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 |

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 Brelstaff is an exceptional piece of work. Lyrically, the narrative reads like a book telling 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 account of 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.

TEAM NDR

By |

We are very pleased to announce today the release of the new AA side single “Falling” / “Satan’s Grip” by Brooklyn rapper Justo the MC and Edinburgh hip hop producer Brelstaff.

This is the second taken from their album “Urban Testimony” out on November 3rd, and follows on from last month’s “High”. This is the latest chapter from the album’s overall theme, a narrative documenting Justo’s curtailed and traumatic experience studying at Clark Atlanta University several years ago.

Carrying the weight of expectations from a household of faith, the essence of the story is that of a conflicted mind on a potential escape route through academia which strays on a path of hedonism in a brutally honest account of events and consequences.

A chilled soundtrack is the backdrop for the post-traumatic “Falling”, a remorseful narrative reflecting on the mental and physical impacts incurred, while the gritty menacing strains of “Satan’s Grip” fuel a metaphorical conversation on the risks of dancing with the devil.

Available to stream and download at APPLE / iTUNES, AMAZON, TIDAL and below on BANDCAMP and SPOTIFY

There are also official visuals on Youtube

All international press, media and DJ enquiries and requests about any of our releases can be directed to our in house promotional division UrbanElite PR. Their contact details are HERE

You can find out more about Justo and Brelstaff on their dedicated Artist Page HERE which also includes all their Social Media platform information.

Enjoy the new music & as ever we appreciate the support.

TEAM NDR

By |

New Dawn Records are delighted to announce the release today of the incredible new album “Lead by Example” by London’s Ramson Badbonez

As a rapper, Ramson has been long established as a cornerstone of the UK hip hop scene, and the new album marks an additional chapter in his career with this being his first time behind the boards in what is one of the most impressive production debuts witnessed for many years.

Coincidentally, it is almost exactly one year ago to the day when the first conversation took place which cultivated an idea and defined the concept for what would become one of the most unique albums of its kind, based originally on a selection of ready made beats.

Rarely if ever has such a high quality line up of hip hop artists from the US, UK and Canada featured together on the one record, all specifically hand picked to suit beats mixing original funk, soul, rare groove, jazz and traditional boom bap. The result is an eclectic soundtrack which fuses the classic and modern eras, with Ramson himself dropping some additional jewels on selected tracks and a helping of turntablism thrown in for good measure.

Available now to stream and download from all digital stores & platforms worldwide, including APPLE MUSIC, TIDAL MUSIC, AMAZON MUSIC, BANDCAMP & SPOTIFY

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all the artists involved for their co-operation in assisting us along this journey, to Mark Fear who also features on the record for his mixing and mastering services over the 2020 festive period, to our in house promotional and production team UrbanElite for the logistical assistance in making this possible and to the media and public who have supported the release to date with the affiliated singles. It’s very much appreciated.

One of the motivations on embarking upon this project was to give hip hop fans something a little exceptional and distinctive in light of the past 18 months everyone has had to endure with the Covid pandemic. We hope you enjoy what we feel sure will stand the test of time for years to come. This is how we used to do it back in the day, and the reason we came back.

Peace

TEAM NDR