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The new “Rapture & Verse” hip hop column written by Matt Oliver for ‘Monolith Cocktail’ has just been published.

It’s a monthly bite size round up of all hip hop news items, events, and releases to look out for whether singles, EP’s or albums.

Among the many artists covered in the latest edition are Datkid, Onoe Capone, Ill Bill & Stu Bangas, Guilty Simpson, Madlib, Nottz, Black Milk, Westside Gunn, Conway, Apollo Brown, Quelle Chris.

There is also news of the new Belles in Monica EP “Natsukashii” which releases through New Dawn records on June 7th

READ THE COLUMN IN FULL HERE

Watch the trailer video for the “Natsukashii EP” on Youtube

The first single from the EP, “Smoke Filled Rooms” releases on May 24th

Having just re-launched after a 15 year hiatus, New Dawn Records released the Belles in Monica EP “Y’All in Meltdown” on April 26th and the new Underground Cartel single “Evolution” b/w “Diggin Deeper” on Friday, taken from the “Sapientia EP” out on May 17th

Underground Cartel are an international hip hop collaborative project involving artists from all over the USA, UK, Europe and Africa including Madrid’s El Meswy, Beni Blanco from French crew ‘Originaire du Sud’, Long Beach’s Swiss Precise, Virginia’s Black Market, the UK’s Rapstation host Mr CRF, Zimbabwe’s Dumi Right, the late, great Primo from legendary Italian crew Cor Veleno and many more.

All the releases to date can be heard at New Dawn Records’ Spotify Page

Currently adding to their roster, you can keep up to date with all the label’s news at their official website www.newdawnrecs.com and via their Twitter, Instagram and Facebook accounts

All media & radio station / club DJ enquiries regarding the label and their roster can be addressed to us at UrbanElite PR. Our contact details are available HERE

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Due to the popularity of the “Hip Hop Bangerz” playlist on our Soundcloud account, we have just uploaded a more extended version to Spotify.

These are joints by dope artists we’ve worked with and promoted over the years, the real deal in rhymes, lyricism, beats and turntablism. A mix of official singles and buzz tracks by and featuring Souls of Mischief, Rah Digga, Skyzoo, Horseshoe Gang, Copywrite, Melanin 9, Vast Aire, Wu Tang’s Cappadonna, Talib Kweli, Genesis Elijah, Royce da 5’9″, Verbal Kent, Deeprooted (Johaz & Mr Brady), Matt Maddox, Tragedy Khadafi, Bumpy Knuckles, Constant Deviants and more.

21 gun salute running to around 80 minutes – check it out by clicking on the link > HIP HOP BANGERZ

Enjoy !

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Hip hop crew Belles in Monica just released their single “Y’All Under Surveillance” b/w “Meltdown” through the newly relaunched label New Dawn Records.

Remixes are courtesy of G-Sharp, legendary turntablist & DMC finalist DJ Krash Slaughta and Phi Life Cypher producer DJ Nappa featuring cuts by DJ Mr Thing

Now available on Spotify, Apple, Tidal, Deezer, Amazon & iTunes – choose your preferred streaming option HERE

Also streaming on Soundcloud as part of the Hip Hop Bangerz playlist which includes joints featuring Bumpy Knuckles, Skyzoo, Talib Kweli, Ultramagnetic MCs, Vast Aire, Cappadonna, Verbal Kent, Apollo Brown, Tragedy Khadafi, Planet Asia, Constant Deviants & more

Next up from the crew is the release of their “Y’All in Meltdown – Lazarus Volume 1 EP” on April 26th, then another new single “Smoke Filled Rooms” on May 24th.

Keep up to date with all of New Dawn Records’ developments and news at their Official Website and via their social media platforms Twitter, Instagram and Facebook

All international media enquiries regarding New Dawn Records and their roster can be addressed to us at UrbanElite PR, our contact details are HERE

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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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The past 12 months has seen NY State hip hop producer Frost Gamble emerge as one of the fastest rising names in the game.

Now relocated to Winnipeg, Canada, he signed with Miami’s 22 Entertainment on the back of his track “Honey” with Detroit rapper ZotheJerk being included in the label’s “God Bless Dope Rappers” compilation which included Royce da 5’9″, Crooked I, Kid Vishis and Horseshoe Gang in January 2016.

In November last year, he released the “Veteran” EP with long time affiliate Tone Chop, and the pair have just released the subsequent album “Respect Is Earned Not Given” on September 29th which features Kool G Rap, Planet Asia, rap battler DNA and Tragedy Khadafi. In May, he released the album “Black Beach” with ZotheJerk and his collaborative EP with Tragedy Khadafi “Rare Fabric” drops October 20th

Currently working on remix projects for Royce da 5’9″ and Horseshoe Gang, his new solo album “I Missed My Bus” which includes guest artists KXNG Crooked, Rah Digga, Skyzoo, Ruste Juxx, Guilty Simpson, Ras Kass and many more is due out in the first half of 2018.

