Released today through New Dawn Records, the new album “Urban Testimony” by Justo the MC and Edinburgh lofi hip hop producer Brelstaff.

The entire theme is documented in a deeply personal narrative depicting events before, during and after the Brooklyn rapper’s curtailed and troubled time studying at Clark Atlanta University.  Details unfold of a conflicted mind on a potential escape route to academia straying rapidly on a hedonistic path and the consequences incurred.  While regrets are clear, the spirit of resilience prevails.  Emerging scathed but undaunted and emboldened by second chances, the final scenes present a renewed sense of optimism for the future with lessons duly learned. 

A fascinating and brutally honest account is relayed through trademark slick rhymes and deft lyricism, the art of storytelling set to a suitably atmospheric soundtrack provided by Brelstaff’s blend of soulful chilled lofi hip hop beats and ambient electronica.  Essential listening.

TRACKLIST

  • Don’t Forget The Music
  • Fine Line
  • High
  • Is She ft Preem
  • No Escape
  • Satan’s Grip
  • Falling
  • Dark Room ft DVNA
  • Definition of Love
  • Sunday

Available on all digital platforms including APPLE/iTUNES, AMAZON, TIDAL and below on BANDCAMP & SPOTIFY

FULL VIDEO PLAYLIST OF EVERY ALBUM TRACK IS ALSO ON THE LABEL’S YOUTUBE CHANNEL

Justo will be performing tracks from the album on Saturday November 18th at Deep Dive, Ithaca as a special guest of Anthony Kannon and Frost Gamble for their “Cautionary Tales” album launch event. 

For more information about all of New Dawn Records’ releases and roster, visit their OFFICIAL WEBSITE

All press, media and radio DJ inquiries regarding any of New Dawn Records’ releases and artists can be sent to ourselves, the label’s in house promotional division. Visit our CONTACT page.

UEP   

The story continues.  Released today and following on from previous single “High”, AA side ‘Falling’ b/w ‘Satan’s Grip’ is the latest chapter from the album “Urban Testimony” by Justo the MC and UK Producer Brelstaff out through New Dawn Records on November 3rd 2023.

The entire theme documents the Brooklyn rapper’s curtailed and traumatic time studying at Clark Atlanta University.  Carrying the weight of expectations from a household of faith, details unfold of a conflicted mind on a potential escape route to academia straying rapidly on a path to hedonism in a brutally honest account of events and consequences.

A chilled soundtrack is the backdrop for the post-traumatic “Falling”, a remorseful narrative reflecting on the mental and physical impacts incurred, while the gritty menacing strains of “Satan’s Grip” fuel a metaphorical conversation on the risks of dancing with the devil.  Intense, compelling and a certified page turner….  

AVAILABLE ON APPLE / iTUNES, AMAZON & TIDAL. ALSO BELOW ON BANDCAMP & SPOTIFY

There are also official visuals just published on Youtube

All international press, media and DJ enquiries regarding any of New Dawn Records’ releases, including requests to interview artists, have product sent for review, or full quality mp3s sent for radio & set play can be directed to ourselves, the label’s in house promotional division. Our contact details are HERE

All information about the label and their roster can be found at the official website www.newdawnrecs.com

UrbanElite PR

www.urbanelitepr.com

June 23rd 2023

Hip Hop label New Dawn Records have today announced the signing of Brooklyn rapper Justo the MC and Edinburgh based producer Brelstaff for the release of their new album “Urban Testimony” on November 3rd 2023.

Justo has been a regular fixture in the eastcoast underground scene for many years, first emerging in 2010 while working with his cousin and producer DJ Vic Black of Gangstarr Foundation.  The video for their joint “It’s Our Year” released in 2011 featured DJ Premier, and the pair would hook up again in 2017 on Justo’s album “Black Ops” produced entirely by DITC’s Showbiz, executively produced and curated by Vic assisted by DJ Premier. 

Since then there has been prolific output through worldwide collaborations including Canadian production team The Lost Info, Brooklyn’s Maticulous, Italy’s Bboy Enea, Nova Scotian DK, the UK’s Remulak and for the first time in 2021 with Brelstaff on their joint “Swagu”.

In  2014 while performing under his born name Daryl Donald, Brel released his debut EP “Kept” and the collaborative album “The Clockwork” with south London emcee Cutta Chase.  The release of his instrumental album “Solitude” in 2017 followed in 2019 by “Behold the Spirit” and “Full Circle” built up his reputation as one of the most respected new emerging underground lo fi hip hop producers from these shores, attracting a total of 450,000 listeners and a million streams on Spotify.

Subsequently having adopted the new pseudonym, he released the self titled “Brelstaff” in 2020, and returned to the public arena in February 2023 with the new joint “Cursive” featuring the legendary Fashawn, followed in April by the release of the instrumental version of “Urban Testimony” through New Dawn, securing play on the BBC Radio 1 & Radio 6 show “Focus Beats” in the process.

The new album documents what Justo  describes as the “arrival at a crossroads from a life defining year”.  A deeply personal narrative which provides a fascinating insight depicting events leading up to and during his curtailed stay at Clark Atlanta University, and he has again turned to Brelstaff to accompany him on his journey.    Beautifully crafted, fuelled by skilful lyricism addressing the core messages of mental health, hedonism, loss of faith, redemption and renewed focus all set to the perfect musical score. The perfect partnership.       

A series of singles will precede the album release beginning on August 1st with “High”.  All will be available to download and stream from major digital platforms including Spotify, Bandcamp, Apple Music, Tidal and Amazon.  Videos for all tracks will appear on the label’s official Youtube channel @newdawnrecords where you can now watch the album video trailer.

All international written media and DJ enquiries regarding the album can be addressed to ourselves, the label’s in house promotional division. Our contact details are HERE while the full album press release can be read HERE

All information about the label is available at their official website www.newdawnrecs.com

Meanwhile, connect with the artists on Social Media 

Justo on Twitter @MC_Justo IG @JustoTheMC & FB @JustoTheMC

Brelstaff on Twitter @BrelstaffMusic IG @BrelstaffMusic & FB @BrelstaffMusic

TEAM UEP

T @urbanelitepr IG @urbanelitepr

www.urbanelitepr.com