Released today, new single “Fine Line” by Brooklyn rapper Justo the MC and Edinburgh producer Brelstaff, taken from the album ‘Urban Testimony’ which released on November 3rd through New Dawn Records and has just been featured on Bandcamp’s front page New & Notable spotlight section.
The album’s entire theme depicts events leading up to, during and following Justo’s curtailed and troubled time studying at Clark Atlanta University some years ago, and the future chosen with lessons learned. “Fine Line” documents a conflicted mind, weighed down by the expectations derived from a background of faith while straying from the path of opportunity in a rueful narrative.
Brelstaff’s atmospheric soundtrack cuts deep into the concept, and was first broadcast on BBC Radio 1’s Focus Beats programme during the summer.
There is also an official video on the label’s Youtube channel
For information about any of New Dawn Records’ releases, visit their official website WWW.NEWDAWNRECS.COM
All media and press inquiries regarding any of NDR’s releases or roster can be sent to ourselves, the label’s in house promotional division. Contact us HERE
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.
Prolific Brooklyn rapper Justo the MC releases his new album “Urban Testimony” on November 3rd, a collaborative project with UK producer Brelstaff.
The entire theme depicts events leading up to and including his curtailed time at Clark Atlanta University, a fascinating insight and deeply personal narrative documenting the trials and tribulations which unfolded and led him to a turning point in life.
The instrumental version of the album was released earlier this year, with tracks having already featured on “Focus Beats” broadcast on the world renowned BBC Radio 1 and Radio 6.
Out today on New Dawn Records, the trans-Atlantic duo get their steez on early in this first single “High”, a dope blend of infectious chilled beats which fuel a blissful journey of slick rhymes to the four corners of the mind. Enjoy the ride.
For information on all of New Dawn Records’ releases, visit their official website HERE
All press, radio DJ and multimedia enquiries regarding any of New Dawn Records’ releases can be addressed to ourselves, the label’s in house promotional division. Visit our CONTACT PAGE to get in touch.
You can connect with the artists on Social Media :
The new episode of Focus Beats was broadcast on BBC Radio 6 at the weekend, and is due to be repeated on BBC Radio 1 this Wednesday.
Produced for the BBC by Reform Radio, the programme features a mix of instrumental lofi hip hop chilled beats, ambient electronica and other soothing sounds designed to assist students focusing on study and alsoprovide a generally relaxing backdrop through the night. The concept will be well known to those familiar with several Youtube and Spotify playlists also designed for that exact purpose.
The programme is also available on BBC Sounds for approximately 6 weeks after first broadcast, so you can listen back to it HERE
Included in this week’s playlist are instrumental versions of tracks by De La Soul, Method Man, Aretha Franklyn and three separate artists with albums either already released or set for release later this year by New Dawn Records
BRELSTAFF “FINE LINE [Instrumental]”Taken from the album “Urban Testimony (The Instrumentals) released in the Spring, the full vocal version of the album, a collaboration with Brooklyn rapper Justo the MC, drops November 3rd
Instrumental album on Spotify (also available on Bandcamp, Apple, Deezer, Amazon & Tidal)
Full vocal album video trailler on Youtube
FROST GAMBLE “LONG RIDE [Instrumental]”. This is the instrumental version of a track which will appear on the album “Cautionary Tales” out on October 20th. Another collaborative project between veteran producer Frost Gamble and upcoming award winning upstate NY rapper Anthony Kannon.
The first single “Pitfalls” released in June with the new single “Make It Rain” due out on July 18th
Pitfalls on Spotify (also available on Bandcamp, Apple, Tidal, Deezer & Amazon)
Album video trailer on Youtube
HUSKY BROWN “VEGANITE [Instrumental]”This is the instrumental version of the track which appeared on the album “Panacea”, another joint venture with London rapper Phoenix da Icefire, and which was nominated for ‘Best Independent Album’ at the AIM Awards 2020
“Panacea” on Spotify (also available on Bandcamp, Apple, Deezer, Tidal & Apple)
“Veganite” on Youtube
For further information about all of New Dawn Records’ releases, visit their official website www.newdawnrecs.com
All written media and radio DJ enquiries about the label’s releases can be sent to ourselves, their in house promotional division. Contact details available HERE
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
As announced by New Dawn Records today, their first of several releases scheduled for 2023 comes courtesy of Edinburgh hip hop producer Brelstaff who laces us with his trademark concoction of chilled, soulful, lofi hip hop vibes with further influences of progressive rock, jazz fusion and ambient electronica fused together effortlessly in an ethereal soundtrack that focuses minds and soothes souls in equal measure.
