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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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Releasing on October 20th 2023, “Cautionary Tales” by upstate New York rapper Anthony Kannon and producer Frost Gamble is now available to pre-order for downloading and streaming pre-save. You can do so on Apple Music and Spotify via the multi store link HERE

By doing so, all four singles will be made available to you immediately. “Pitfalls” and “Make It Rain” which have already been released, plus “Second Floor” and “Cold Start” due out in August and September respectively.

The album, just as with all singles on release, will also be available on a much wider selection of online stores and streaming platforms including Bandcamp and Tidal.

The singles have enjoyed extensive online coverage and airplay on stations worldwide, including a special feature by Public Enemy’s legendary Chuck D on his Rapstation show. In addition, the instrumental version of album track “Long Ride” was aired by Focus Beats this month which is broadcast on the world renowned BBC Radio 1 and BBC Radio 6.

With much more to come leading up to release, Anthony and Frost have been busy arranging two separate album launch events due to take place in Canada and Ithaca in October and November. We will have further news regarding those dates shortly.

Meantime, you can check out the videos for “Pitfalls” and “Make It Rain” on Youtube

For more information about the artists, including all their social media platforms, visit their specially designated artist page provided on this site HERE

For all media and DJ enquiries regarding any of our releases, contact our in house promotional division UrbanElite PR HERE

As ever, all the support received has been greatly appreciated.

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TEAM NDR

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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.

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TEAM NDR

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New Dawn Records are pleased to announce the release of the new single “Pitfalls” today by New York State rapper Anthony Kannon and producer Frost Gamble.

Recipient of the title “Best Rapper” at the Ithaca Music Awards in 2019, Anthony has enjoyed a rapid rise in recognition as one of the most highly rated talents to emerge from NY State in recent years. 

The single is the first to be taken from the new album “Cautionary Tales”. Out on October 20th, it is a collaborative project by the duo, Frost originally being from nearby Binghamton and now resident in Canada.

Local NY State media outlets were quick to pick up on the story of Anthony’s signing with us for the release including a feature in The Ithaca Voice newspaper, a report aired live on tv news station WENY and an interview broadcast on local commercial radio station Z95.5 FM.

“Pitfalls” addresses Anthony’s own personal growth.  An evolution from the hustles of his younger days to more progressive paths while struggling to escape past legacies, the funk fuelled beat lending itself to the air of optimism for the future.   As with the entire album, this is the classic art of real life storytelling set to the perfect soundtrack.

Available now to stream and download on all major digital platforms including APPLE, TIDAL, AMAZON and below on Bandcamp & Spotify

OFFICIAL VISUALS ON YOUTUBE

For more information about Anthony and Frost including all their social media details, head to their ARTIST PAGE on this site

All media and radio station enquiries about the single and album can be sent to our in house promotional team UrbanElite PR. Their contact details are HERE

TEAM NDR

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New Dawn Records are proud to announce another addition to the label roster by way of NY State rapper Anthony Kannon and producer Frost Gamble with the release of their new album “Cautionary Tales” on October 20th 2023.

Recipient of the title “Best Rapper” at the Ithaca Music Awards in 2019, the young lyricist draws on his own real life battles and traumatic episodes, conveying a wide range of subject matter represented throughout the aptly titled release.  It is a remarkable journey encapsulated in a series of biographical depictions, all with an underlying theme of survival, escape, progression and transformation.

Authentically powerful, this is Storyville of a life less ordinary with a narrative packed full of dope rhymes and skilful wordplay set to the highest caliber soundtrack provided by Frost, originally from Binghamton NY and now resident in Canada.

Particularly well known for his extensive catalogue with long time sparring partner Tone Chop, the prolific beatmaker has released further projects with Tragedy Khadafi, KXNG Crooked, Horseshoe Gang and Craig G while producing his “Sixteens” series of instrumentals.  Some of his earliest collaborative projects included productions for Young Bleed, Sadat X, J-Ro, Doc Ice and Tahmell, son of the legendary Rakim, while in 2013 he contributed to Fresh I.E.’s “Red Letterz 13” which duly won  “Album of the Year” at the Canadian Gospel Music Awards.

The album, engineered by David Brown of D Brown Sounds, can be pre-ordered with effect from July 24th HERE

A series of singles will precede the album release beginning on June 6th with “Pitfalls”.  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

Meantime we’d encourage you to connect with the artists directly via their social media, they’ve always got interesting things going on, so drop by & wave…..they’ll wave back, all the artists we work with do ! lol

Anthony on Twitter @AnthonyKannonn IG @AnthonyKannon FB @AnthonyKannon

Frost on Twitter @FrostGamble IG @Frost.Gamble FB @FrostGamble

As ever, we appreciate the support

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TEAM NDR

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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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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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In May 2020 we brought you “Panacea” by London rapper Phoenix da Icefire and producer Husky Brown, nominated for “Best Independent Album” at last year’s AIM Awards.  Postponed due to the pandemic, the rescheduled launch event takes place at Brixton Jamm on Friday November 12th as a joint headline with fellow London rapper and producer Ramson Badbonez who will be showcasing tracks from his album “Lead by Example” which we released recently in August. 

