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The new “Rapture & Verse” hip hop column written by Matt Oliver for ‘Monolith Cocktail’ has just been published.

It’s a monthly bite size round up of all hip hop news items, events, and releases to look out for whether singles, EP’s or albums.

Among the many artists covered in the latest edition are Datkid, Onoe Capone, Ill Bill & Stu Bangas, Guilty Simpson, Madlib, Nottz, Black Milk, Westside Gunn, Conway, Apollo Brown, Quelle Chris.

There is also news of the new Belles in Monica EP “Natsukashii” which releases through New Dawn records on June 7th

READ THE COLUMN IN FULL HERE

Watch the trailer video for the “Natsukashii EP” on Youtube

The first single from the EP, “Smoke Filled Rooms” releases on May 24th

Having just re-launched after a 15 year hiatus, New Dawn Records released the Belles in Monica EP “Y’All in Meltdown” on April 26th and the new Underground Cartel single “Evolution” b/w “Diggin Deeper” on Friday, taken from the “Sapientia EP” out on May 17th

Underground Cartel are an international hip hop collaborative project involving artists from all over the USA, UK, Europe and Africa including Madrid’s El Meswy, Beni Blanco from French crew ‘Originaire du Sud’, Long Beach’s Swiss Precise, Virginia’s Black Market, the UK’s Rapstation host Mr CRF, Zimbabwe’s Dumi Right, the late, great Primo from legendary Italian crew Cor Veleno and many more.

All the releases to date can be heard at New Dawn Records’ Spotify Page

Currently adding to their roster, you can keep up to date with all the label’s news at their official website www.newdawnrecs.com and via their Twitter, Instagram and Facebook accounts

All media & radio station / club DJ enquiries regarding the label and their roster can be addressed to us at UrbanElite PR. Our contact details are available HERE

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Out today on the newly relaunched New Dawn Records, “Y’All in Meltdown – Lazarus EP Vol 1” by hip hop crew Belles in Monica is a re-issue of their classic singles “Y’All Under Surveillance” and “Meltdown” available together for the first time on digital formats.

The original vinyl releases were regulars on multiple stations including BBC Radio 1 and featured in a variety of printed publications including Billboard, Hip Hop Connection and Blues & Soul, while extensive club support led to high entries in DJ Magazine’s specialist charts.

The new EP includes the celebrated and some previously unreleased versions of the remixes by G-Sharp, Phi Life Cypher producer DJ Nappa, turntablist supreme DJ Mr Thing and legendary DMC finalist Krash Slaughta, and also features brand new exclusive re-worked productions of the originals. Dope rhymes, banging beats and formidable turntablism all served up for the hip hop connoisseurs.

TRACKLIST

Y’All Under Surveillance (G-Sharp Rmx)
Y’All Under Surveillance (DJ Nappa Rmx)
Y’All Under Surveillance (DJ Nappa Rmx instrumental)
Y’All Under Surveillance (’18 Edit)
Meltdown (’18 Edit)
Meltdown (DJ Nappa Rmx ft cuts by Mr Thing)
Meltdown (Mr Krash Slaughta Massive Meltdown Rmx)
Meltdown (Gripper Rmx)

Now streaming on Spotify

Distributed by Ingrooves, also available to stream & download at the following :

APPLE ** SOUNDCLOUD ** BEATPORT ** DEEZER ** AMAZON

For all news on New Dawn Records’ forthcoming releases and announcements of roster additions, head to www.newdawnrecs.com

Connect with the label on Twitter, Instagram & Facebook

All press, media and radio station enquiries regarding New Dawn Records and their roster can be sent to us at UrbanElite PR, contact details HERE

UrbanElite PR

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Hip hop crew Belles in Monica just released their single “Y’All Under Surveillance” b/w “Meltdown” through the newly relaunched label New Dawn Records.

