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It’s been just over 12 months since “The Donald” pulled off the deal of his life and kissed the pentagram at the crossroads…”Satan, great guy, Cambions, good people, it’s gonna be beautiful…“…but despite clearly not being in the presence of a responsible adult while airing his views on social media, the planet is at least still here (at the time of writing).

2017 has been another busy one for us and the wider hip hop world. As 2018 approaches, we’ve listed below albums released this year we’d recommend for the hip hop connoisseur – a mixture of those we have promoted together with some other gems.

ZOtheJERK & FROST GAMBLE – ALBUM – “BLACK BEACH” released on May 26th

The first of several projects spearheaded this year by one of the fastest emerging names in hip hop production Frost Gamble, originally from NY State but now resident in Winnipeg. The concept is similar in approach to artists such as Constant Deviants and Run the Jewels or several collaborative releases in recent years from Apollo Brown, Statik Selektah and DJ Premier.

The album “Black Beach” with Detroit rapper ZotheJerk is rammed full of passionate conscious rhymes, a depiction of the current experience for “Black America” addressing subjects of oppression, injustices, police brutality, aspirations and the importance of positive paternal role models.

The politics are well balanced with a healthy slice of humour by the Michigan MC who appeared as an extra in “8 Mile”, worked closely with the late Proof of D12 and received a “Humanitarian of the Year” award for mentoring work in the community.

Guest featured artists include Boldy James, Sadat X, Guilty Simpson and KXNG Crooked.

Available on digital formats from Amazon, iTunes and Spotify

The exclusive deluxe edition can be bought and streamed on Bandcamp

TONE CHOP & FROST GAMBLE – ALBUM – “RESPECT IS EARNED NOT GIVEN” released on September 29th

Chop & Frost are long time sparring partners from their days together during the 90’s in Binghamton, NY, and the new album was the follow up to their debut EP release “Veteran” late in 2016.

Both devotees to the origins of the culture, ex graff artist Chop cut his teeth in the local rap battle scene and is armed with a sharp wit, fierce punchline bars and incisive metaphors. The album’s themes switch seemlessly from trademark demoltion mode to the art of storytelling throughout, aided and abetted by guest featured artists Kool G Rap, Planet Asia, rap battler DNA, Tragedy Khadafi and Canadian upcomer White Rhino.

Ex b-boy Frost again laces the release with high quality sample fuelled beats infused with soul, funk, r&b, dub and electronica, producing a rich soundscape drawn from a classic era with contemporary values.

Available on CD and digital formats from Amazon, iTunes and Spotify

It can also be bought and streamed from Bandcamp

In October, Frost followed up with another buzz release in the shape of his EP “Rare Fabric”, another collaboration this time with Tragedy Khadafi. Again available from Bandcamp

He has also released the first single from his new solo producer album “I Missed My Bus”. Due out in 2018 and including guest featured artists Rah Digga, KXNG Crooked, Skyzoo, Guilty Simpson, Ruste Juxx, Conway the Machine, Planet Asia, Sadat X and of course his Nostalgia Clic crew of Zo, Chop & White Rhino, “Effin Great” featuring Ras Kass is another available from the label 22 Entertainment’s Bandcamp

DA FLYY HOOLIGAN – ALBUM – “S.C.U.M.” released on October 27th

One of the most gifted and creative artists in the UK hip hop scene for several years, north west London rapper brought his lyrical “A” game to the table on his new album “S.C.U.M.”, the follow up to his EP “F.Y.L.P.M.” released earlier in the year.

A cathartic indulgence to liberate the soul, the suave sophistication of this latest offering addresses all things aspirational. Bullish rhymes throw off the shackles in a journey through the human condition in a series of charismatic portrayals in the pursuit of a life less ordinary.

With lavish production provided by the UK’s Agor, DFH showcases all the suprior verbal prowess in his armoury, joined by guest featured artists Hus Kingpin and new Shady signing Westside Gunn for a combination of antagonistic grimy bars and uncomprimising rhymes.

Available in CD and digital formats from Amazon, iTunes and Spotify

Buy and stream on Bandcamp

HONOURABLE MENTIONS

MELANIN 9 – ALBUM – “OLD PICTURES” Released October 27th

Another extremely gifted and highly respected lyricist from north London we’ve worked with several times in the past, not least on the critically acclaimed “Magna Carta” album of 2013.