Tickets and details for the show are available directly at www.gigs.hiphop

This new AA side single by the duo has been made available today to mark the event.  The Schifrin-esque soundtrack of “Shake Things Up” fuels a barrage of high octane bars unleashed from a fully loaded verbal armoury, while a sublime blend of choice beats and turntablism laces the specially commissioned remix of “Dark Rainbow Light” courtesy of prolific US producer and DJ Tone Spliff whose multiple credits include work with Recognize Ali, King Magnetic, Ruste Juxx, Melly-Mel, Vic Monroe and many more.

You can download and stream the release at all major digital platforms including APPLE, TIDAL, AMAZON, Bandcamp & Spotify

There is also a “concept” video playing on our Youtube channel

This is our last official release of 2021 and we thank everyone, whether in media or the general public for your ongoing support, it’s very much appreciated. We are working currently on new projects targeted for release in 2022 which we look forward to announcing in the near future.

Meantime, if you are in the area, try to get down to the show at Brixton Jamm next week, it’s sure to be a night of top quality hip hop. Enjoy !

Team NDR

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New Dawn Records are pleased to announce the release today of the new AA side single “Wolves”, the fifth single to be taken from the album “Lead by Example” by Ramson Badbonez, his debut as a producer which dropped on August 27th.

Here Ramson returns to mic duties alongside fellow London rappers Phoenix da Icefire (ex Triple Darkness) and Cyclonious, all cutting a swathe through fallen kingpins and street tyrants in a barrage of heavy verbal artillery. 

On the specially commissioned remix they are joined by renowned UK rapper Genesis Elijah.  Produced by Frost Gamble, originally of NY State and now operating out of Canada, the combination of highest calibre beats and rhymes makes this an authentic killer cut.

Available on all digital platforms and stores including APPLE, TIDAL, AMAZON, BANDCAMP & SPOTIFY

Ramson will be showcasing a number of the album tracks at London’s Brixton Jamm on Friday November 12th as part of a joint headline show with Phoenix da Icefire and Husky Brown who will be performing their own album “Panacea”.  Others appearing on the night include King Kashmere, Black Chronical and Prospects, hosted by DJ Jazz T and Peaches. Tickets are available to buy online HERE

All media and DJ enquiries about the single and album can be addressed to our in house promotional division UrbanElite PR. Their contact details are HERE

All enquiries regarding the event at Brixton Jamm can be sent to the event organizer Hoochinoo who are on Twitter @Hoochinoo and Instagram @Hoochinoo

TEAM NDR

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We are pleased to announce the release of the new single “Lame Duck” today, the fourth taken from the album “Lead By Example” by London’s Ramson Badbonez, his debut as a producer which drops August 27th 2021.

Rarely has such a line up of hip hop heavyweights from both sides of the Atlantic featured together on the one LP, resulting in a showcase of the highest quality rhymes, beats and turntablism.

It’s doubly satisfying for us that on this latest joint we were able to bring artists we work with together, namely New Jersey’s Tru Trilla whose EP “The Seymour Chronicles” and album “God of Barz” we released last year. Together with fellow featured artists Fly Kwa and Prince Ak, trademark raw and uncompromising punchlines deliver knockout blows to all comers, the energy intensified by the potent bass and kicks combinations for a concoction of bars and beats that go the full distance. 

Available to stream & download at Apple, Amazon, Tidal, Spotify & Bandcamp

In additional news, we are hopeful of announcing a joint showcase event in London sometime in the autumn for the album “Panacea” by Phoenix da Icefire & Husky Brown we released last year and which was previously postponed due to the pandemic, and Ramson’s album “Lead by Example”.

Those in England may be aware that on the day the announcement was made confirming all restrictions had been lifted for entry to bars and clubs and the leisure industry more widely, an additional restriction was simultaneously added at the last minute meaning that from late September, evidence of a double Covid vaccination would become necessary to gain entry to clubs and venues.

While logic would determine that this has little to do with science and more to do with coercing a specific age group into receiving both vaccinations over a set period, it has of course added further uncertainty and considerations for venues and clubs up and down the country in terms of logistics, resources and feasibility.

However the situation is still developing, and we will provide further details whenever in a position to confirm.

Meantime, all media, press and radio enquiries about our releases can be directed to our in house promotional division UrbanElite PR whose details are HERE, and we thank everyone once again for all the support.

TEAM NDR