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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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New Dawn Records are proud to announce the upcoming release of the new album “XVI : Return of the Gods” by New Jersey rapper Tru Trilla on May 31st 2024, distributed digitally by Ingrooves / Virgin Music.

For over two years the Brick City lyrical marksman has painstakingly crafted an absolute masterpiece, gathering together a stellar line up of guest featured artists and producers for what is the much anticipated  follow up to the classic banger ‘God of Barz’ released by ourselves almost exactly four years to the day in May 2020.

A long time affiliate of Naughty by Nature, Lords of the Underground and group member of 050 Boyz, the Newark native brings more of the same uncompromising energy as before, but this time moves the action further afield.

With original foot soldiers still flying the flag for the Garden State, Chicago and Barcelona, the legion’s been bolstered by additional heavy artillery from California, Detroit, New York, Florida, Boston, Canada, Japan and the UK.  

Where God of Barz set down a highly impressive early marker, the new album is its natural successor.  The broad range of production styles raise the levels on again while retaining the original core essence.  A diverse and powerful soundtrack for a blockbuster of fierce bars, slick rhymes and gritty lyricism delivered by some of hip hop’s most renowned verbal technicians at the top of their game.

With beats by Tone Spliff, Jamal Nueve, LG Roc, Frost Gamble, Four Limbs, Ramson Badbonez, DNA Beatz & Sumerio Square, and featured artists including Reks, Skyzoo, Lakim Shabazz, Julius of Shoe Gang, Ruste Juxx, N.B.S., Recognize Ali, Guilty Simpson, Justo the MC & NapsNDreds, this one’s for the warriors. 

Venimus. Vidimus. Vicimus.  Welcome to the real…….

WATCH THE OFFICIAL ALBUM VIDEO TRAILER ON YOUTUBE

A series of singles will precede the album release beginning with “Sun Rays” on January 30th. All will be available to download and stream on Bandcamp, Apple / iTunes, Spotify, Tidal, Amazon and more. Videos for all tracks will appear on our official Youtube channel @newdawnrecords

All press, multimedia and radio DJ inquiries can be addressed to our in-house promotional division UrbanElite PR

Tru loves connecting with people on social media, so holla at him on Instagram and Twitter

We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their support this year, it’s been much appreciated, and also to wish you & yours the best for the upcoming holiday season. Good health & prosperity for 2024 folks.

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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    Releasing on November 3rd 2023, the new album “Urban Testimony” by Brooklyn rapper Justo the MC & Edinburgh producer Brelstaff is now ready to pre-order online HERE.

    In what is one of his most personal releases to date, the entire theme relates to Justo’s curtailed and traumatic time spent studying at Clark Atlanta University some years ago, documenting the experiences and events witnessed there. The narrative reflects regrets, consequences and lessons learned in what is a brutally honest account of a time which by his own description led him to “a turning point in life”.

    The superb lyricism and skillful art of storytelling are bolstered by the atmospheric soundtrack provided by Brelstaff, mixing lofi beats, electronica and jazz fusion for a chilled yet gritty concoction that keep the pages turning.

    The album will be available initially in digital format from all leading streaming and download platforms including Apple / iTunes, Spotify, Tidal, Bandcamp, Deezer and Amazon. Singles released so far include “High” and the AA side “Falling / “Satan’s Grip”

    There is also a video playlist on Youtube of the singles released to date, and videos for all future singles and album tracks will also appear here

    All written media, press or DJ enquiries and requests regarding this or any of our releases can be addressed to our in house promotional division, UrbanElite PR. Their contact details are HERE

    TEAM NDR

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    Focus Beats, produced by Reform Radio, broadcasts weekly through the night, initially on Saturdays aired on BBC Radio 6 and repeated on BBC Radio 1 every Wednesday.

    The world renowned station has recently scheduled various programmes of a similar nature, mirroring the phenomenon which has grown exponentially in recent years on Youtube and Spotify playlists. Typically playing a mix of instrumental lo-fi hip hop, chill, and ambient electronica, all designed to assist with relaxation, stress relief, meditation and in particular there is extensive usage by students using these sounds to help with focusing on stud. It is the musical extension of ASMR.

    This week’s programme can be streamed for the next six weeks on BBC Sounds and you can listen back HERE

    It includes tracks affiliated to New Dawn Records’ releases by three different artists

    Brelstaff – “Fine Line (instrumental)” Taken from Urban Testimony [The Instrumentals]” released earlier this year, the original version appears on the vocal version of the album, a collaboration with Brooklyn rapper Justo the MC which drops on November 3rd. The first single “High” will be made available on August 1st.

