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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.

UrbanElite PR
www.urbanelitepr.com
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Shoe-icideHipHopDX

Long Beach crew Horseshoe Gang released their album “Anti-Trap Music” on April 29th, and within a week it entered the top 50 of iTunes’ charts in 15 countries.

From it was the single “Shoe-icide Squad”, the group’s savage verbal attack on police brutality against the black community, delivered with a ferocity that drew many to compare it to NWA’s “F*ck The Police”. The appropriately raucous beat is courtesy of Danish production duo Tabu (Kendrick Lamar, Schoolboy Q, Tech N9ne)

With the recent events in Minnesota, Louisiana, Florida and now Canada taking place in the midst of political upheaval, the west coast rappers have put their full weight behind the Black Lives Matter movement by releasing this new official video, premiered by HIPHOP DX

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WATCH THE VIDEO ON YOUTUBE

Horseshoe Gang drop a new limited edition album “4 Brothers” in September, with CD versions of both album releases available from Seven 13 Ent HERE

“Anti-Trap Music” available from iTunes HERE

Keep up to date with Horseshoe Gang on social media via TWITTER, INSTAGRAM and FACEBOOK

All press, media and radio station enquiries regarding Horseshoe Gang, including requests for full quality dirty & clean edit mp3s of “Shoe-icide Squad” for airplay, can be sent to us at UrbanElite PR. All our contact details are HERE

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Ande-GetThatPaperSon

Rising Southern Rapper & producer Ande Bishop released his debut EP “Ocean$” this week through Seven 13 Entertainment

It is available on iTunes HERE

Since switching focus to his own career at the start of 2015, having been on production duties for fellow American Roulette stablemate Londn Blue, a string of buzz track and single releases have been featured prominantly by an extensive number of international online publications, with his debut video release “MoneyorFriendz” aired by MTV and VH-1.

His subsequent single release “OLDJAYZVIDEOS” was publicly co:signed by Rick Ross leading to the Russell Simmons owned “All Def Digital” channel hosting the official video

Florida’s online Get That Paper Son is the next to endorse someone being hotly tipped as the one to watch from the new wave of urban artists emerging from the South. Read their review of the “Ocean$ EP” HERE

Connect with Ande on twitter @2AndeBishop and his label @Seven13Music

All press & media inquiries regarding Ande Bishop including requests for interviews whether in person, by Skype, phone or email q&a, can be sent to UrbanElite PR. Our contact details are HERE

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CDnew

In the lead up to the release of Constant Deviants’ new album “Avant Garde”, Emcee M.I. appeared as a guest on The Underground Arsenal Show, broadcast on Florida’s Del City Radio

First aired live on Sunday 10th May, you can now listen back to the interview & the whole show on the station’s Mixcloud

“Avant Garde” was released on 12th May through Six2Six Records, initially in digital format although vinyl and CD availability will follow by around late May. Whichever format you prefer, you can buy or order it HERE

Look out for more international media & press coverage in the weeks ahead, together with the launch of the third & final episode of their “3Stylez” video series and the release of the third official single from the album. You can connect with them on social media on twitter @Cnstnt_Dvnts & @Six2SixShift and on their Facebook Page

All international press, media and radio station enquiries regarding Constant Deviants can be sent to UrbanElite PR. Our contact details are HERE

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CD-Guestlist

With only 6 days to go until the release of their fourth studio album “Avant Garde” on 12th May, Baltimore’s Emcee M.I. & New Jersey producer DJ Cutt, aka Constant Deviants, sat down with the UK’s online publication Guestlist Network

In this latest feature they discuss their early days and time spent working with Arista and Roc-A-Fella, they speak about the development of their trademark sound over what’s been nearly 20 years since the release of their debut 12″ Competition Catch Speed Knots and outline how they operate as a group, Six2Six label managers and accomodate working on further seperate projects with international affiliates.

