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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 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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New Dawn Records are pleased to announce the release today of the new album “Urban Testimony [The Instrumentals]” by Edinburgh producer Brelstaff.

Ten titles fusing chilled, soulful lofi hip hop with downtempo jazz and ambient electronica in an ethereal soundtrack that rests easy on the senses. Music to soothe the soul and help focus with work and study in equal measure.

Originally operating under his born name Daryl Donald, his reputation as one of the most respected emerging beatmakers in this genre grew from 2017 through a series of projects which generated over a million streams on Spotify, and since adopting the new pseudonym has continued to flourish, most notably earlier this year with the single “Cursive” featuring renowned west coast rapper Fashawn.

The instrumental album is the pre-cursor to the full vocal version which we will release later in the year.  A collaborative project with Brooklyn rapper Justo the MC which acts as a narrative documenting his curtailed and turbulent time at Clark Atlanta University, including a fascinating insight and depiction of the trials and tribulations of student life he witnessed there which ultimately led to the crossroads of his life. 

Now available to stream and download at APPLE, AMAZON & TIDAL

Also on Bandcamp & Spotify

In addition there is a full video playlist for every track now on our official Youtube channel.

All media enquiries can be directed to our in house promotional division UrbanElite PR, contact details HERE

You can connect with Brelstaff on Twitter @BrelstaffMusic and Instagram @BrelstaffMusic

As ever we appreciate the support and enjoy the music !

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