    Urban Testimony [The Instrumentals] on Spotify

    Urban Testimony – Official Album Video Trailer on Youtube

    Frost Gamble “Long Ride (instrumental)”. This is the instrumental of the track appearing on the album “Cautionary Tales”, another collaborative project this time between the producer originally from Binghamton NY and now resident in Canada, and award winning upstate NY rapper Anthony Kannon

    Releasing on October 20th, the first single “Pitfalls” dropped in June with the new single “Make It Rain” ready to make its appearance next week on Tuesday July 18th.

    Pitfalls is available on all digital platforms including Bandcamp, Apple, Tidal, Deezer, Amazon and here on Spotify

    Cautionary Tales – Official Album Video Trailer on Youtube

    Phoenix da Icefire & Husky Brown “Veganite (instrumental)”. The instrumental of the track which appeared on “Panacea”, released by us in 2020 and which was nominated for “Best Independent Album” at the AIM Awards that year.

    It remains an immense piece of work by the London duo, with Husky fusing hip hop, funk, soul, dub, electronic and lo-fi sounds as a soundtrack to a narrative by Phoenix addressing prominent issues such as institutional racism, mental health, physical well being, spirituality, climate change, knife crime and aspirations, all delivered with the underlying message of empathy and hope for the future.

    A remarkable album that will continue to stand the test of time which you can hear on all digital platforms including Bandcamp, Apple, Tidal and here on Spotify

    All the artists we work with have their own page designated for them on this website which includes background information and all of their social media links, so simply go to the ARTISTS section in the Menu for further details.

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

    Our thanks again to Reform Radio for the support

    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 proud to announce the release of the explosive new album “Lead by Example” by Ramson Badbonez on August 27th 2021.

    Long established as a cornerstone of the UK hip hop scene, the prolific rapper swaps the mic for the mixing desk for the first time in one of the most impressive production debuts witnessed for many years. Unique in its nature, heavyweights from the USA, Canada and the UK share equal billing in a stellar line up of guest featured artists delivering a showcase of the highest calibre lyricism, compelling rhymes and slick wordplay.

    Beats influenced by original funk, soul, rare groove and jazz are woven into a soundtrack which fuse the classic and modern eras laced with additional scratch sorcery courtesy of truntablists Kompoze, DJ Jazz T and DJ Miracle, each track precision cut as a backdrop for the gamut of verbal artistry to unleash their full artillery.

    Rarely, if ever, has such an array of trans-Atlantic talent appeared together on the one record. Coast to coast, Reks, Skyzoo, Blacastan, Recognize Ali, Moka Only, Ruste Juxx, Dizzy Dustin, Johaz (Dag Savage), Sleep Sinatra, Tru Trilla, Juxx Diamondz and Justo the MC are just some of those standing shoulder to shoulder with British luminaries Jehst, Micall Parknsun, Joker Starr, MysDiggi, Cyclonious, Phoenix da Icefire, King Kashmere and many more.

    Benchmark standards are set high in Ramson’s new career progression while still allowing occasional room for his own continued lyrical prowess. Many months in the making in association with our in house executive production and promotional division UrbanElite, this is an essential hip hop collector’s item with few comparisons, a landmark release.

    VIDEO TRAILER ON YOUTUBE

    ALBUM TEASER ON SOUNDCLOUD

    A series of singles will be released over the Spring and Summer, beginning with “Stay True” featuring Reks, Ruste Juxx & Blacastan on April 27th.

    TRACKLIST

    All tracks produced by Ramson Badbonez

    1 On Your Mark (Intro) ft DJ Miracle

    2 Stay True ft Reks, Ruste Juxx & Blacastan

    3 Rap to the Future ft Dizzy Dustin, Mr Hooper & Moka Only (cuts by Kompoze)

    4 Nonchalant ft Mark Fear

    5 Bismillah ft Justo the MC, Johaz & Sleep Sinatra

    6 Wolves ft Phoenix da Icefire & Cyclonious

    7 Equality for Every ft Chima Anya

    8 Lame Duck ft Tru Trilla, Fly Kwa & Prince Ak

    9 Chinchillas

    10 Reservoir Dogs ft Az Izz, Cymarshall Law, Speed Walton & Quip

    11 Black Hole Cypher ft Kashmere, Truemendous, MysDiggi, Micall Parknsun, Joker Starr, Gee Bag, Confucius , Jehst & Phoenix da Icefire

    12 Lead by Example ft Recognize Ali, Skyzoo & Juxx Diamondz (cuts by DJ Jazz T)

    Mixed and mastered by Mark Fear

    Connect with Ramson Badbonez on his socials : Instagram * Facebook * Twitter

    All media & press enquiries regarding the release can be sent to UrbanElite PR who can be contacted HERE

    It’s been a long and difficult year for many around the world in the wake of the global Covid 19 pandemic, but now as we begin to all emerge out of this nightmare together we hope this special album helps add to the soundtrack accompanying your journey towards better days.

    Peace

    TEAM NDR

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    New Dawn Records are very proud to present the explosive new album by Brick City rapper Tru Trilla, available on all major streaming platforms and digital stores today.

