Originally broadcast live on July 15th, Brick City rapper Tru Trilla sat down with host Sim of Washington DC’s popular Youtube Channel “The Front Stoop”.
In line with the channel’s focus on addressing broader current issues affecting society and hip hop directly, the pair first discussed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic both in a personal and professional context, and the veracity of information being provided to the public at large.
While playing tracks from the album, the subject of conscious lyricism and the role it plays within the wider forms of contemporary hip hop was considered and compared before the interview moved onto Tru’s history in the New Jersey scene.
He explains the origins of his group 050 Boyz of which he is a member with Prince Ak and Riq, the source of its name, and how this led to building with Shade 45’s DJ Eclipse and DJ Premier before touching upon his early affiliations with Naughty by Nature and Lords of the Underground.
Of course at the heart of the interview is his new album “God of Barz” where he breaks down the concepts, subject matters and construction, and speaks on his history and future working with the album’s producers from the States, UK and Europe.
Watch the interview in full on Youtube
With production by Chicago’s DNA Beatz, the UK’s Chat One, Barcelona’s Sumerio Square and Clinton Place (aka Jamal Nueve NJ/LA), the album also features Prince Ak, Confucious, Fly Kwa and Middy Murdock.
Available to stream and download on every major digital platform and store including APPLE, TIDAL and Spotify.
For information about all of New Dawn Records’ releases, head to their official website www.newdawnrecs.com
All press, media and radio station DJ enquiries regarding New Dawn Records’ releases can be submitted to us at UrbanElite PR, our contact information is HERE
Brick City rapper and producer Az Izz of the legendary Outsidaz crew is on the comeback trail with his new album “Dopeliss” releasing through New Dawn Records on July 3rd.
Following on from last month’s “Gettin’ It”, new single “Nunya” has been released today. Produced by another Newark native Qua Z Mo, it’s a fuel injected electro banger powered by heavy 808 kicks with Az on the front foot from the outset. Packing the verbal artillery, targets are placed in the sights and gauntlets thrown down through a series of combative rhymes and punchline bars “Ya whole career is a publicity stunt, how you black, ain’t kick a rap about your history once“. Stoking the fires, pure heat for the streets.
Available to stream and download at APPLE, TIDAL & AMAZON Also streaming on Spotify and Soundcloud
New Dawn Records was first established in 1996, and were the original parent company of UrbanElite PR.
Becoming dormant in 2004 so that all resources could be redirected into developing and establishing the promotional division as one of the leading publicists of independent hip hop & rap music worldwide, the label are relaunching in 2019 with UEP reverting to its original role in house.
Just launched today, the official website www.newdawnrecs.com has all the details about the label’s history while outlining their plans for the future, including information regarding the initial set of releases specially formulated to mark their return.
Originally releasing on vinyl and CD formats, New Dawn Records have partnered with US company Ingrooves for worldwide digital distribution, and have four new EP’s in the pipeline representing a mix of back catalogue never before available in digital format, re-worked and produced originals and brand new exclusive tracks.
This early release phase is ahead of the label working with new artists and their products, several of whom may be very familiar to those aware of past work done by UrbanElite PR.
26th April 2019 sees the first of these EP’s releasing, “Y’All in Meltdown – Lazarus EP Vol 1” by the crew Belles in Monica. A mix of their two singles “Y’All Under Surveillance” and “Meltdown”, originally released on 12″ vinyl, both were championed by BBC Radio 1’s Steve Lamacq among others, enjoyed extensive international club support, received coverage in magazines such as Billboard, DJ and Blues & Soul, and were featured in independent films.
Included are remixes by Phi Life Cypher beatmeister DJ Nappa and the legendary DMC finalst DJ Krash Slaughta with further contributions by producers G-Sharp, Gripper and turntablist supreme DJ Mr Thing. The originals have also received the “re-work” treatment reflected in the ’18 edits.
VIDEO TRAILER
The second in the series releases 17th May 2019, the “Sapientia EP” by Underground Cartel
A project masterminded by producer Kruze to represent the traditional values of global hip hop culture, this is an international collaboration in the truest sense, with multiple territories represented.