Online publication Nine5 Four Magazine who haver a focus on both Canada and the States have just published a new in-depth feature on Frost. In “flip-through” format, the article appears on page 36 and can be read HERE

All of his releases with 22 Entertainment are available from the label’s BANDCAMP store. “Respect Is Earned Not Given” is also available from Amazon, iTunes and Spotify on CD, digital mp3 and streaming formats.

ALBUM STREAM ON SOUNDCLOUD

Chop & Frost release a new animated video for the album track “Bing Stories” next week and are then in New York City October 16th & 17th meeting with media including a guest appearance with DJ Eclipse on his Sirius XM “Rap Is Outta Control Show”.

Connect with Frost, Chop, Zo and the label on social media via Twitter @FrostGamble, @ToneChop, @TheJerkNation & @22Entertainmen, on IG @Frost.Gamble, @ToneChop & @ZotheJerk and via two joint Facebook Pages – Frost & Zo and Frost and Chop

All press, media and radio station inquiries regarding Frost Gamble, Tone Chop, ZotheJerk and the album releases, including requests to interview Chop & Frost in NYC on October 16th & 17th, can be sent to us at UrbanElite PR. Click the link for our Contact Details

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The latest “Rapture & Verse” monthly column written by the UK’s Matt Oliver has just been published in Monolith Cocktail.

The column is a regular bite sized but informative summary of news, events, videos, single, EP, mixtape and album releases in the world of hip hop keeping you up to date with the key movers on both sides of the Atlantic.

This month’s article includes Apollo Brown, The Doppelgangaz, Royce da 5’9″, DJ Shadow, David Begun, Public Enemy, LMNO, Big Punisher, Confucius MC, Verb T, Main Source and many more.

Also mentioned in honourable despatches is the new album “Respect Is Earned Not Given” by eastcoast rapper / producer duo Tone Chop and Frost Gamble. Releasing on September 29th it includes featured artists Kool G Rap, Planet Asia, online battle rap sensation DNA, Canadian upcomer White Rhino and Tragedy Khadafi with whom Frost is currently recording a new album.

READ THE FULL COLUMN HERE

“Respect Is Earned Not Given” will release in digital and CD formats through 22 Entertainment and is available to pre-order on iTunes and Bandcamp

The first single released last month was “Walk the Walk” featuring Kool G Rap, currently receiving airtime on stations including Sirius XM and Rapstation. It is streaming on Spotify and Soundcloud

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

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Detroit rapper ZotheJerk and producer Frost Gamble released their collaborative album “Black Beach” on Friday May 26th through 22 Entertainment.

The latest review comes from US online “Triple OT”, a site with a focus on music and basketball. The appraisal is in depth, an appreciation of the production styles which draw from the finest tradtions of J Dilla & Premo, the choice samples used and the soundscape this provides Zo’s impassioned rhymes.

There is an acknowledgement of the themes addressed, including issues which gave rise to the Black Lives Matter movement, a sense of identity, the importance of family, aspiration and an undetered feeling of hope.

The review reflects the sense of purpose and musical approach well, and can be read in full HERE

Including guest featured artists KXNG Crooked (Slaughterhouse), Sadat X (Brand Nubian), Guilty Simpson (Random Axe), Boldy James, Tone Chop & Young Bleed, the album is available from a variety of digital stores including iTunes, Amazon & Spotify.

The special Deluxe edition including bonus cuts and free instrumentals is available from Bandcamp

HEAR THE ALBUM STREAM ON SOUNDCLOUD

Expect to see more reviews of “Black Beach” and interviews with Zo & Frost shortly, with a special lyric video for the track “Keep Me Safe” releasing next week

Connect with Zo & Frost on social media via twitter @TheJerkNation & @FrostGamble, on Instagram @ZotheJerk & @Frost.Gamble and on their joint Facebook Page

All international media, press and radio station inquiries regarding the album “Black Beach” and the artists can be sent to us at UrbanElite PR. Our contact details are available HERE

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The album “Black Beach” is Detroit rapper ZotheJerk’s social commentary on the existence for many in today’s Black America written from his own experiences and cataloguing those of others.

Issues of police brutality, oppression and injustices are laid out like an open wound while balanced by the acceptance of the responsibility a positive paternal role model must shoulder to break the cycle of self inflicted urban decay. He offers messages of hope and aspiration, and walks the walk having received a “Humanitarian of the Year” award for mentoring work in the community.