    Together with his “Seymour Chronicles EP” we released in March, both products were over a year in the making, but the wait has been definitely worth it.

    Just as with the Phoenix da Icefire and Husky Brown album “Panacea” we released earlier this month, it is music of this caliber that played a major role in our decision to re-launch the label last year, and in Tru’s case not only does he plant a flag for the Garden State but also for the classic sound of eastcoast hip hop.

    Unsurprisingly, his singles “Word of God”, “God’s Sympathy” and “God’s Mercy” enjoyed a fantastic reception by onlines and radio DJ’s worldwide, appreciative of the quality of lyricism and production on offer, a throwback to the days when hip hop really did bring the noise and had something to say.

    On the album, Newark natives Middy Murdock, Fly Kwa, Confucious and fellow 050 Boyz group member Prince Ak intensify the energy with their own gritty rhymes. The production brings extra layers and dynamics courtesy of Chicago’s DNA Beatz, Barcelona’s Sumerio Square, the UK’s Chat One and award winning Clinton Place (aka Jamal Nueve), originally of New Jersey and now resident in Los Angeles.

    This one really is for the heads, the hip hop connoisseurs. It’s not designed to be faux stylistic background music, it’s there to give your neck muscles one helluva workout and consume your soul. This is the real deal, set the dial to full volume and enjoy the ride.

    Now on Apple / iTunes, Amazon, Deezer, Napster and Tidal. Also on Spotify and Soundcloud

    You can connect with Tru Trilla on Twitter @Egofree2_050 and Instagram @Trilla050 All media, press and DJ enquiries about the release can be sent to our in house promotional division UrbanElite PR, their contact details are available HERE

    We thank everyone again for their support of everything we’ve done over the past year, we hope you are all safe and well in these troubled times and that you enjoy the album.

    Peace

    Team NDR

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    We are extremely proud to announce the release today of the phenomenal new album “Panacea” by London’s rapper & producer duo Phoenix da Icefire and Husky Brown.

    A truly astounding and ground breaking piece of work which breaks from formulaic convention, Husky’s fresh and dynamic fusion of hip hop, electronica, dub, bass, r&b and soul provides the soundtrack for a narrative addressing many of today’s most pressing issues.

    Triple Darkness member Phoenix has long been regarded as one of the finest lyricists to emerge from the UK, and throughout the album he sets his existential sights on the environment, mental health, knife crime, racism, well being and inner city life, all delivered with his trademark dexterous rhymes and creative wordplay.

    Facing the challenges head on, the engaging commentary still retains a message of hope at its core, related through metaphorical concepts as abstract as they are grounded in reality.

    A multidimensional, unique, entertaining and highly relevant album which pushes boundaries for the genre and will stand the test of time for years to come. Literally exceptional.

    Distributed by Ingrooves / Universal, available to download and stream from Apple, Amazon and Tidal Also available to stream on Spotify & Soundcloud

    Connect with Phoenix da Icefire & Husky Brown on Instagram @PhoenixDaIcefire @HuskyBrown.Official and on Twitter @PhoenixDaFire @HuskyBrown

    All media inquiries regarding the album, including requests to interview Phoenix da Icefire and Husky Brown, should be sent to our in house promotional division UrbanElite PR. Their contact details are available HERE

    Our continued appreciation to everyone for their support, especially during these difficult times. Stay safe.

    TEAM NDR

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    We are proud to see out the year of our return, and coincidentally the end of the decade, by presenting this classic slice of hip hop.

    Krash Slaughta vs B.I.M. ” ’18 Showdown ” includes all the digitally remastered remixes produced by legendary turntablist DJ Krash Slaughta (DMC Finalist 1998 / II Tone Committee) for the Belles in Monica crew.

    Now available to stream and download for the first time, with the exception of new joint “Venom”, all originally appeared on several of our 12″ vinyl releases. A limited number is still available direct from our STORE

    The digital EP is available everywhere, AMAZON APPLE BEATPORT NAPSTER DEEZER SOUNDCLOUD and SPOTIFY

    Definitely one of the hip hop heads, Krash Slaughta is renowned for his imaginative production, powerful beats and unique scratch skillz, a perfect backdrop for the hard bars rammed full of conscious rhymes and wordplay. Still releasing new material and performing live sets, you can connect with him on FACEBOOK

    ” ’18 Showdown ” is the fourth and final EP in our initial series marking our return after a 15 years hiatus. It is exactly 9 months since we relaunched and a lot of work has gone on behind the scenes in that time. As a result, we look forward to announcing our new release schedule for 2020 by artists from the USA and UK shortly.

    Thanks again to everyone for the support in these past months, including our distributor Ingrooves, artists, media, club & radio DJ’s and the general public. Very much appreciated

    100% hip hop

    TEAM NDR