Featured artists include Swiss Precise (KBH), Yukonn MC, Brandon J Atlas, Tone Rome, Lockness, Black Market and Crazy Ballhead (all USA), Creamo and Rapstation’s Mr CRF (both UK), El Meswy (Spain), Magellano (Croatia), Beni Blanco (Originaires du Sud France), Bleek (Holland), Grizu (Germany), Dumi Right (Zimbabwe) and from Italy, Marya and the late, great, Primo Brown (Cor Veleno).
VIDEO TRAILER
Keep up to date on all the latest label and release news here and over on the NDR website. You can also keep updated on social media
It’s been, yet again, our pleasure to work with more quality lyricists and beatmakers from the USA and UK this year.
For over a decade we have promoted albums and EP’s to worldwide media, some by established names, others from new emerging artists, but all who have the common denominator of being highly skilled at their craft. More details are HERE
We focus on MC’s and producers who draw from the authentic values of hip hop while adapting them for a modern era, securing press coverage and airplay for them throughout the specialist marketplaces in USA, Canada, UK, Europe and Australia. 2016 has been no different as demonstrated by the following releases :
HORSESHOE GANG – ALBUM “ANTI-TRAP MUSIC” released April 29th through Seven 13 Music & Ent
The Long Beach crew and younger brothers of Crooked I returned with their fourth official studio album although they have a multitude of EP and mixtape releases under their belt over the past decade. Most notable was their “Monthly Mixtape” series which saw them drop a tape every month for a full year between 2013 and 2014.
Last year they hit the headlines due to their rap battle with Hopsin’s now defunct “Funk Volume” and they summed up the ethos behind the new album title by stating “If you’re tired of hearing your kids singing songs around the house that’s talking about pushing crack, then get our new album !”
Including the tracks “Intro” featuring Crooked I and “Shoe-icide Squad” which addresses the issues reltaing to the Black Lives Matter movement, check the full album stream on Soundcloud
Typical of their industrious nature, they then released a further album “4 Brothers” as an acknowledgement of the support received from their extensive international fanbase.
Legendary eastcoast duo MC M.I. and DJ Cutt followed up 2015’s “Avant Garde” with “Omerta”, a concept album where the pair drew on their respective Italian and Russian heritages to adopt the roles of Luciano and Lansky.
The imagery was used purely metaphorically to address a variety of subject matters, consistent with M.I.’s current level of creativity as he embarks upon a movie making and acting career which saw his new film “Six2Six” featuring Treach, Syleena Johnson and Chief Rocker Busy Bee premiered at Ralph McDaniels’ Hip Hop Film Festival in NYC this year.
Returning to their harder, edgier sound, “Omerta” was considered by many to be their strongest album to date. Including the singles “So Underrated” and “DeLorean”, this is a classic “no fillers” release and fans of superior rhymes, beats and turntablism will have this stream on repeat.
TONE CHOP & FROST GAMBLE – EP “VETERAN” released November 18th through Seven 13 Music & Ent
Originally rivals in NY State’s rap battle scene in the 90’s, Tone Chop & Frost Gamble became partners in rhyme and tagging.
Due to Frost’s subsequent relocation to Winnipeg, Canada to pursue a career in production which has seen him work with Sadat-X, J-Ro and Rakim’s son Tahmell, Chop continued as a member of the group Binghamton’s Most Wanted while releasing a string of solo mixtapes in the dual capacity of rapper and producer. His “This is NY” includes the track “Momma” by Tom Gist produced by Chop.
Having contributed to Seven 13’s “God Bless Dope Rappers” compilation earlier this deal, Frost inked a deal with the label and the pair re-united for their first official EP release. “Veteran” is a warm up to an album planned for 2017, and includes the single “Leave It Alone”, a tribute to Sean Price featuring Ruste Juxx and Nobi.
Bars, beats and turntablism for days, this is for the hip hop connoisseurs.
MELANIN 9 – VIDEO “POLAROID” ft Karl Sage launched through Red Snow Records
November saw the welcome return of north London’s Melanin 9 with a new video “Polaroid” featuring upcoming UK artist Karl Sage.
The track was produced by the west coast native American duo Walterwarm and Cowode and is the first to be released from a new album “Old Pictures” due out around the Spring of 2017.
Whether as a member of the group Triple Darkness or due to his solo work, Melanin 9 has long been regarded as one of the UK’s most gifted lyricists, and in the new video which he also directed and edited, it’s not hard to see why.
