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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
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DJ Toshi is celebrating the 10th anniversary of his Classic Storm Radio Show by throwing on this must see event for all hip hop heads in New York City, tomorrow night, Saturday November 25th 2017.

He’s brought together a seriously impressive line up which will include live performances by The Beatnuts, Planet Asia, Ruste Juxx, Illa Ghee, Mr Complex, C-Rayz Walz and El Gant.

There will be a special DJ set by D.I.T.C.’s Lord Finesse with further sets by Toshi, Street Vision’s DJ Ready Cee and DJ Mixx. The night will be hosted by Classic Storm’s Sunez, Bodega Cold Kutz’ Doc AHK and local emcee Mic Handz

THE VENUE IS MERCURY LOUNGE, 217 EAST HOUSTON STREET, NEW YORK, NY 10002

Doors open at 10.30pm with the show starting at 11pm. This is a 21 and over event so bring ID if you think it may be required. Price on the door is $20, although there are still some discount priced tickets available in advance from TICKETFLY

There is more information about the show at the Facebook Event Page

In August, Toshi had producer Frost Gamble and Detroit rapper ZotheJerk as guests on the show. The pair released the album “Black Beach” in May.

Frost was in town to finish the recording of his “Rare Fabric” EP with Tragedy Khadafi, released in October, and to help promote his album “Respect Is Earned Not Given” with NY state rapper Tone Chop which released in September and featured Kool G Rap, Planet Asia and rap battler DNA

In early 2018 he will be releasing his solo producer album “I Missed My Bus” which includes featured artists KXNG Crooked, Ruste Juxx, Ras Kass, Skyzoo, Conway, Rah Digga, Guilty Simpson and many more.

Listen back to the show first broadcast on August 8th

All media & press enquiries about ZotheJerk, Tone Chop & Frost Gamble can be sent to us at UrbanElite PR. Our contact information details are available HERE

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Eastcoast rapper / producer duo Tone Chop & Frost Gamble released their album “Respect Is Earned Not Given” in September featuring Kool G Rap, Planet Asia, DNA and Tragedy Khadafi.

While in NYC last month they appeared as guests of DJ Eclipse on his Sirius XM “Rap Is Outta Control Show” a few days before Frost released his “Rare Fabric” EP with Tragedy Khadafi and his remix of the Kid Vishis single “Go Off” featuring Royce da 5’9″.

The pair are back with a brand new joint “Chop ‘Em Up [Freestyle]” made available as a free download today, the battle hardened rapper delivering a salvo of his trademark punchline bars over Frost’s bass heavy beats that kick like a mule.

STREAM & DOWNLOAD THE MP3 FROM SOUNDCLOUD

“Respect Is Earned Not Given” available on CD & digital formats

AMAZON xxx BANDCAMP xxx iTUNES xxx SPOTIFY

Connect with Tone Chop & Frost Gamble on social media, via Twitter @ToneChop & @FrostGamble, Instagram @ToneChop & @Frost.Gamble and over on their joint Facebook Page

All media & press enquiries regarding Tone Chop, Frost Gamble and their new album, including DJ requests for a full quality (320) mp3 of the clean radio edit of “Chop ‘Em Up” can be sent to us at UrbanElite PR. Our contact information details are available HERE

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NY State rapper Tone Chop & producer Frost Gamble have been in NYC these past two days promoting their new album “Respect Is Earned Not Given” which released through 22 Entertainment on September 29th and includes featured artists Kool G Rap, Planet Asia, rap battler DNA, Canadian upcomer White Rhino & Tragedy Khadafi.

Frost’s new collaborative EP with Tragedy Khadafi, “Rare Fabric”, releases this Friday, October 20th again through 22 Ent, and is also currently working on new projects with Royce da 5’9″, Horseshoe Gang, and a new album “I Missed My Bus” due out in 2018 featuring Crooked I, Skyzoo, Rah Digga, Conway, Ras Kass, Sadat X, Ruste Juxx, Guilty Simpson & many more.

Last night the pair were guests on DJ Eclipse’s Sirius XM “Rap Is Outta Control Show”, and tonight they’ll be in the Bronx, live in the studio with Fred Ones & DJ Rhinoceros Funk for the Guerrilla Grooves Radio Show. It’ll likely be worth tuning in just to hear Chop’s views on everything alone !!