“Urban Testimony [The Instrumentals]” drops on April 28th, and is the pre-cursor to the full vocal version, a collaborative project with Brooklyn rapper Justo the MC, which is due for release in the autmn preceded by a series of singles.
The label have just published a Video Trailer and Audio Teaser for the album on Youtube and Soundcloud
The album will be available on all major digital platforms including Bandcamp, Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal Music and Amazon Music. Official videos for each track will also appear on the label’s Youtube channel upon the album’s release.
All media and radio enquiries regarding this album can be addressed to ourselves, the label’s in-house promotional division. Our contact details are HERE
Edinburgh based physical & online publication The Skinny Magazine covers a broad spectrum of entertainment including theatre, comedy, art, literature, going out / events, travel and music.
Their contributor, Bram Gieben, likes his hip hop and is the latest to review the new debut solo album by London’s Apex Zero – “Reality Provoking Liberation” – which releases on 28th October. The rapper & producer would have been best known previously as part of the duo First and Last (still very much alive & kicking) and also as part of the group The Pantheonz of Zenn-La, renowned for their frenetic live shows.
Opening with “Apex Zero’s raw, manifesto-driven raps have a lot in common with the edgy, paranoid psy-ops chat of Triple Darkness and M9. Chaotic Revolt in particular captures the anger and violence inherent in the legacy of the 2011 London riots, and throughout, the beats draw on the rich tradition of string-led, cinematic sample-craft of RZA” it is another review picking up on the range of political & social issues covered in his rhymes and delivered in such a way that “Throughout, Apex Zero’s lyrical content is angry, literate and intelligent”
Listen out for Apex Zero appearing on Itch FM this Saturday, 26th October, from 8.30pm with Sammy Jay, then the following Tuesday, 29th October, with Mr 13 on Bang FM from 10pm.
You can expect to see much more coverage on the album between now and his album launch party which takes place upstairs at The Vibe Bar, 91 Brick Lane, London E1 6QL on Saturday 7th December where he’ll be joined by Caxton Press, Iron Braydz and Itch FM’s DJ A.Gee. Entry is £5.00 on the door and more information is available at www.vibe-bar.co.uk
It may be possible to see him perform prior to this, so best keep up to date with him on twitter @ApexZero00 and via his website www.firstandlastpride.co.uk You can also connect with the magazine on twitter @TheSkinnyMag and Bram via @t3xtur3
Any further press or media inquiries, requests for interviews with Apex Zero or copies of the album to review can be sent to UrbanElite PR HERE
Meanwhile, check out this bonus cut released recently, The World We Exist In
British online magazine DataTransmission is well known for its coverage of all type of dance music, from techno, house, dubstep and all other genres in between, reporting from all around the UK and hotspots such as Ibiza, Aiya Napa and various other European resorts & cities.
They also like their rap and hip hop music, and have just reviewed the new album Soul on Fire by rapper ethemadassassin, currently based in Los Angeles but most associated with his native North Carolina where he started out performing in the 90’s.
One half of Veteran Assassins, this is E’s third solo album which released on 17th September, and Janine Francois cast an eye over his most recent offering
“ethemadassasin, lives up to regal standards as set by his previous releases such as, ‘Proverbs’ and ‘ Tomorrow Never Comes’ both dealing with the chaotic lifestyle lived by this Golden Era emcee” is how the review opens which notes his lyrcism, wit, humour, sarcasm and “hard cold truths” in what is an audio biopic of his life from his early days to the “latest scene in the movie of his life today”.