All international press and DJ enquiries regarding any of these releases can be sent to us at UrbanElite PR, all our contact information is available HERE
UrbanElite PR thanks everyone for their support this year and we wish you all the best for 2017
Baltimore rapper M.I. and New Jersey producer DJ Cutt – aka Constant Deviants – released their new album “Omerta” on June 28th this year.
They originally formed in Brooklyn and spent a week back in the area at the time of the release appearing on various radio stations promoting the new record. This time a themed release with metaphorical references to the mafiosa underworld, they adopted the roles of Luciano & Lansky in a series of sonic vignettes employing the traditional art of storytelling while retaining their trademark sound.
The most recent review appears on page 77 in the current issue of French printed publication Jazz News Magazine which is in stores now, and is included with coverage on an eclectic range of artists including Eric Clapton, Mndsgn and Brooklyn’s The Golden Grass. There is more info on the magazine HERE
The pair head to Bogota, Colombia next Saturday October 1st to perform at Latino Power with Global Platoon. The venue is at Calle 58 # 13-88, Bogota. There is more information at SONGKICK
The album is available worldwide on digital, CD and vinyl formats, distributed by Fatbeats. Digital download is available to buy directly from SIX2SIX Records.
Connect with Constant Deviants on Facebook (Group & Label), on twitter (Group & Label) & check out the “Omerta” album stream
All international media, press & radio station enquiries regarding Constant Deviants can be sent to us at UrbanElite PR, our contact information is HERE
In the lead up to the release of the group’s fifth studio album “Omerta”, Baltimore rapper M.I. from Constant Deviants spoke at length to west coast online publication Streets Connect Magazine.
Part 1 of the interview was published recently, and in the second installment they discuss M.I.’s time spent signed to a solo deal with Arista and the issues he faced particularly in relation to the label’s suggested marketing strategy for him as an artist. This takes the conversation onto the wider subject of how white rappers were, and possibly still are, targeted at specific demographics.
An insight is given into M.I.’s earliest influences, and while several of the greats are acknowledged, he explains that the biggest factor in his development was found closer to home within Baltimore’s scene, and in particular the role played by Lab Tech 1.
The subject switches to M.I.’s move into the world of film making as an actor, writer and producer, with his most recent movie “Six2Six” having just been screened at last week’s Hip Hop Film Festival in NYC, and the discussion develops further as he explains why he feels it is now less productive for independent artists to release official music videos.
The interview concludes with the announcement that Constant Deviants will perform in Colombia shortly, a territory they have found to be particularly supportive due to a strong vinyl market in line with the label’s policy of releasing in that format, a factor which has also established their presence in the UK, Europe and Australia
The overall interview is one of the most in-depth ever given by M.I., and can be read HERE
“Omerta” can be bought as a digital download HERE and has been distributed to specialist stores worldwide in CD and vinyl formats by Fatbeats.
Connect with Constant Deviants on Facebook (Group & Label), on twitter (Group & Label) & check out the “Omerta” album stream
All international media, press and radio station publicity enquiries and requests regarding Constant Deviants can be sent to us at UrbanElite PR, our contact details are HERE
East coast hip hop duo Constant Deviants released their fifth studio album “Omerta” on June 28th.
Baltimore rapper M.I. and New Jersey producer DJ Cutt also launched the “Tre Volte” freestyle video trilogy, a representation of how they first met and performed together in an era when “2 turntables and a microphone” was the rule and not the exception. “Straight No Chasers” is the final episode in the series premiered today by IMPOSE MAGAZINE
M.I. has also moved into the world of acting, and his new film “Six2Six” co:starring Treach, Syleena Johnson and Chief Rocker Busy Bee will be screened at Ralph McDaniels’ Hip Hop Film Festival this Friday, August 5th, at 8.30pm EST. It takes place at Harlem’s National Black Theater as part of the “Tales from the Hood” showcase – more details HERE
CHECK THE “STRAIGHT NO CHASERS” VIDEO OUT ON VIMEO
You can connect with Constant Deviants on social media
The album “Omerta” is available in CD and vinyl formats in specialist stores worldwide, and the digital version can be bought from the label directly HERE
All international press & media enquiries and requests regarding Constant Deviants can be sent to us at UrbanElite PR, our contact details are HERE
The new July issue of French Magazine Hip Hop Breath has just been published.
Owned and edited by DJ LSM, a Parisien based dj and writer, the magazine appears online every quarter in “flip through” format hosted on Issuu.com.
