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.
In May 2020, New Dawn Records brought you “Panacea” by London rapper Phoenix da Icefire & producer Husky Brown. Nominated for “Best Independent Album” at the AIM Awards 2020 due to its incredible mix of hip hop, soul, r&b, dub and electronica providing the soundtrack for one of the most creative, relevant and prescient narratives of these turbulent times. Issues relating to the environment, physical and mental health, racism, prejudice, street life, aspirations and interdependence were all addressed with a refreshing underlying theme of hope for the future.
In August 2021 the label released “Lead by Example” by renowned London rapper Ramson Badbonez, his first time behind the boards. One of the most impressive production debuts witnessed for many years is also very rare in nature with such a phenomenal line up of guest featured artists from the UK, US and Canada all standing shoulder to shoulder on the one record delivering a showcase of the highest calibre beats, rhymes and turntablism.
Finally after the long term impact of the Covid 19 restrictions, you have the first chance to see tracks from these fantastic albums performed live on the same night at London’s Brixton Jamm on Friday November 12th 2021 thanks to our friends at Hoochinoo, the event organizer. A night not to be missed for all hip hop connoisseurs.
DOWNLOAD & STREAM THE ALBUM “PANACEA” ON BANDCAMP & SPOTIFY
DOWNLOAD & STREAM THE ALBUM “LEAD BY EXAMPLE” ON BANDCAMP & SPOTIFY
All international media & DJ enquiries about our releases can be sent to our in house promotional division UrbanElite PR. Their contact details are HERE
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.
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.
We are pleased to announce that, finally, our new Bandcamp page has been launched
Initially we have uploaded our entire digital back catalogue there, with the options of full EP, album and individual track downloads provided. Check full availability HERE
We will broaden out the page to all formats over time, and we’d like to thank Bandcamp’s Head of Label and Artist liaison for the support provided during this process.
In addition, at their request, we were happy to assist several artists in the design and setting up of their own new Artist Pages. Click on the artist names to go directly to their pages – TRU TRILLA, PHOENIX DA ICEFIRE, AZ IZZ
Each allows fans to contact the artists directly and connect with them on social media via the links on the main page and by clicking the icons on their banners.
Look out for all future releases coming to Bandcamp as well of course as continuing to be made available to stream and download at Spotify, Apple, Tidal, Amazon, Deezer, Beatport and many more.
Meanwhile, here’s a little selection of what’s available now
NDR are very proud to present the stunning new video “The Humans are Coming” by London rapper and producer duo Phoenix da Icefire and Husky Brown filmed by Global Faction and UKHH.com
Released today, the amazing visuals edited by Phoenix’s own company Sovereign Comics, represents the track’s environmental theme, Husky’s driving electronic production providing the soundtrack for a metaphorical letter of contrition to the mythical Gaia for the damage done by humankind to her realm.
This is the first official video taken from the album “Panacea” we released on May 5th, and which has been nominated for “Best Independent Album” at this year’s AIM Awards taking place on Wednesday August 12th. Due to the COVID 19 restrictions, the awards ceremony will be entirely online, streaming live from 7pm GMT / 2pm EST on SBTV’s YOUTUBE Channel
The nomination is in recognition of the groundbreaking nature of the album, Husky’s rare fusion of hip hop, electro, bass, dub, soul and r&b is the soundtrack for Phoenix’s highly creative narrative addressing many of today’s most pressing issues including climate change, racism, well being, mental health, knife crime and social aspiration, all delivered with a refreshing and optimistic counterpoint of hope, healing and reconciliation.
Watch the video now on Youtube
“Panacea” is available to stream and download from all major digital platforms and stores including Apple / iTunes, Amazon, Tidal and Spotify
Thanks to everyone for the support over the past few months for what is a quite incredible album, it’s very much appreciated.
Any further media enquiries about this, or any of our releases, can be directed to our in house promotional division UrbanElite PR. Their contact details are HERE
We are delighted to announce that London rapper and producer duo Phoenix da Icefire & Husky Brown have been shortlisted as nominees for “Best Independent Album” at this year’s AIM Awards.
This annual event is hosted by the Association of Independent Music who are celebrating their 20th anniversary of representing the UK’s independent sector of artists, record labels and associated businesses worldwide.
Originally planned to take place at The Roundhouse London in September, understandably due to COVID 19 implications, the organizers have adapted the event to a virtual online ceremony which will be broadcast on Wednesday August 12th.
The nomination recognizes the extraordinary quality of the pair’s album “Panacea” which we released on May 5th, both in terms of Husky’s unique and diverse productions fusing hip hop, rap, soul, dub, bass r&b and electronica, and also reflecting Phoenix’s extremely current narrative addressing climate change, racism, mental health, well being, spirituality and personal aspirations. All of course delivered with the highly creative lyricism and wordplay long associated with the Triple Darkness group member.
