Immersed and fascinated by hip hop culture since its inception, Binghamton NY rapper Tone Chop and producer Frost Gamble celebrate their long lasting friendship over three decades with the release of their new album “Beautiful Foundations” on May 15th 2026, revisiting their origins and documenting the journey which has led to their becoming one of the most prolific partnerships in recent years.
Originally drawn to breaking, Frost cites Melle Mel, Juice Crew, KRS-1, UTFO, Whodini and Public Enemy as his earliest inspirations to first pick up the mic, the lyricism and social commentary resonating strongly with the then teenager at a deeply personal level. However growing up as a near neighbour of local college jock DJ Spinna, his interest in beat making gradually took precedent, and ultimately led to the paths crossing.
By now well versed in the art of splicing tape and armed with an MPC60 and Gemini DJ Sampler, an early demo using original beats gained Frost airtime on a local radio mixshow for new emerging artists from the area. Coincidentally, another pushing the same dial was local group Binghamton’s Most Wanted fronted by Tone Chop, already a renowned rap battle champion in the area.
On hearing each other’s work, calls were made. Their first meeting left a lasting impression, an instant connection of like minded souls was clear, and the early embers of a strong long lasting relationship had been lit.
The foundations referenced were first laid during early sessions in Frost’s basement. In the title track, Chop reminisces about being back in class, lost in his own world scribing endless rhymes in a notebook to unleash over Frost’s burgeoning beat collection, tagged and bagged on his Four Track recorder. Young, learning the ropes, the writing and technical skills evolved as their ties grew closer. Two kids with the same passion working it out together, sowing seeds.
A pivotal change came as Frost took time out for college then accepted a work opportunity which saw a relocation to Canada. Chop continued to elevate his rep in the Bing with a series of mixtapes in the early 2000’s including the “Chopper City” series which provided a host of local artists the platform to shine. Meanwhile, now with his trusty MPC2000, Frost returned to the desk in 2004 working on initial projects with Young Bleed, Sadat X, J Ro and Rakim’s son Tahmell. His productions were included on Fresh I.E.’s “Red Letterz 13” which landed the“Album of the Year” award at Canada’s Gospel Music Awards in 2013.
However these roots run deep, and the pair reunited in 2016 with the release of their “Veteran” EP followed by the album “Respect is Earned Not Given” which generated a raft of news, reviews and interview features in publications throughout the USA, Canada, UK and Europe, culminating in a live guest appearance on DJ Eclipse’s Rap is Outta Control show on Sirius XM. This would be the catalyst for what would become the pair’s most productive period with a consistent string of singles, EP’s and albums released over the coming years.
Of heightened personal importance, the latest offering is a landmark on the much travelled road. It captures their essence sonically and ethos of building further with those who joined them along the way. Shared space is given gladly to guest featured artists including Binghamton’s Will K, MyneFrame, Yasha and Doc Holiday, their “Four Sportsmen” side project accomplices Decon Blu and Pa Pa Fresh, Fresh I.E., The Bad Seed and Grea8Gawd.
Further appearances by DJ Eclipse, DJ J Smooth and Pf Cuttin represent an acknowledgement of their support over the years, the heartfelt appreciation offered more widely in the final roll call cut “Thank You DJs”.
From those earliest humble beginnings the seeds are now fully fledged. A symbiotic partnership which continues to forge ahead, brothers in arms. A bond that will never die. Hip Hop is something you live……
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