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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. 

OFFICIAL VIDEO ON YOUTUBE

ON BANDCAMP

ON SPOTIFY

Also available to download & stream at APPLE MUSIC, AMAZON MUSIC & TIDAL

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 :

Justo on Twitter @MC_Justo, Instagram @JustoTheMC & Facebook @JustoTheMC

Brel on Twitter @BrelstaffMusic, Instagram @BrelstaffMusic & Facebook @BrelstaffMusic

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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 also provide 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

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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

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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.

Brelstaff on Social Media – all @BrelstaffMusic

TWITTER INSTAGRAM FACEBOOK

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

More information at the label’s official website www.newdawnrecs.com

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RPL-TheSkinny

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”

Read the whole article at the magazine HERE

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

UrbanElite PR
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SoulonFire-DataTransmission

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.”

Read the full analysis HERE

The album is available to buy on iTunes now HERE

From the album, check out the single “80’s & 90’s” produced by Edinburgh’s Sci Fi Stu and the video for Can’t Get Enough

Follow E on twitter @ethemadassassin and the magazine @d8atransmission You can also reach Janine on twitter @GrrlsClub

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

UrbanElite PR
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SoulonFire-SubbaCultcha

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

Follow E’s latest chapter in his book of life on twitter @EtheMadAssassin and also the magazine @SubbaCultchaCom

Any further media & press inquiries regarding this release, or dj requests for full quality clean mp3s of these tracks, can contact UrbanElite PR HERE

UrbanElite PR
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T : @urbanelitepr

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SoulOnFire-Echoescolumn
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

Can’t Get Enough

What It’s Supposed To Be

80’s & 90’s

Follow E on twitter @EtheMadAssassin and the magazine @EchoesMag

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

UrbanElite PR
www.urbanelitepr.com
T : @urbanelitepr

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BLATANTLY BLUNT

KISHMEISTER

THE SKINNY MAGAZINE

Melanin 9’s debut album “Magna Carta” releases digitally on 3rd December and CD versions of the album can also be ordered now directly from http://m9ether.bandcamp.com

With the recent release of his video “White Russian” ft Roc Marciano and packed launch event at The Vibe Bar last Friday under his belt, the album featured this week in MOJO Magazine, and three more publications have just gone live with their coverage

London’s Blatantly Blunt cover a wide range of genres including hip hop, rap, and grime, Kishmeister has been supporting the local hip hop scene for some considerable time now and Edinburgh’s The Skinny is a multi genre magazine with both a physical publication and online presence.

All 3 have fully endorsed the album with The Skinny giving a 4 star rating

Read the reviews below

Blatantly Blunt READ

Kishmeister READ

The Skinny (you can also buy in stores now) READ

As the album is near release, look out for much more media coverage going live from both sides of the Atlantic in the next couple of weeks, and look out for new features and videos coming over the next couple of months

You can keep in touch with him on twitter @Melanin_9 and the magazines @BlatantlyBlunt @BrokenSoulBoy @TheSkinnyMag

All media, press & radio dj enquiries about this release can be addressed to UrbanElite PR HERE

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Cali Agent Planet Asia and Mhz front man Copywrite join forces for a rare tour of Europe from 31st January to 10th February 2013 and plan following up with a visit to UK shores

Ohio’s Copywrite has had a huge 2012 in the UK. First of all with the release of his new solo album “God Save The King (Proper English Version)” which was covered by over 40 British publications and featured some heavyweights in the English scene including Akala, Bigz Flygerian, S.A.S., Iron Braydz, Genesis Elijah, Mystro and Melanin 9.

The Ohio Hip Hop Awards “Lyricist of the Year” for 2011 followed up quickly with the long awaited new album from his group Mhz. “Megacy” sees Copywrite, Tage Future and Jakki da Motamouth team up once more with producer RJD2, and includes features and further production contributions from Harry Fraud, Ill Bill, Gangrene, Marco Polo, Stu Bangas, Blu and J Rawls.

Known throughout the hip hop world with a huge reputation built for his countless rap battles and as an emcee with punchlines for days, it will be the first time in around a decade that UK fans will have the opportunity to witness the man in action.

Joining him will see a welcome return for Planet Asia. The Fresno veteran emcee has just announced that he will be releasing a new collaborative album with New York producer Gensu Dean in 2013 for Mello Music Group, having released his latest album Black Belt Theatre in 2012.

He has joined forces on similar projects in recent times with DJ Muggs, Gold Chain Military Crew, G-Force and Madlib

An artist of the highest calibre, he’s been a long time favourite for lovers of that Tru Skool sound throughout the world.

Its sure to be in the “not to be missed” category for all who appreciate the best in hip hop

Booking enquiries are being accepted now from UK club and venue promoters, and should be addressed to UrbanElite PR HERE and headed “Asia & Copywrite Booking Enquiry”

UrbanElite Promotions
www.urbanelitepr.com
T : @urbanelitepr