READ THE WHOLE INTERVIEW HERE

Fresh from appearing on Miami’s 4ManKind TV show last night, M.I. will be heading to NYC next week to meet up with DJ Cutt for a series of radio & media interviews. You will be able to hear them shortly on Florida’s Del City Radio, the UK’s Break London and NYC’s Beatminerz and Not97 Shows. They will also be releasing the third and final instalment of what’s proven to be their highly popular “3Stylez” video series next week with M.I. and DJ Cutt performing a straight, one take, live freestyle to camera

Earlier this week they released the bonus cut “Thinkin” featuring another from the Six2Six Roster, New York MC Rome. The joint was recorded between their last album “Diamond” and the current release. Check the stream out on Soundcloud :

Look out for more international media coverage in the weeks ahead, and meantime keep up to date with them during this busy time on twitter @Cnstnt_Dvnts & @Six2SixShift and on their Facebook Page The label’s official website is HERE

All media, press and radio station dj inquiries regarding Constant Deviants, including requests to interview them while in New York next week, can be sent to UrbanElite PR. Our contact details are HERE

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CD-WordplayMagazine

The UK’s Wordplay Magazine covers a broad spectrum of hip hop culture, music, breakin, graffiti, fashions and much more. They produce a high quality printed physical publication as well as having their online version.

They are the latest to run the rule over the new album “Avant Garde” by veteran duo Constant Deviants which releases on vinyl, CD and digital formats next week, Tuesday 12th May, through their own Six2Six Records imprint.

Maintaining and evolving their musical approach since releasing their debut 12″ Competition Catch Speed Knots in 1996 has earned them international recognition throughout the years, and this latest endorsement is written by journalist Ryan Proctor who also runs his own online platform “Old To The New”

READ THE REVIEW HERE

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You will also be able to watch Emcee M.I. appear on Miami’s 4ManKind TV Show tonight, 5th May, from 8pm EST, and the programme streams live at http://universemiami.com/4mktv/

Yesterday they leaked a previously unreleased track recorded between albums. “Thinkin” features another of the Six2Six Records roster, New York MC Rome. Check the stream out on Soundcloud :

M.I. will be travelling from Baltimore next week to meet up with DJ Cutt for a series of radio & media interviews which are due to include appearances on Beatminerz Radio and Not97. Further details to follow.

Any radio station DJs in New York or members of the press & media who would like to meet with Constant Deviants while they are in the city between Monday 11th May – Thursday 14th May inclusive can get in touch with UrbanElite PR. Our contact details are HERE

Connect with them online on twitter @Cnstnt_Dvnts & @Six2SixShift or on their Facebook Page. The label’s official site is HERE

UrbanElite PR
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CD-RapManiacza

Constant Deviants release their new album “Avant Garde” on 12th May through their own Six2Six label. It will be available worldwide on vinyl, CD and digital formats.

Next year marks the 20th anniversary of the release of their debut 12″ classic single “Competition Catch Speed Knots” when they first came together by performing at NY college parties. Then based in Brooklyn and New Jersey, they also worked on seperate projects for Arista and Roc-A-Fella before reforming specifically as a group in 2009 and setting up their own label

Their focus both as artists and a label on the traditional elements of hip hop helped them build strongly with the European market where there has always been a long standing appreciation for this style. This led to developing a working relationship with Swiss label SWC Records, releasing projects under the name Trilateral Commission, most recently the “Swiss Banks” movie. The soundtrack uses their album with the visual concept based on the best selling novel of the same name. M.I. plays an acting role in the film.

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Over the past few months, there has been widespread interest in the release and their “3Stylez” video series, a trilogy of freestyles showing M.I. and DJ Cutt performing live and direct as hip hop intended. The first two videos “Heavy Artillery” and “Art of War” were released in April. Their single “Breathin” registered #1 in the college radio charts and featured in the UK’s print publication DJ Magazine, with a subsequent bonus joint “Just Make Music” also getting regular spins. They’ve already featured in various international publications with much more to come.

CDnew

M.I., now based in Baltimore, was also one of the guests talking hip hop & politics with SiriusXM’s Jon Leiberman for his new online tv show “Rapping with Leiberman”. You will also be able to watch him live on Florida’s 4ManKind TV Show this coming Tuesday 5th May from 8pm EST via Universe Miami as well as hear him on as a guest of Del City Radio (Florida) and JHart’s Big Bang Radio Show on the UK’s Break London station. The pair head to NYC for a further set of media & radio interviews from Friday 8th May to Thursday 14th May inclusive

Latest review of their album comes via Italy’s RapManiacz who have afforded the release a 4 star rating. READ IT HERE

Look out for another bonus cut “Thinkin'” launching next week, and meanwhile check out the official video for their single “Breathin”

Keep up to date with them on twitter @Cnstnt_Dvnts & @Six2SixShift and on their FACEBOOK PAGE

All press, media and radio station requests to interview Constant Deviants, including while in New York, can be sent to UrbanElite PR via our CONTACT SECTION

UrbanElite PR
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Rising Southern rapper & producer Ande Bishop releases his debut EP “Ocean$ – Extended Play” on 19th May.

