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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