They are in high class company across all genres and categories, and you can read about all nominees at the Awards’ official website HERE
The winners will be decided by a panel of music journalists and we congratulate all artists involved on the recognition and wish everyone the best of luck.
The “Best Independent Album” category is in association with Spotify where of course you can stream “Panacea”
A new video for the track “The Humans are Coming” will be released during July, more news on that soon. Meanwhile connect with Phoenix da Icefire and Husky Brown on Instagram @PhoenixDaIcefire@HuskyBrown.Official and Twitter @PhoenixDaFire and @HuskyBrown
All media and press enquiries regarding Phoenix da Icefire and Husky Brown can be addressed to our in house promotional division UrbanElite PR who will be happy to assist. Their contact details are available HERE
Delighted to announce the release of this new single today.
“Cosmic Soul” b/w “Seasons of You” is the first taken from London duo Phoenix da Icefire and Husky Brown’s amazing new album “Panacea” which releases on May 5th.
Husky’s productions are a fresh and unique fusion of hip hop, electronica, dub, bass, r&b, and soul, a dynamic soundtrack for Phoenix to address some of today’s most pressing issues covering the environment, mental health, racism, knige crime and aspiration with all the lyrical dexterity you would expect of a Triple Darkness member.
The new double A side single mixes the neck breaking hip hop of “Cosmic Soul” with a large slice of soulful r&b in the floor filler “Seasons of You” featuring Natalie May who appeared on Rudimental’s “Sexy Sexy”. Remix courtesy of Soul Brother Juice.
Unsurprisingly this has already been picking up extensive international airplay. Available to download and stream from all major digital platforms and stores including APPLE, AMAZON, DEEZER, NAPSTER & TIDALAlso available on Spotify & Soundcloud
New Dawn Records are proud to announce that we will be releasing the phenomenal new album “Panacea” by London duo Phoenix da Icefire and Husky Brown on May 5th 2020.
Phoenix will be known to many as a member of Triple Darkness, long regarded as one of the finest hip hop groups to emerge from the UK whose superior rhyme skills have seen their reputation grow at home and abroad.
This exceptional debut partnership brings a fresh perspective to the genre with Husky’s kaleidoscopic productions fusing hip hop, r&b, soul, dub, bass, reggae, electronica and jazz
As expected, Phoenix uses all of his creative verbal artillery to address a number of highly relevant issues for these volatile times covering the environment, mental health, racism, disengagement, knife crime and social decay, all with the aspiration of healing and reconciliation.
We are delighted to be working with such highly talented artists and their ground breaking album, another reflection of this label’s identity and future intentions.
The singles “Cosmic Soul / Seasons of You”, “Dark Rainbow Light / Sins of Gaia” and “The Humans are Coming / Travelling Buddy” will release over March and April and include remixes by Soul Brother Juice, Kashmere and Chemo.(More info in the “Releases” section above)
Full details of the album launch event taking place at Brixton Jamm on Friday 8th May in association with Hoochinoo Events will follow soon, meantime check out the video trailer for the album.
It’s been a hectic time since we relaunched in the Spring after a 15 year hiatus !
First there were the Underground Cartel and Belles in Monica EP releases taking us up to the summer, then there were wider label developments including setting up our direct online store where we re-released some of our classic vinyl from days gone by, and more recently planning a release schedule for 2020 with new signings from the USA and UK which will be announced over the next couple of months.
We appreciate the support & encouragement we’ve received from so many people around the world in this latest part of our journey, and so will wrap up this historic year with the release of a new EP on December 6th.
Krash Slaughta vs B.I.M. ” ’18 Showdown ” includes all the remixes the legendary turntablist DJ, DMC finalist and II Tone Committee member produced for the Belles in Monica crew, some of which previously appeared on vinyl and others we unearthed in our backroom vaults. Fans of this particular form of hip hop are in for a pre-Xmas feast !!
On November 19th we’ll release the single “What D’Ya Need – H.A.R.D. Remix” which will be available to stream and download from all the regular platforms and stores, and just as with the EP itself, the first time ever these classic joints will be in digital format.
We have just published a film video trailer of the EP on Youtube, as well as an audio teaser on Soundcloud.Check them out below.
Keep up to date with all our news here or via our social media accounts (Instagram, Twitter & Facebook
If any members of the public would like more information about our releases including digital and physical availability, feel free to drop us a line via our Contact PageIf any members of the media, press or DJ’s have enquiries, please contact our in house promotional division UrbanElite PR, their details are available HERE