We heard from M9 earlier in the year and were delighted to learn of his progression and tie up with a European label for the release of “Old Pictures”. An artist who meticulously takes the time to ensure everything’s ready to come to the table, but it’s always worth the wait when it does.

SHAYJTODAY – ALBUM – “val{you}” – released December

A highly talented rapper from Florida we think could have a big future.

We were introduced to the name a few weeks ago by his management team and were highly impressed by the quality of lyricism and production on this release which is very much contemporary but intelligently mixed with classic reference points.

From beginning to end it’s an extremely well constructed and thought out piece of work which in itself is rare and refreshing to hear. We understand a move to Europe is on the cards with a possible date in London pencilled in for Spring 2018

Available on iTunes and Spotify

Buy & stream on Bandcamp

HORSESHOE GANG – ALBUM – “DOPE LYRICS MATTER” – released December

Not a lot more we can say about these guys, they’re lyrically lethal !

Not that it should be a surprise given they’re the younger brothers of KXNG Crooked, we worked with them last year on their album “Anti Trap Music” and they’ve just dropped an absolute barnstormer in “Dope Lyrics Matter”.

They clearly do, just as with all the releases highlighted here today

Available from Amazon, iTunes and Spotify

Buy and stream on Bandcamp

Enjoy the dope beats & rhymes, and if you like ’em, buy ’em !

Our contact information details are available HERE should media have any enquiries regarding the artists.

UrbanElite PR would like to thank everyone for their support this year, and we wish you all the best for 2018.

UrbanElite PR
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In May this year, ZotheJerk released his album “Black Beach” through 22 Entertainment, a collaboration with producer Frost Gamble which included guest featured artists Sadat X, Guilty Simpson, Boldy James and KXNG Crooked.

Orginally from Detroit where among other things he appeared in the film “8 Mile” and developed a working relationship with the late Proof of D12, he subsequently moved to Kansas where he recived a “Humanitarian of the Year” award for work in the community before currently settling in Ohio.

Known for a conscious rhyming approach encompassing all aspects of life, injected with passion and humour in equal measure, he described the concept of “Black Beach” as “the voice of a people who are tired and demand more, who ask what’s next, it’s the music of the current era”

He sat down recently with US online magazine Rhymebeat to discuss his earliest influences and the creative inspirations in his writing, he spoke of his time on the come up at Detroit’s renowned “Hip Hop Shop” and discussed in more detail his move to Kansas and his thoughts on the wider Midwest rap scene.

THE INTERVIEW WAS PUBLISHED YESTERDAY WHICH YOU CAN READ IN FULL HERE

“Black Beach” is available in digital formats from Amazon, Bandcamp, iTunes and Spotify

From it was the single “Risk vs Reward” ft Sadat X and the lyric video “Keep Me Safe”, a message from a father dedicated to his children.

He also appears on the first single to be taken from Frost Gamble’s new solo producer album “I Missed My Bus” due out in 2018. “Effin Great” is available now from Bandcamp and also features Ras Kass

Connect with ZotheJerk on social media via Twitter, Instagram and Facebook

All media & press enquiries regarding the artists and releases mentioned can be sent to us at UrbanElite PR. Our contact information details are available HERE

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North London rapper Da Flyy Hooligan released his new album “S.C.U.M.” through Miami label 22 Entertainment on October 27th.

The follow up to his EP “F.Y.L.P.M.” released earlier in the year, the album is produced entirely by the UK’s Agor and features Westside Gunn and Hus Kingpin.

The latest review comes courtesy of US online “Triple OT” which can be read in full HERE

Distributed by Sony’s “The Orchard”, it is available to buy on CD and digital formats from multiple stores worldwide including Amazon, Bandcamp, iTunes and Spotify

YOU CAN ALSO HEAR THE ALBUM STREAM ON SOUNDCLOUD

Currently working on various new projects for 2018, including the follow up album “S.C.U.M. II”, you can stay in touch with Da Flyy Hooligan on social media via Twitter, Instagram and Facebook

All international media and press enquiries regarding Da Flyy Hooligan and the album “S.C.U.M.” can be sent to us at UrbanElite PR. All our contact information details are available HERE

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North west London rapper Da Flyy Hooligan released his new album “S.C.U.M” in October through US label 22 Entertainment

Produced entirely by British beatsmith Agor, it also features Stateside luminaries Westside Gunn and Hus Kingpin.