The album has received much credit for its open & honest approach, owning up to past mistakes, acknowledging struggles and successes, and also having a healthy dose of retrospective flava for those who remember or are fans of the sights, sounds and fashions of the 90’s.
The review summarizes “ethemadassasin does himself justice and for hardcore fans you will not be disappointed, as he lyrically delivers the goods. For those new to this ageless rapper, it is recommended you reference previous works to gain some context on ‘Soul on Fire.’ The album does just that, bares his soul for us to hear.”
Any djs who require the full quality clean edit mp3s of any tracks from this album, or media & press with further inquiries about the release should contact UrbanElite PR HERE
UK online music magazine Subba Cultcha covers a wide variety of genres, featuring news on artists, releases, interviews and more
The publication’s Ben Bradford took time out recently to speak with Los Angeles hip hop emcee EtheMadAssassin ahead of the release of his third solo album “Soul on Fire” on 17th September.
Something of a veteran in the independent scene…and not just as part of Cali duo Veteran Assassins…he started out based in Greensboro NC and also spent time in Camden, New Jersey before making the move to the west coast primarily to start the new group with his partner in rhyme Veteran Eye.
The interview is preceded with an overview of the new album itself “if you want to learn of life on the streets, particularly in the 80s and 90s then this is the place to come” adding “This is Assassin rap…where Ethemadassassin comes out fighting for you, fighting for himself, and fighting for people to be together and fighting against the bullshit…its an honest and breathtakingly direct approach, which has come to fruition on his new album ’Soul On Fire’”
The interview itself covers details about the single and video for “Can’t Get Enough”, the making of Soul on Fire, working with the producers on the LP, how he formulates the ideas behind his rhymes & lyrics and the general writing process, the formation of Veteran Assassins and the days in when he started out in NC and the artists who acted as his own main influences.
An artist with his own unique style & personality, he sums it up :
“I found my pocket a long time ago and I definitely don’t try to emulate anyone, its like being yourself isn’t cool, I have my own way of doing things” read the whole interview HERE
If you like those old soul groove sampled joints with a nod to the good ‘ol days, check out two of his most recent singles:
Video for “Can’t Get Enough”
Single for “80’s & 90’s” produced by Edinburgh’s Sci Fi Stu
Echoes Magazine is one of the longest established publications in the UK covering hip hop, rap, jazz, r&b, soul with news, reviews, features produced in both physical and online format
The current September 2013 issue has the usual wide spread of genre coverage, and in Sunil Chauhan’s regular hip hop page he covers news on Ishmael Butler (Digable Planets / Shabazz Palaces) moving to Sub Pop, Kanye West & Rhymefest new non profit organization Donda’s House, Belafonte / Jay Z, Mobb Deep’s Prodigy and his new publishing imprint Infamous Books and Just Blaze providing the soundtrack for the video game Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
Included in the column is a new interview with Los Angeles (by way of Greensboro NC) emcee, and one half of Veteran Assassins, EtheMadAssassin. His new solo album “Soul on Fire” releases on 17th September, and the interview addresses his reflection on the 80’s & 90’s Golden Era of hip hop – the time which marks his early beginnings in the game – his tag as a gangsta rapper & why this isn’t a description he recognizes, the rap scene in North Carolina and his time working for Elektra Records.
UK readers can pick the magazine up from stores now, and international readers will have the opportunity to read the whole magazine in 2 weeks when the new website www.echoesmagazine.co.uk is relaunched and will include a page by page flick through.
E’s album is full of powerful lyricism, an honest take on his life journey to date, and includes some quality production throughout.
Check out the videos & audio for the soul laden track Can’t Get Enough which premiered on The Rap Up, What It’s Supposed to Be produced by Japan’s Kyo Itachi, and the Pharcyde-esque “80’s & 90’s” with beats courtesy of Edinburgh’s Sci Fi Stu
Look out for more coverage in the weeks ahead. Any media, press or dj inquiries about the release or requests for interviews and clean full quality mp3s of the singles can be sent to UrbanElite PR HERE
