for the cover artwork

Enjoy & be on the lookout for more from us in August

Peace

Team NDR

By |

We are pleased to announce the release of this new AA side single today, the third taken from the new album “Lead by Example” by London’s Ramson Badbonez, his debut as a producer, out on August 27th 2021.

The album features hip hop heavyweights from both sides of the Atlantic, and the new single is the latest representation of the different levels involved.

“Black Hole Cypher” is an outstanding posse cut featuring a “Who’s Who” of the UK scene. Relentless business from King Kashmere, Truemendous, MysDiggi, Micall Parknsun, Joker Starr, Gee Bag, Confucius, Jehst, Phoenix da Icefire and Ramson himself all piling in with fierce bars over a high octane beat.

Switching gears, “Rap to the Future” resonates to a classic west coast beat. Featured artists Dizzy Dustin from Long Beach (Ugly Duckling / Blown Celeb), an old friend of ours from the Underground Cartel project Mr Hooper (aka Crazyballhead) of Sacramento and Canada’s Moka Only evoke the sights and sounds of hip hop back in the day, with exquisite cuts provided by last year’s IDA scratch champion Kompoze.

Available to download and stream from all major digital platforms including APPLE, TIDAL, AMAZON, SPOTIFY & BANDCAMP

All press, media and radio DJ enquiries about the single and album can be addressed to our in house promotional division UrbanElite PR

You can connect with Ramson on his new official Twitter account @Ramson_Badbonez and on Instagram @OscarSlouch

Thanks again to everyone who has supported us with this and previous project releases, it’s very much appreciated.

TEAM NDR

www.newdawnrecs.com

By |

We are proud to announce the release today of the new single “Stay True” by London based producer Ramson Badbonez, the first to be taken from his album “Lead by Example” out on August 27th 2021.

The new joint features east coast warriors Reks, Ruste Juxx and Blacastan, all delivering their renowned verbal artillery, savagely tearing apart a booming head nodder that pulls no punches. Rugged and raw, truly formidable business.

Available to stream and download now everywhere including APPLE MUSIC, TIDAL MUSIC, AMAZON MUSIC, SPOTIFY & BANDCAMP

Already enjoying airplay worldwide, any DJ’s not already serviced with an MP3 can request it from our in house promotional division UrbanElite PR. Contact them HERE

Thanks again to everyone for your continued support & enjoy the sounds

TEAM NDR

By |

New Dawn Records are very pleased to announce the release of the new AA side single “Ghetto” b/w “Crazy” by Brick City rapper and producer Az Izz, formerly of the legendary New Jersey group The Outsidaz.

Following “Gettin’ It” and “Nunya” released in April and May respectively, this is the third to be taken from the new album “Dopeliss” out on July 3rd which fuses the sound of hip hop through the eras.

From the classic hard edged soul infused sound of the east coast as represented here in “Ghetto” to the high octane electronica of “Nunya” and contemporary flavours of joints such as “Crazy” and “Gunz n Dice Games”, it’s a skillful blend marking the journey which both the genre and Az has travelled over the past couple of decades.

Both tracks on the new single are self produced while fellow group member D.U. joins the ride as featured artist on “Crazy”. Available to download and stream from all major platforms and digital stores including Apple / iTunes, Amazon and Tidal. Also on Spotify and Soundcloud

Connect with Az Izz on Instagram @RealAzIzz and Twitter @TheRealAzIzz where he has just announced some news about the upcoming album launch party next month

All media and press enquiries about Az Izz and the new album “Dopeliss” can be directed to our in house promotional division UrbanElite PR. Their contact details are available HERE

We again thank the media and public for the continued support during what has been an extraordinary and difficult year for everyone, and also offer our condolences and own support to the friends and family of George Floyd and indeed all who have suffered and continue to suffer at the hands of racial prejudice and brutality worldwide. Changes must and will come, starting at the top. The vote is the means to their demise.

Peace

Team NDR

By |

New Dawn Records are proud to present the new single “Nunya” by Brick City rapper and producer Az Izz of the renowned New Jersey group The Outsidaz.

Following on from last month’s “Gettin’ It”, this new electro banger produced by Qua Z Mo has Az on the front foot from the outset. Packing the verbal artillery, targets are placed in the sights and gauntlets thrown down through a series of combative rhymes and punchline bars.

The second single to be taken from the album “Dopeliss” out on July 3rd, and available to stream and download from all major online platforms and digital stores including APPLE, TIDAL, & AMAZON. Also on Spotify and Soundcloud

Connect with Az on Instagram @RealAzizz and Twitter @TheRealAzizz

All media and press enquiries regarding any of our releases can be sent to our in house promotional division UrbanElite PR. Their contact details are available HERE

Again we thank everyone for their support over what’s been a busy release schedule for ourselves recently, and more generally a difficult, and in some cases increasingly confusing time for all. Prioritize your health and stay safe.

TEAM NDR

By |

We are very proud to present the exceptional new single “The Humans are Coming” b/w “Travelling Buddy” by London rapper Phoenix da Icefire and producer Husky Brown

Released today, this is just the latest example of why we relaunched the label, providing the opportunity for highly creative and gifted artists to be heard.

Husky’s fresh perspective on production merging hip hop, electronica, dub and bass is the musical backdrop for Phoenix to address some of today’s most relevant issues with the highest caliber lyricism. In “The Humans are Coming” he skillfully tackles climate change and wider environmental concerns, while “Travelling Buddy” is a poignant offer of support, empathy and hope to all those experiencing mental health difficulties. A remix is also provided courtesy of renowned UK producer Chemo aka Telemachus

This is music that matters. Available from Apple / iTunes, Tidal, Amazon and also streaming on Spotify and Soundcloud

Taken from the album “Panacea” we release on May 5th. Connect with the pair on twitter @PhoenixDaFire & @HuskyBrown and instagram @PhoenixDaIcefire & @HuskyBrown.Official

All media, press & DJ inquiries about our releases can be sent to our in house promotional division UrbanElite PR and they’ll be happy to help you. Their contact details are HERE

Thanks again for everyone’s support

TEAM NDR