The latest review, affording the album a 4 star rating, is written by Andrew Kay for Blacksheep Magazine and takes the form of a track by track analysis. Summarizing “Da Flyy Hooligan has enough skill in his locker to navigate each sonic wave with a power and a bragging swagger.”, the article can be read in full HERE

“S.C.U.M.” is available now to buy in both CD and digital mp3 formats from multiple online stores worldwide including Amazon, Bandcamp, iTunes and Spotify

You can also hear the album stream in full on Soundcloud

From the album were released the videos “Asantihini” and “Alligator Skin”. Check them out on Youtube

Connect with Da Flyy Hooligan on social media via Twitter, Instagram and Facebook

All international media, press and radio station enquiries regarding Da Flyy Hooligan can be sent to us at UrbanElite PR. All our contact information details are available HERE

UrbanElite PR
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One of the most creative and gifted lyricists to emerge from London’s burgeoning rap scene, Da Flyy Hooligan released his new album “S.C.U.M.” on October 27th.

In a rare step for a British hip hop artist, he signed with a US label in the shape of 22 Entertainment for the release which also includes guest featured artists Westside Gunn and Hus Kingpin.

“S.C.U.M.” is available to buy on both CD and digital formats from multiple online stores worldwide including Amazon, Bandcamp, iTunes and Spotify

French online magazine “Sagi Hip Hop” has just published a new 4 star review reflecting the quality of the production by Agor, compared in style to The Alchemist, and the fierce rhyme skills of Harlesden’s finest.

READ THE ARTICLE IN FULL, WITH ENGLISH TRANSLATION AVAILABLE, HERE

Taken from the album are the videos “Asantihini” and most recently “Alligator Skin”

He also gave his first interview in two years recently, speaking about his career, artistic and album concepts, and described in detail his long standing bond with the late Sean Price.

The album stream is also available to hear on Soundcloud

Connect with Da Flyy Hooligan on social media via Twitter, Instagram and Facebook

All international media, press and radio station enquiries regarding Da Flyy Hooligan and his new album “S.C.U.M.” can be sent to us at UrbanElite PR. Our contact information details are available HERE

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New video “Alligator Skin” by north west London rapper Da Flyy Hooligan, the latest from his album “S.C.U.M.” released on October 27th through US label 22 Entertainment which includes guest featured artists Westside Gunn and Hus Kingpin.

UK producer Agor has again laced this one with a stunning beat. A vocal and piano sampled slow burn feeds the switch up to a raucous guitar driven neck breaker, DFH typically taking the opportunity to let loose with both barrels in a lyrical onslaught.

Equally impressive are the new visuals shot by London director Ringz ov Saturn. Watch it now on Youtube

The album itself has just been reviewed by Phil Tang for London’s Guestlist Network Magazine.

Read the full appraisal HERE

“S.C.U.M.” is available on digital and CD formats from multiple online stores worldwide, including Amazon, Bandcamp, iTunes and Spotify

Connect with Da Flyy Hooligan on social media via Twitter, Instagram and Facebook

All international press, media and radio station DJ enquiries regarding Da Flyy Hooligan can be sent to us at UrbanElite PR. All our contact information details are available HERE

UrbanElite PR
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T : @urbanelitepr

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Eastcoast rapper & producer duo Tone Chop and Frost Gamble were in NYC last month promoting their new album “Respect Is Earned Not Given” which released on September 29th through Miami label 22 Entertainment.

Featuring Kool G Rap, Planet Asia, rap battler DNA and Tragedy Khadafi, it is available on CD and digital formats from online stores worldwide including Amazon, Bandcamp, iTunes and Spotify

They appeared as guests on DJ Eclipse’s Rap Is Outta Control show which as usual ends with a freestyle session. Chop, being the seasoned veteran he is dating back to his days starting out in street corner rap battles in upstate NY, brought the full armoury to the table on this one.

FIRST BROADCAST LIVE, OCTOBER 16TH ON SIRIUS XM HIP HOP NATION, CHECK OUT THE AUDIO STREAM

Rap Is Outta Control is now broadcast every Thursday from 10pm – 12pm EST on Sirius XM Channel 44.

Chop & Frost will be releasing a brand new special cut on November 22nd – look out for that one!

