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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

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We are pleased to announce the release today of the new single “Fine Line” by Brooklyn rapper Justo the MC and Edinburgh lo fi hip hop producer Brelstaff.

Taken from the album ‘Urban Testimony’ which dropped on November 3rd and has also recently enjoyed a Bandcamp front page feature in their New & Notable section.

The entire album is superb, effectively a documentary covering Justo’s trials and tribulations before, during and after his curtailed time studying at Clark Atlanta University which resulted in his reaching a pivotal point in life.

We have chosen “Fine Line” for a further extra spotlight given its subject matter summarizes very well the mental conflicts he endured, and also because the instrumental version was one of several broadcast over the summer months by BBC Radio 1’s “Focus Beats” programme.

Available on APPLE / iTUNES, TIDAL, AMAZON and below on BANDCAMP and SPOTIFY

OFFICIAL VISUALS ON YOUTUBE

You can learn more about Justo and Brel on their specially designated ARTIST PAGE, and also get details of the instrumental and vocal versions of the album and affiliated singles on their specific RELEASES PAGE.

This also marks our final release for 2023, however we will be making an announcement very shortly about what we have lined up for next year, so stay tuned.

Meanwhile, our thanks to everyone who have supported these fanstastic artists’ releases this year.

TEAM NDR

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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

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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.

    TEAM NDR

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    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

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    New Dawn Records are pleased to present another new remix release this summer following on from Qadir’s re-work of “Bismillah” ft Justo the MC, Johaz & Sleep Sinatra in July.

    “Lame Duck” originally appeared on London producer Ramson Badbonez’ album ‘Lead by Example’ which dropped in August 2021, and our affiliate Shahin’s new interpretation mixing classic funky drum and & bass loops underpins rugged and raw rhymes from New Jersey trio Tru Trilla, Fly Kwa and Prince Ak. Trading fierce bars and punchlines, an onslaught of potent hooks and jabs from the Brick City verbal marksmen are delivered to their targets in a series of lyrical body blows that leave contenders on the canvas.

    Available to stream & download on all major digital platforms including APPLE, AMAZON, TIDAL

    BANDCAMP

    SPOTIFY

    OFFICIAL VISUALS ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL

    Our thanks to Okan of street crew TwoBC for the single cover artwork

    Tru Trilla is currently recording a new album, the follow up to “God of Barz” which we released in 2020. We will be bringing you news of that in the months ahead but can tell you there is already an outstanding line up of producers and featured artists appearing on the new record. It will most definitely be worth the wait !

    All international media enquiries about any of our releases can be directed to our in house promotional division UrbanElite PR, their contact information is HERE

    Again, thanks to everyone for their support as we continue our journey since re-launching in 2019, it’s very much appreciated.

    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

    Connect with us on Instagram, Twitter & Facebook

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    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.

    READ THE ARTICLE IN FULL HERE

    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

    Connect with Tru Trilla on Twitter @Egofree2_050 and Instagram @Trilla050

    All information about New Dawn Records’ releases is available at their official website www.newdawnrecs.com

    Media, press and DJ enquiries regarding Tru Trilla and New Dawn Records can be sent to us at UrbanElite PR. Our contact details are available HERE

    UEP

    www.urbanelitepr.com

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    New Dawn Records are proud to present the new official music video “Real Rap” by Brick City rapper Tru Trilla.

    Filmed in Newark, New Jersey towards the end of 2019, the track taken from the album “God of Barz” was produced by Barcelona’s Sumerio Square and features fellow 050 Boyz group member Prince Ak.

    Released on Youtube for the first time today

    The album dropped on May 29th 2020 and has further production by Chicago’s DNA Beatz, the UK’s Chat One and award winning Clinton Place, aka Jamal Nueve originally of NJ and now resident in LA.

    New Jersey natives Middy Murdock, Fly Kwa and Middy Murdock are the additional guest featured artists.

    Previous singles have received extensive online media coverage and worldwide radio airplay including Chuck D’s Rapstation and both DJ Eclipse and DJ Premier on Shade 45, not to mention many more spread throughout Europe, the UK, USA and Canada.

    We truly appreciate everyone’s support, especially given these testing times experienced by all.

    The album is available on all digital platforms including Apple, Amazon, Tidal and here on Spotify

    Connect with Tru Trilla on Twitter @Egofree2_050 and Instagram @Trilla050

    Any DJ’s who would like any of the tracks sent to them for airplay can request them from our in house promotional division UrbanElite PR, their contact details are HERE Similarly any other general press & media enquiries regarding Tru Trilla and the album can also be directed to UEP, and they will be happy to assist.

    Stay safe & well

    Team NDR

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    New single released today, the second taken from Newark rapper Tru Trilla’s “The Seymour Chronicles EP” out on March 17th.

    On “20 to Life” he is joined by fellow 050 Boyz member Prince Ak as they load up the verbal barrels and take aim at wack rappers with more dresses in their locker than rhymes ! Fierce bars over the classic eastcoast sound produced by another New Jersey native Joey Loax.

    The EP is the warm up to Tru’s incredible new album “God of Barz” we release in May, more news about that shortly.

    Distributed by Ingrooves / Universal, the single is available to stream and download from all major platforms and stores worldwide including APPLE, AMAZON, DEEZER, & NAPSTER. Also on Spotify & Soundcloud

    Tru’s singles have been picking up heavy international airplay already, but any DJ’s not already serviced with a full quality original or clean mp3 should contact our in house promotional division UrbanElite PR HERE

    You can connect with Tru Trilla on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook

    Thanks again to everyone for their support. We have another single releasing next week by London’s Phoenix da Icefire and Husky Brown marking the first anniversary of our re-launch, so stay tuned !

    TEAM NDR