Lyrically intense, the musical backdrop is provided by one of the fastest emerging producers in hip hop, NYC State’s Frost Gamble who is now resident in Winnipeg, Canada. The crate digger fuses jazz, soul, r&b and electronica for a contemporary take on traditional techniques, with some turntablism thrown into the mix.

US online “The Balcony Life Blog” have just published a review of the album which reflects these different ingredients, and acknowledging the pivotal role they play. Read what they have to say HERE

Meanwhile, Irish journalist Stephen Dorney has included the album in his Weekly Capsule Reviews series. Read his summary HERE

Releasing through 22 Entertainment on May 26th, and available to pre-order on iTunes, the album includes featured guest artists KXNG Crooked, Guilty Simpson, Boldy James, Sadat X, Tone Chop & Young Bleed.

Two singles have been released, “Risk vs Reward” ft Sadat X and more recently “My Negus” ft Guilty Simpson. Check the audio streams on Soundcloud

Look out for more reviews and interviews relating to this release in international media in the weeks ahead, including a feature of the album in renowned print publication MOJO Magazine, and meantime connect with Zo & Frost on social media via twitter @TheJerkNation & @FrostGamble, on instagram @ZotheJerk & @Frost.Gamble and over on their Facebook Page

All media, press and radio station dj inquiries and requests regarding the album “Black Beach” can be sent to us at UrbanElite PR. Our contact information is available HERE

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US online “Da What” run a “Five Finger Discount” series where artists highlight five of their tracks for special mention, providing insight into how they were recorded, the concept behind them and why they were of particular importance to their careers.

The latest in the series to be published focuses on Detroit rapper ZotheJerk and NY state producer Frost Gamble (now relocated to Winnipeg) who are set to release their new album “Black Beach” on May 26th

The feature provides the audio streams and videos of the tracks discussed, and in this article the pair include recent singles “Risk vs Reward” ft Sadat X, “My Negus” ft Guilty Simpson, and also the first track they ever recorded together, “Think Like a Man Too”.

Check out the sounds and what they had to say HERE

Meantime, Zo also took a little time out to perform an accapella frestyle for US online Apex Hip Hop’s “Freestyle Fridays” series last week. It has just been uploaded to Youtube.

Black Beach includes featured artists Sadat X, KXNG Crooked, Tone Chop, Boldy James, Guilty Simpson & Young Bleed, and is available to pre-order on iTunes

Look out for further interviews and reviews by international press in the weeks ahead, including the album being featured in the renowned print publication MOJO Magazine’s June issue out at the end of this month

Keep up to date with Zo & Frost on social media via twitter @TheJerkNation & @FrostGamble, on Instagram @ZotheJerk & @Frost.Gamble and via their joint Facebook Page

All international press, media and radio station DJ inquiries regarding ZotheJerk, Frost Gamble and their album “Black Beach” can be sent to us at UrbanElite PR. All our contact information is available HERE

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Nine 5 Four Magazine is an online digital publication covering Canada and the United States.

They sat down recently with Detroit rapper ZotheJerk and NY State producer Frost Gamble (now resident in Winnipeg) ahead of the release of their new album “Black Beach” on May 26th.

In the resulting feature just published, Zo speaks on the traditional links between the music scenes in Detroit, Michigan and Canada while Frost compares the appreciation of true essence hip hop “north of the border” to that in Europe.

Frost’s approach to production is steeped in the traditions of crate digging channeled through an Akai MPC, and he speaks on the construct via sampling while they both go on to discuss their working chemistry and the logistics involved despite being based distances apart.

Zo too has led a nomadic lifestyle, moving from the D to Kansas and then Hudson, Ohio. The pair discuss the decision to return to Detroit for part of the recording process which took place at Mr Porter’s original home studio, and also how travelling has helped shape their overall approaches to music and life.

The feature concludes with Zo explaining the hook up with the album’s featured artists Boldy James, Guilty Simpson, Sadat X and KXNG Crooked

READ THE FULL FEATURE HERE

Currently conducting interviews with media in the States, UK, Europe and Australia, the pair are set to release a new single “My Negus” on Monday May 1st. Featuring Guilty Simpson, it follows the previous single “Risk vs Reward” ft Sadat-X and the bonus cut video “Axe Somebody” which is available as a free download HERE

Keep up to date with Zo and Frost on social media via IG @ZotheJerk & @Frost.Gamble, Twitter @TheJerkNation & @FrostGamble and over on their Joint Facebook Page.

“Black Beach is available to pre-order now on iTunes

All media, press and radio station DJ inquiries regarding ZotheJerk, Frost Gamble and the album Black Beach can be sent to us at UrbanElite PR. Our contact information is available HERE

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