The recent signing to Seven 13 Entertainment first gained recognition for his production work on Londn Blue’s “False Hope” EP released last year before his first ever solo release “50 Centences” was debuted by The Source in January. Subsequent releases “$77.43” and “MoneyorFriendz” featuring on MTV and VH-1 have seen his fanbase in areas such as Alabama and Atlanta grow significantly in a short period of time, reinforcing his reputation as one of the hottest emerging talents from the region.

He has just launched the second single from his new EP, “OLDJAYZVIDEOS” produced by Taylor $upreme, premiered today by JackThriller.com. The official video for the track will be released in May.

HEAR THE AUDIO STREAM ON SOUNDCLOUD

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Look out for international press & media coverage on Ande coming soon. Meantime, you can connect with him on twitter @Ande_Bishop and his label @Seven13Music

All press & media inquiries regarding Ande Bishop, including requests for a promotional copy of the EP to review, requests to interview the artist or DJ requests for an mp3 of the full quality clean radio edit, can be sent to UrbanElite PR via our CONTACT SECTION

UrbanElite PR
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CD-IAmHipHopMag

Baltimore / New Jersey duo Constant Deviants spoke recently with the UK’s I Am Hip Hop Magazine about their fourth studio album “Avant Garde” which releases on the 12th May 2015.

During the interview, M.I. explains the derivative of his stage name while DJ Cutt informs us of how he started out deejaying and his approach and technique to production. The pair also speak on the setting up of their label Six2Six Records and the fundamental ethos behind it which includes releasing on vinyl, their writing method and their creative evolution from starting out in the 90’s to the present day.

READ THE ENTIRE FEATURE HERE

You will soon be able to hear and see M.I. live in two new interviews

Tomorrow, March 21st at 1pm EST (5pm GMT), he will be live in Miami’s SNDS Radio studio for Da Rozay Spot show which you can hear online via Live365.com & TuneIn.com Rozay is well known for writing for several onlines including 24 Hour Hip Hop and you can find out more at RealRozay.com

Then on Wednesday 8th April, you will be able to see M.I. appear on the new “Rapping with Leiberman” online video show to discuss many of the political & general issues of the day. The new show hosted by Sirius FM’s Jon Leiberman streams live on youtube, Google Hangouts and also on EveryJoe.com Bishop Lamont will be appearing on the show next Wednesday, 25th March.

There have been two official videos released from the album to date, the first of these being “The Right Moment”

Look out for extensive international media coverage on this release in the coming weeks and months ahead. All press & radio station DJ inquiries regarding the release including requests for a promotional copy of the album to review or to arrange an interview with Constant Deviants can be sent to us via our CONTACT SECTION

Meanwhile you can connect with Constant Deviants online via twitter @Cnstnt_Dvnts & @Six2SixShift and on Facebook “ConstantDeviantsMusic”

UrbanElite PR
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CONSTANT DEVIANTS-RozayFlyer

Baltimore Emcee M.I. from Constant Deviants is currently in Florida for a short stay, and will be dropping in to Miami’s SNDS Radio studios on Saturday 21st March from 1pm – 3pm EST (5pm – 7pm GMT) to appear live on the station’s Da Rozay Spot Show.

The show can be heard online via Live365.com and TuneIn.com

Expect to hear M.I. discuss his near 20 years in the industry, both in the Major and independent sectors, and of course the new Constant Deviants album “Avant Garde” which releases on 12th May 2015 on vinyl, CD and digital formats through Six2Six Records.

The duo released their latest video “Breathin” recently, check it out on Youtube

You can keep up to date with Constant Deviants on social media, Twitter @Cnstnt_Dvnts & @Six2SixShift and Facebook “ConstantDeviantsMusic” and also find out more about the show’s host Rozay via her site RealRozay.com

Look out for extensive international media coverage on this release in the weeks and months ahead. All press & media inquiries regarding Constant Deviants including requests for a promotional copy of the album to review or to arrange an interview with the group can be sent to UrbanElite PR via our CONTACT SECTION

UrbanElite PR
www.urbanelitepr.com
T : @urbanelitepr