Listen online from 7pm – 10pm EST via www.guerrillagroovesradio.com / MyRadioStream

Just as with their “Veteran” EP last year, the new album has received extensive international media coverage, a vindication of the quality rhymes, beats and turntablism they consistently deliver. Here’s a couple examples

LEAVE IT ALONE (Tribute to Sean P) ft Ruste Juxx & Nobi

WALK THE WALK ft Kool G Rap

“Respect Is Earned Not Given” is available on CD, digital and streaming formats from Amazon, Bandcamp, iTunes and Spotify

Connect with them on social media – they’ll holla back for sure – on twitter @ToneChop & @FrostGamble, IG @ToneChop & @Frost.Gamble & via their Joint Facebook Page

All media, press and radio station DJ inquiries regarding Tone Chop, Frost Gamble and their new album camn be directed to us at UrbanElite PR. Our contact information details are available HERE

UrbanElite PR
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T : @urbanelitepr

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NY state producer Frost Gamble, now a resident of Winnipeg Canada, has become one of the fastest emerging names in the game over the past year.

Having signed with Miami’s 22 Entertainment when his track “Honey” with Detroit rapper ZotheJerk was picked up for the label’s “God Bless Dope Rappers” compilation early in 2016, the release of his “Veteran” EP with long time associate Tone Chop in November 2016 kick started a significant escalation in his career.

In May 2017, he released the album “Black Beach” with ZotheJerk which enjoyed international media coverage and included featuring in the renowned MOJO Magazine. In September he released the album “Respect Is Earned Not Given” with Tone Chop, again receiving worldwide critical acclaim and on October 20th releases another collaborative project, this time the “Rare Fabric” EP with Tragedy Khadafi.

Meantime, he has been working on remix and new music projects with Royce da 5’9″ and Horseshoe Gang, and in early 2018 will release his new solo album “I Missed My Bus” which includes stellar featured artists including Crooked I, Rah Digga, Conway, Planet Asia, Ruste Juxx, Skyzoo, Ras Kass, Guilty Simpson and more.

So what’s behind the story here? Two US publications got in touch with the man to find out.

West coast magazine “Streets Connect” spoke with Frost recently

In the resultant in depth interview feature, they discuss last year’s “Veteran” EP, the new album “Respect Is Earned Not Given” and the history with Chop which goes back to their time in Binghamton during the 90’s, rap battle rivals who became partners in tagging and developed a brother-like relationship which has survived to this day.

Frost outlines his recording and production techniques, his connections with the featured artists including Kool G Rap, and previews what to expect from the EP with Tragedy Khadafi. He talks about the nature of the working relationship with 22 Entertainment and how this has helped him progress as an artist, and finishes by explaining how he handles the increase on workload and demands of his time while sharing his future aspirations.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE

While in NYC during August to complete the new EP with Tragedy Khadafi, Frost linked up with The Beeshine TV.

In the resultant video interview, Frost discusses his journey through hip hop, initially as a b-boy, then an MC and ultimately as a crate digging beatmaker, and reveals what his main aim is now in the context of what the culture has given to him through the years.

A well filmed and constructed conversation which you can watch now on Youtube

Connect with Frost on social media via Twitter, IG and Facebook

“Respect Is Earned Not Given” is available from Amazon, iTunes and Bandcamp

All media, press and radio show enquiries regarding Frost Gamble, including requests for interviews, can be sent to us at UrbanElite PR. Our contact information details are available HERE

UrbanElite PR
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T : @urbanelitepr

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NY State rapper Tone Chop & producer Frost Gamble released their album “Respect Is Earned Not Given” on September 29th through Miami label 22 Entertainment.

Featuring Kool G Rap, Planet Asia, rap battler DNA, Tragedy Khadafi, Bigga Haitian, Canadian upcomer White Rhino and DJ Waxamillion, it is available in physical CD and digital formats from stores worldwide including Amazon, iTunes, Bandcamp & Spotify.

They have today launched the new video for the album track “Bing Stories”. Animated by Dion Johnson, it storyboards the poignant true life tale portrayed by the Binghamton lyricist creatively mixing two themes under one narrative.

