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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.

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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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It’s been a remarkable year for NY State producer Frost Gamble, currently resident in Winnipeg, Canada.

Since signing with Miami label 22 Entertainment early in 2016, he has seen his star rise rapidly through a series of releases, and with 2018 looking set to be yet another major step forward in his career, he took time out recently to speak with DJ Lady Su, editor of French magazine “Hip Hop Breath”

Having just returned from NYC where he was with Tone Chop promoting their new album “Respect Is Earned Not Given”, including a guest appearance on DJ Eclipse’s Sirius XM ‘Rap Is Outta Control Show’, he reflects on the past 12 months which included the release of the pair’s “Veteran” EP, the album “Black Beach” with Detroit’s ZotheJerk and the EP “Rare Fabric” with Tragedy Khadafi out this Friday, October 20th.

He discusses his current work with Royce da 5’9″ and Horseshoe Gang and his new album “I Missed My Bus” due out next year which includes luminaries such as Crooked I, Rah Digga, Conway, Skyzoo, Ras Kass, Sadat X, Ruste Juxx, Guilty Simpson and many more.

His deal with 22 Ent has been the catalyst for his upward trajectory, and he outlines the nature of their working relationship and benefits this has brought. The one time b-boy and rap battler also gives his views on contemporary hip hop culture and the political situation in the USA seen from the standpoint of an American native now based north of the border.

READ THE ARTICLE IN FULL HERE

All of his releases are available from 22 Ent’s BANDCAMP store and as the label are districuted worldwide by The Orchard, you will also find them from Amazon, iTunes, Spotify and many more

As examples of Frost’s prowess on the boards, check out these bangers

LEAVE IT ALONE (Tribute to Sean P) ft Ruste Juxx & Nobi (from Veteran EP with Tone Chop)

RISK VS REWARD ft Sadat X (from Black Beach album with ZotheJerk)

WALK THE WALK ft Kool G Rap (from Respect Is Earned Not Given album with Tone Chop)

THAT’S STREET (from Rare Fabric EP with Tragedy Khadafi)

Look out for more press coverage on Frost Gamble shortly and connect with him on social media – he’s very sociable on there – via Twitter, IG and Facebook

All media, press and radio station DJ enquiries regarding Frost Gamble and all of his releases, including requests for interviews and full quality airplay standard mp3s, can be emailed to us at UrbanElite PR – contact information available HERE

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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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Earlier this year, Detroit rapper ZotheJerk and NY state producer Frost Gamble, now resident in Winnipeg, released their album “Black Beach” [available on Bandcamp] which included featured artists KXNG Crooked, Guilty Simpson, Sadat X and Boldy James.

In August the pair travelled to NYC to wrap up a new recording project with Tragedy Khadafi – the Rare Fabric EP drops October 20th – and while there they chopped it up with Rapstation’s Tim Einenkel for his “The Library” series of interviews

In what resulted in a very in depth and far reaching interview, the pair discussed their early introductions to hip hop reaching back to the 80’s & 90’s. Frost divulges how the early breakdancing craze was his first step, and introduced him to the music of Whodini and UTFO, and how Rakim and Juice Crew first influenced his decision to pick up the mic, performing cyphers and battling at street corners which is where he first met long time compadre Tone Chop.

He explains the reason for the switch to production, learning from near neighbour DJ Spinna, and the impact “By All Means Necessary” and “It Takes A Nation of Millions” had on his approach, while citing Diamond D as his initial yardstick.

Meanwhile, Zo goes all the way back to first hearing The Rappin’ Duke, Dana Dane, Slick Rick, NWA and Big Daddy Kane, and how hip hop was his escape from the harsh realities around him – poverty, crack sold in elementary school and violence – it was more of an education in his self development.

He recalls watching what would become members of D12 first performing in battles and groups, and the lessons learned on how to progress as an artist from role models such as J Dilla and Proof.

Bringing it to the present, the pair disucss how they first met in 2014, their recording methods and how their track “Honey” was the catalyst for their career defining moment in signing with Miami label 22 Entertainment.

On the theme of “Black Beach”, Zo explains how it was designed as the snapshot of “the black experience” in America today, though there are more expansive themes addressed such as the loss of his grandmother addressed in “Risk vs Reward”. The rapper wears his heart on his sleeve laying out his vulnerabilities, aspirations and anger in equal measure, in effect a cathartic experience that will resonate with most people.

The pair then discuss their future recording plans, including the comparative pressure on artists today to constantly release new music, before the conversation switches to Frost’s work with Tone Chop.

With their new album “Respect Is Earned Not Given” having released just yesterday, Tim asks about their track “Leave It Alone” from their “Veteran” EP of last year, a dedication to the late Sean Price. The producer gives the background to how the track was put together with Ruste Juxx and Nobi, and also gives the reasons why he held the man in such high regard.