Frost, who has emerged in the past year as one of the hottest hip hop producers on the scene, is also finishing his new solo album “I Missed My Bus” due out in the first half of 2018 which will include guest featured artists Conway, Rah Digga, Crooked I, Skyzoo, Ruste Juxx, Rass Kas, Guilty Simpson and many more.

He released his “Rare Fabric” EP with Tragedy Khadafi on October 20th and remixed the Kid Vishis & Royce da 5’9″ joint “Go Off“.

Connect with the pair on social media via Twitter @ToneChop & @FrostGamble, on Instagram @ToneChop & @Frost.Gamble and over on their joint Facebook Page

All media, press and radio station DJ enquiries and requests regarding Tone Chop, Frost Gamble and their new album can be sent to us at UrbanElite PR. All of our contact information details are available HERE

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North west London rapper Da Flyy Hooligan released his new album “S.C.U.M.” last Friday October 27th through US label 22 Entertainment.

Produced entirely by the UK’s Agor and featuring Westside Gunn and Hus Kingpin, it is available to buy on CD and digital formats from multiple online stores worldwide including Amazon, Bandcamp, iTunes and Spotify.

Latest review comes courtesy of Stateside online publication Rhyme Junkie Magazine which you can read HERE

Listen to the full official album stream on Bandcamp

DFH will be releasing his new video “Aligator Skin” early next week and will be performing live in London on Friday November 17th at Arch Space, 340 Acton Mews E8 4EA. More info at www.hhbitd.com

Look out for more reviews of “S.C.U.M.” in the weeks ahead and meantime connect with Da Flyy Hooligan on social media via Twitter, IG and Facebook

All international press and media enquiries regarding Da Flyy Hooligan and the album “S.C.U.M.” can be sent to us at UrbanElite PR. Our contact details are available HERE

UrbanElite PR
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North west London rapper Da Flyy Hooligan released his new album “S.C.U.M.” on Froday October 27th through Miami label 22 Entertainment.

Produced entirely by one of the UK’s hottest emerging names Agor, current US luminaries Westside Gunn and Hus Kingpin also make a guest appearance.

Kenya’s Afro-Way Magazine has just published a feature on the album which you can read HERE

DFH has long been regarded as one of England’s most creative and gifted lyricists who also spent time based in NYC as part of J-Ronin’s “All Elements” click and has worked with artists such as DV Alias Khryst, Prince Po, Dead Prez and the late Sean Price with whom he’d developed a close bond.

The album includes a tribute to the man in amongst a tracklist representing charismatic portrayals of an irrepressible underclass. Stylish and compelling, a series of bold, satirical and uncomprimising rhymes intelligently depict contemporary aspirations, and reaffirms his international reputation as a serious force in rap’s new wave.

HEAR THE ALBUM STREAM ON BANDCAMP (where it can be bought on both CD & digital formats)

“S.C.U.M.” is also available from Amazon, iTunes and Spotify

Look out for new reviews of “S.C.U.M.” in the weeks ahead and also a new video for the track “Aligator Skin” releasing next week.

Meantime, connect with Da Flyy Hooligan on social media via Twitter, IG & Facebook

All international press, media and radio station DJ inquiries regarding Da Flyy Hooligan and the new album “S.C.U.M.” can be sent to us at UrbanElite PR. Our contact information is available HERE

UrbanElite PR
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North west London rapper Da Flyy Hooligan released his new album “S.C.U.M.” yesterday, October 27th.

In an extremely rare step for a British hip hop artist, he signed with a US label for the release, Miami’s 22 Entertainment. Produced entirely by Agor, featured artists are current US luminaries Westside Gunn and Hus Kingpin, and availability is on multiple formats from stores worldwide including Amazon, Bandcamp, iTunes and Spotify.

Two early reviews have just been published, both from the States. One is by Youtube channel “The Report Card Podcast” and the other by “Balcony Life Blog”. Check out what they had to say :

Watch the video of The Report Card Podcast review

Read Balcony Life Blog’s review HERE

Listen to the full album stream on Bandcamp where it’s available to buy on CD and digital formats

Look out for more reviews of the album in the coming weeks and a new official video due to launch on November 6th. Meanwhile, connect with DFH on social media via Twitter, IG and Facebook

All international press, media and radio station DJ inquiries and requests regarding Da Flyy Hooligan and the new album “S.C.U.M.” can be sent to us at UrbanElite PR. Our contact information details are available HERE

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