WATCH THE NEW VIDEO “BING STORIES” ON YOUTUBE

Chop & Frost will be guests on DJ Eclipse’s “Rap Is Outta Control” show broadcasting live on Sirius XM Hip Hop Nation, Monday October 16th

Any members of the press, media or radio station DJs who would also like to meet the pair in NYC next week can send their requests to us at UrbanElite PR, our contact information is available HERE

Connect with them on social media

Twitter @ToneChop & @FrostGamble, the label @22entertainmen & video director @PxLXAStudio
IG @ToneChop & @Frost.Gamble
FB Tone & Chop’s Joint Page

UrbanElite PR
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Recently, NY state rapper Tone Chop and Frost Gamble jumped on the three-way with Chicago based journalist Sherron Shabazz, editor of online publication “The Real Hip-Hop”.

The interview has just been published in full today, in essence a transcript of their discussion which comes over with the vibe of three regular fellas choppin it up.

The speak about the new album “Respect Is Earned Not Given” which was released on September 29th, in particular the writing process which reflects a long standing close bond between the pair, and Chop divulges the very personal nature of tracks such as “Inspiration” and “See You Again”.

The album follows the release of their “Veteran” EP, very solid in its own right, but many have acknowledged the step up in level again of lyrical content and production this time around, and the duo discuss their drive for progression while explaining how they linked with featured artists Kool G Rap and Tragedy Khadafi.

With all three on the line sharing similar experience and knowledge of hip hop through the years, the conversation turns to Jay-Z’s latest album, Tupac’s body of work and contemporary mainstream rap compared with the independent scene past and present.

Finally they describe how their signing with Miami label 22 Entertainment has been both the result of persistence and longevity within the industry, and the catalyst for their significant emergence the past year.

Makes for an excellent read which you can do so HERE

LISTEN TO THE ALBUM STREAM ON SOUNDCLOUD

In addition to Kool G Rap and Tragedy Khadafi, the album also features Planet Asia, rap battler DNA, Canadian White Rhino, Bigga Haitian and DJ Waxamillion and can be purchased in CD and digital formats from Amazon, iTunes, Bandcamp and Spotify.

Chop & Frost will be in NYC October 16th & 17th meeting press and media, including appearing as guests on DJ Eclipse’s Sirius XM Radio “Rap Is Outta Control”

Additional requests to interview the pair can be sent to us at UrbanElite PR – our contact information details are available HERE

Connect with Chop & Frost on social media – they’ll hit you back for sure – on twitter @ToneChop & @FrostGamble, IG @ToneChop & @Frost.Gamble and over on their joint Facebook Page

UrbanElite PR
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The past 12 months has seen NY State hip hop producer Frost Gamble emerge as one of the fastest rising names in the game.

Now relocated to Winnipeg, Canada, he signed with Miami’s 22 Entertainment on the back of his track “Honey” with Detroit rapper ZotheJerk being included in the label’s “God Bless Dope Rappers” compilation which included Royce da 5’9″, Crooked I, Kid Vishis and Horseshoe Gang in January 2016.

In November last year, he released the “Veteran” EP with long time affiliate Tone Chop, and the pair have just released the subsequent album “Respect Is Earned Not Given” on September 29th which features Kool G Rap, Planet Asia, rap battler DNA and Tragedy Khadafi. In May, he released the album “Black Beach” with ZotheJerk and his collaborative EP with Tragedy Khadafi “Rare Fabric” drops October 20th

Currently working on remix projects for Royce da 5’9″ and Horseshoe Gang, his new solo album “I Missed My Bus” which includes guest artists KXNG Crooked, Rah Digga, Skyzoo, Ruste Juxx, Guilty Simpson, Ras Kass and many more is due out in the first half of 2018.

Online publication Nine5 Four Magazine who haver a focus on both Canada and the States have just published a new in-depth feature on Frost. In “flip-through” format, the article appears on page 36 and can be read HERE

All of his releases with 22 Entertainment are available from the label’s BANDCAMP store. “Respect Is Earned Not Given” is also available from Amazon, iTunes and Spotify on CD, digital mp3 and streaming formats.