The interview not only serves as a fascinating look behind the scenes at Zo and Frost, but also as a vignette of hip hop history through the eras.

LISTEN TO THE INTERVIEW IN FULL HERE

ZotheJerk x Frost Gamble “RISK VS REWARD” ft Sadat X

Tone Chop x Frost Gamble LEAVE IT ALONE ft Ruste Juxx & Nobi

Frost returns to NYC mid October, this time with Tone Chop, to promote their new album and will be guests on DJ Eclipse’s Sirius XM “Rap Is Outta Control”, Monday 16th Oct.

All media, press and radio station DJ enquiries regarding Frost Gamble, Tone Chop & ZotheJerk, including requests to interview the pair in NYC, can be sent to us at UrbanElite PR. Our contact details are available HERE

You can connect with the guys on social media via twitter @FrostGamble @TheJerkNation @ToneChop and there are also two joint Facebook Pages – Zo and Frost Tone & Frost They’re cool guys, holla at ’em.

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Hip Hop Breath is a quarterly magazine published on Issuu.

It is edited by Parisien DJ LSM who hosts the “Medicine Show” among others and also releases various mixtapes. With the focus very much placed on the more traditional elements of the culture and music, the magazine has been running for 5 years and featured artists of the calibre of Talib Kweli, KXNG Crooked, Pharoahe Monch, DJ Whoo Kid, Joell Ortiz, Jon Connor, Ras Kass and many more.

In the new issue just published today, they feature Detroit rapper ZotheJerk who released his new album “Black Beach” on May 26th with producer Frost Gamble. They speak with him about the concept behind the album, the origins of his working relationship with Frost, and the background to his receiving a Humanitarian of the Year award for services to the community

You can read the interview in full HERE

Also featured in the magazine are Classic Storm Radio’s DJ Toshi, 60 East, Juxx Diamondz and Napoleon da Legend.

Featuring KXNG Crooked, Sadat X, Guilty Simpson and Boldy James, “Black Beach” is available on iTunes, Bandcamp and Spotify. Hear the full album stream on Soundcloud

You can connect with Zo & Frost on twitter @TheJerkNation & @FrostGamble, IG @ZotheJerk & @Frost.Gamble and via their joint Facebook Page

Frost releases the new album “Respect Is Earned Not Given” with NY State’s Tone Chop on September 29th.

It includes guest featured artists Planet Asia, Tragedy Khadafi, DNA, White Rhino and Kool G Rap who appears on the first single “Walk the Walk” released on Friday

All international media & press enquiries regarding ZotheJerk, Frost Gamble, Tone Chop and their respective albums can be sent to us at UrbanElite PR. Our contact information is available HERE

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Released 4 weeks ago today on May 26th through 22 Entertainment, the new album “Black Beach” by Detroit rapper ZotheJerk and eastcoast producer Frost Gamble includes guest feature artists KXNG Crooked, Sadat X, Guilty Simpson, Boldy James and Tone Chop

Available worldwide from most digital stores including iTunes, Amazon, Spotify and Bandcamp.

The pair have enjoyed extensive international media coverage around the release over the past few months, a reflection of Zo’s conscious lyricism and meaningful social commentary combined with Frost’s superior production.

The latest review comes in video format on Youtube via CamQuotes for the US online “Behind the Rhyme”. Watch the visuals below

Listen to the full official album stream on Soundcloud

Frost has a new album with old NY State sparring partner Tone Chop releasing on September 29th.

“Respect Is Earned Not Given” includes guest feature artists Planet Asia, online rap battling sensation DNA, Tragedy Khadafi (with whom Frost is recording a new album), Canadian upcomer White Rhino, and on the first single “Walk the Walk” releasing June 30th, the legendary Kool G Rap.

The new album is the follow up to the pair’s critically acclaimed EP “Veteran” released in November 2016 which included the single “Leave It Alone”, a tribute to the late Sean P ft Ruste Juxx and Nobi.

Connect with Zo, Chop and Frost on social media :

Twitter @TheJerkNation @ToneChop @FrostGamble
IG @ZotheJerk @ToneChop @Frost.Gamble
FB Zo & Frost Page / Tone & Frost Page

All press, media and radio enquiries regarding the albums “Black Beach” and “Respect Is Earned Not Given” can be sent to us at UrbanElite PR. Our contact information is available HERE

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Released on May 26th, the hip hop album “Black Beach” by Detroit rapper ZotheJerk and eastcoast producer Frost Gamble has received plaudits by international publications for its intelligent social commentary addressing many aspects of life in today’s “Black America”.

This is not however just a barrage of protest anthems, but balances political issues with messages of hope, aspiration and the importance of providing the next generation with positive paternal role models, as witnessed in the duo’s most recent lyric video “Keep Me Safe”.