The new issue includes features on Haddy Racks, Greenspan, Lessondary, G.P. and Constant Deviants.
The interview feature on Constant Deviants has as its main theme M.I.’s move into the world of film making as an actor, writer and producer, and they discuss the various past, present and future projects.
Naturally they also speak on their new album “Omerta” which released on June 28th, operating in the independent sector and their continuing policy of releasing on vinyl format, and the differences they find between the US and European marketplaces.
You can read the entire magazine HERE with the feature on Constant Deviants running from Page 26 to Page 32.
“Omerta” is available to buy as a digital download direct from Six2Six Records HERE while vinyl and CD versions are in specialist stores worldwide now having been distributed by Fatbeats.
M.I.’s new movie “Six2Six” co:starring Treach, Syleena Johnson and Chief Rocker Busy Bee will be screened at the Hip Hop Film Festival on Friday August 5th at 8.30pm. Organized by Ralph McDaniels, it takes place at the National Black Theater, 2031-33 National Black Theater Way off 5th Avenue in Harlem.
There is more about all of the films to be screened that day HERE
Keep up to date with Constant Deviants on social media, on Facebook (Group & Label) and on Twitter (Group & Label), and meantime check out the “Omerta” album stream
All media, press & radio station enquiries regarding COnstant Deviants can be sent to us at UrbanElite PR, our contact details are HERE
During the last week of June, M.I. and DJ Cutt from Constant Deviants were in NYC promoting their new album “Omerta” which released on June 28th
They appeared as guests on a wide range of radio shows and also took time out to meet up with Above Average Hip Hop contributor Shanique Williams.
In this short but sweet video, they address various questions including “What’s A Good Shower To Sing”.
At this point, DJ Cutt gives an answer where we would advise all viewers of a nervous disposition to look away, and all others to ensure you are sitting down for this one. You literally may not belieb…believe…your ears. Cutt has subsequently claimed to have been possessed by a demon at the time, and those weren’t his words, but we’ll let you be the judge !
Despite his brief dalliance with “the dark side”, DJ Cutt is one helluva producer and both he and M.I. released a real hip hop classic in “Omerta”.
It is available to buy online in digital format direct from Six2Six Records, while vinyl and CD versions are currently being distributed worldwide by Fatbeats
M.I. returns to NYC for the screening of his new movie “Six2Six” at the Hip Hop Film Festival on Friday August 5th. It co:stars Treach (Naughty by Nature), Syleena Johnson and Chief Rocker Busy Bee, and will be screened at 8.30pm EST that evening. More details about the festival HERE
You can connect with Constant Deviants on Twitter (Group & Label) and Facebook (Group & Label), and meantime check out the “Omerta” album stream
All media, press and radio station dj enquiries and requests regarding Constant Deviants can be sent to us at UrbanElite PR, our contact details are HERE
Baltimore rapper M.I., one half of hip hop duo Constant Deviants, spoke with the UK’s Ethan Everton for the US online magazine The REUP Spot recently about his various new ventures.
First up of course was the new album “Omerta” which was released digitally on June 28th and is being distributed on vinyl and CD formats worldwide by Fatbeats now.
They then move on to the subject of his recent move into the world of film making as an actor, writer and producer. Having already released a co:production with European affiliates SWC last year called “Swiss Banks”, his new movie “Six2Six” co:starring Treach (Naughty by Nature), Syleena Johnson and Chief Rocker Busy Bee was selected by Ralph McDaniels for a special screening at next month’s Hip Hop Film Festival in New York.
Finally, as co:owner of Six2Six Records and the new sub division Six2Six Films, he discusses his vision for the label’s future and further expansion. Read the full feature HERE
The album is available to buy as a digital download direct from Six2Six Records HERE. As mentioned earlier, Fatbeats are currently distributing the physical formats of vinyl and CD to specialist stores around the world.
Last week they released their third single from the album. “Reign Storms” was written in the aftermath of the death of Freddie Gray at the hands of Baltimore Police and the riots which ensued, and of course its release is all the more poignant due to well documented recent events in Minnesota, Dallas and Louisiana
Look out for the third and final episode of the group’s live freestyle video series “Tre Volte” launching shortly, and meantime connect with them on social media via Facebook (Group & Label) & Twitter (Group & Label)
All media, press and radio station dj enquiries and requests regarding Constant Deviants can be sent to us at UrbanElite PR, our contact details are HERE