ALBUM STREAM ON SOUNDCLOUD

Chop & Frost release a new animated video for the album track “Bing Stories” next week and are then in New York City October 16th & 17th meeting with media including a guest appearance with DJ Eclipse on his Sirius XM “Rap Is Outta Control Show”.

Connect with Frost, Chop, Zo and the label on social media via Twitter @FrostGamble, @ToneChop, @TheJerkNation & @22Entertainmen, on IG @Frost.Gamble, @ToneChop & @ZotheJerk and via two joint Facebook Pages – Frost & Zo and Frost and Chop

All press, media and radio station inquiries regarding Frost Gamble, Tone Chop, ZotheJerk and the album releases, including requests to interview Chop & Frost in NYC on October 16th & 17th, can be sent to us at UrbanElite PR. Click the link for our Contact Details

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NY State rapper & producer duo Tone Chop & Frost Gamble [now resident in Canada] sat down recently with French online magazine In The Mood TV to discuss their new album “Respect Is Earned Not Given” which released through 22 Entertainment on September 29th.

During the interviews which were filmed exclusively for the magazine’s Youtube channel, the pair discuss the themse and concepts behind the album and also give a behind the scenes account of their working relationships with featured artists Kool G Rap, Planet Asia, Tragedy Khadafi and rap battler DNA.

Watch the interviews in full

TONE CHOP

FROST GAMBLE

The album is available on CD, digital mp3 and streaming formats from multiple online stores worldwide, including Amazon, iTunes, Bandcamp & Spotify

Listen to the stream on Soundcloud

The duo are in NYC on Monday October 16th and Tuesday October 17th meeting with press and media, including appearing as guests on DJ Eclipse’s Sirius XM ‘Rap Is Outta Control” show. On Tuesday they will launch the new animated video for their album track “Bing Stories”.

Look out for more interviews and reviews in the weeks ahead, and connect with the pair on social media via Twitter @ToneChop & @FrostGamble, IG @ToneChop & Frost.Gamble & over on their joint Facebook Page

All press, media and radio station inquiries regarding Tone Chop, Frost Gamble and the album “Respect Is Earned Not Given”, including interview requests, can be sent to us at UrbanElite PR. Click the link for our Contact Details.

UrbanElite PR
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Just in, the latest international press coverage of the new hip hop album “Respect Is Earned Not Given” by NY State rapper / producer duo Tone Chop & Frost Gamble, the latter now relocated to Winnipeg, Canada.

Released on Friday September 29th through 22 Entertainment and available on various formats from mutiple stores worldwide including Amazon, iTunes, Bandcamp & Spotify

Guest artists include Kool G Rap, rap battling phenomenon DNA, Planet Asia, Canadian upcomer White Rhino, and Tragedy Khadafi with whom Frost releases the new “Rare Fabric” Ep on October 20th. The album has just been featured in French online magazines ‘In The Mood” & ‘Abcdr du Son”, and reviewed by US online ‘Patrick’s Music Blog’ who afforded the release an 8 / 10 rating.

Read the Abcdr du Son feature HERE

Read Patrick Music Blog’s review HERE

Read In The Mood’s feature HERE

LISTEN TO THE ALBUM STREAM ON BANDCAMP

The pair will be in NYC October 16th & 17th meeting press including a guest appearance on DJ Eclipse’s “Rap Is Outta Control” show, Sirius XM Hip Hop Nation. Next week they release an animation video for the album track “Bing Stories” – it’s dope, wait til you see this !

Frost will also release his EP “Rare Fabric”, a collaboration with Tragedy Khadafi on October 20th, and a new solo album “I Missed My Bus” early 2018 which includes featured guest artists KXNG Crooked, Skyzoo, Rah Digga, Guilty simpson, Ruste Juxx, Ras Kass and many more.

Look out for more interviews and album reviews shortly, and meantime connect with the very sociable pair on Twitter @ToneChop & @FrostGamble, IG @ToneChop & @Frost.Gamble and via their joint Facebook Page

All media, press and radio station enquiries regarding Tone Chop, Frost Gamble and the album “Respect Is Earned Not Given”, including requests to interview the duo while they’re in NYC shortly, can be sent to us at UrbaneElite PR. Our contact details are HERE

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