The album has also received praise for the production provided by Frost Gamble, who utilises a mix of soul, hip hop and electronica to reflect the mood swings, resulting in a perfect musical backdrop for the various themes.

The latest review published by Patrick Griffin on his personal blog encompasses both aspects. While affording the album an 8.5 rating, the article includes Zo’s in depth video interview with “The Underground Hip Hop”, and can be read HERE

WATCH THE LYRIC VIDEO FOR “KEEP ME SAFE”

“Black Beach” includes guest featured artists KXNG Crooked, Guilty Simpson, Tone Chop, Young Bleed, Boldy James and Sadat X. Released through 22 Entertainment, it is available to buy on iTunes, Amazon, Spotify and a special deluxe edition from Bandcamp

Producer Frost will release a new album “Respect Is Earned Not Given” on September 29th. Again a joint project with his old NY State sparring partner Tone Chop, it is the follow up to their EP “Veteran” released in November 2016, and includes guest features by Kool G Rap, White Rhino, Planet Asia, DNA and Tragedy Khadafi with whom he has just begun recording a future project.

You can connect with the artists via social media, on twitter @TheJerkNation & @FrostGamble, on Instagram @ZotheJerk & @Frost.Gamble and over on their joint Facebook Page

All media & press enquiries regarding “Black Beach” and the new forthcoming album “Respect Is Earned Not Given” can be addressed to us at UrbanElite PR, our contact details are available HERE

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The latest review of the new album “Black Beach” by Detroit rapper ZotheJerk and eastcoast producer Frost Gamble has just been published in French online magazine “Sagi Hip Hop”.

Featuring KXNG Crooked, Guilty Simpson, Sadat X, Boldy James, Young Bleed and Tone Chop, the album released on May 26th through 22 Entertainment and is available to buy in digital format from a variety of stores including iTunes, Amazon, Spotify and Bandcamp where there is an exclusive Deluxe edition on offer including bonus cuts and free instrumentals.

The review by Sagi which also includes the Spotify stream can be read HERE

From the album, the first single released was “Risk vs Reward” featuring Sadat X. Check it out on Soundcloud

Frost has recorded a new album “Respect Is Earned Not Given” with his old NY state sparring partner Tone Chop.

Releasing on September 29th, it includes guest featured artists Planet Asia, rap battling internet sensation DNA, Kool G Rap, Tragedy Khadafi and Canadian upcomer White Rhino. The first single from the album, “Walk the Walk” featuring Kool G Rap will release on June 30th.

The album is the follow up to the pair’s critically acclaimed “Veteran” EP released in November last year from which was taken the single “Leave It Alone”, a tribute to the late Sean P featuring Ruste Juxx and Nobi….give it a spin

You can connect with the artists mentioned on social media :

Twitter @FrostGamble @TheJerkNation @ToneChop
Instagram @Frost.Gamble @ZotheJerk @ToneChop
Facebook Zo & Frost Tone & Frost

All media, press and radio station enquiries regarding the albums “Black Beach” and “Respect Is Earned Not Given” can be addressed to us at UrbanElite PR, all our contact information is available HERE

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Detroit rapper ZotheJerk and NY State producer Frost Gamble, now relocated to Winnipeg, released their joint album “Black Beach” on May 26th through 22 Entertainment.

Having already received international press coverage from publications in the US, Europe, UK and Australia, the latest review of the album comes courtesy of Alex Shutti for British online Gigsoup which you can read HERE

Including features by KXNG Crooked, Sadat X, Guilty Simpson and Boldy James, “Black Beach” is available to buy in digital format from various stores including iTunes, Amazon, Spotify and Bandcamp

You can hear the full album stream on Soundcloud

Frost has entered what is probably one of his most creative and consistent periods of his professional career. He will be releasing a new album “Respect Is Earned Not Given” with his old NY State sparring partner Tone Chop on September 29th.

The follow up to their critically acclaimed EP “Veteran” late last year, the new album includes guest featured artists Kool G Rap, Tragedy Khadafi, Planet Asia and rap battling internet sensation DNA. Look out for the first single “Walk the Walk” releasing on June 30th.

In addition, he has also just announced that he will begin recording a new album with Tragedy Khadafi in the next few weeks while continuing to work on another new solo project which will feature Skyzoo, Ras Kass and many of those who appear on “Black” Beach” and “Respect Is Earned Not Given”.

It’s not difficult to see how his reputation as one of the fastest emerging producers in hip hop has developed in the poast year and is sure to continue into 2018.

You can connect with the artists on social media, via twitter @FrostGamble & @TheJerkNation, on Instagram @Frost.Gamble & @ZotheJerk and over on their joint Facebook Page

All media, press and radio station inquiries regarding Frost Gamble, ZotheJerk and Tone Chop can be sent to us at UrbanElite PR, our contact information is available HERE

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