Remixes are courtesy of G-Sharp, legendary turntablist & DMC finalist DJ Krash Slaughta and Phi Life Cypher producer DJ Nappa featuring cuts by DJ Mr Thing

Now available on Spotify, Apple, Tidal, Deezer, Amazon & iTunes – choose your preferred streaming option HERE

Also streaming on Soundcloud as part of the Hip Hop Bangerz playlist which includes joints featuring Bumpy Knuckles, Skyzoo, Talib Kweli, Ultramagnetic MCs, Vast Aire, Cappadonna, Verbal Kent, Apollo Brown, Tragedy Khadafi, Planet Asia, Constant Deviants & more

Next up from the crew is the release of their “Y’All in Meltdown – Lazarus Volume 1 EP” on April 26th, then another new single “Smoke Filled Rooms” on May 24th.

Keep up to date with all of New Dawn Records’ developments and news at their Official Website and via their social media platforms Twitter, Instagram and Facebook

All international media enquiries regarding New Dawn Records and their roster can be addressed to us at UrbanElite PR, our contact details are HERE

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North west London’s Da Flyy Hooligan has long been regarded as one of the most talented and creative rappers to emerge from the UK hip hop scene over the past few years.

He is also one of the most consistent and productive artists around at the moment to the point where if he’s not in the studio recording, he’s outside waiting to get in !

2017 was another busy year for him, beginning with the release of his EP “F.Y.L.P.M” on various formats leading up to the summer followed in October with his new album “S.C.U.M.” featuring Westside Gunn and Hus Kingpin.

He also became a regular in the renowned British monthly publication DJ Magazine’s hip hop singles reviews page written by Neil Kulkarni, which is produced in both physical print and online formats.

Most recently was the review of his single “Velvet Cake” in the December issue – which can be read HERE

Watch the official video for the single on Youtube

The magazine also published reviews of his singles “Yamata No Orochi” (January issue), Pinrolls (April issue), Clicc Suit (May issue) and “Romero Bryan” (October issue)

Check the video for Romero Bryan, premiered by Complex Magazine, on youtube

Click the links to hear the EP and album on Spotify

“F.Y.L.P.M.” “S.C.U.M.”

“S.C.U.M.” is also available in CD formats from a variety of online stores worldwide, including Bandcamp

Da Flyy Hooligan is, as per the norm, working on various new projects including the follow up album “S.C.U.M. II”. He will also be performing live Upstairs at the Ritzy Picture House in Brixton, London on Thursday, January 25th. More details about the venue and show available HERE

Keep up to date with Da Flyy Hooligan on social media via Instagram, Twitter and Facebook

All international press, media and radio station Dj enquiries regarding Da Flyy Hooligan can be sent through to us here at UrbanElite PR. Our contact information details are available HERE

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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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North west London rapper Da Flyy Hooligan released his new album “S.C.U.M.” on October 27th through US label 22 Entertainment.

Produced entirely by the UK’s Agor and featuring Westside Gunn & Hus Kingpin, it is available on CD and digital formats from multiple stores worldwide including Amazon, Bandcamp, iTunes and Spotify.

Long regarded as one of the most creative and gifted lyricists in the British rap scene, his reputation is particularly strong for the quality of his live shows, and there are two upcoming opportunities to see him perform in London this month

First is this Saturday November 11th when he teams up with DJ Snips and the boys to host Livin Proof’s 10th Birthday Bash when the special guests will be Stretch Armstrong and The Alchemist.

The night runs from 10pm – 4am at Oval Space, 29 – 32 The Oval, London E2 9DT with further ticket and general information available at www.livinproof.co.uk

Then on Friday November 17th he will be on stage with DJ Madhandz and the rest of the “Hip Hop Back in the Day” crew performing tracks from the new album at Arch Space, 340 Acton Mews, Haggerston, London E8 4EA.

Open from 7pm – 11pm, ticket and further information is available at www.hhbitd.com

LISTEN TO THE FULL “S.C.U.M.” ALBUM STREAM ON BANDCAMP

Connect with Da Flyy Hooligan on social media via Twitter, Instagram and Facebook, and look out for new album reviews and the release of a new video “Aligator Skin” soon.

All international press and media enquiries regarding Da Flyy Hooligan and the new album “S.C.U.M.” can be sent to us at UrbanElite PR. All our contact information is available HERE

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Eastcoast rapper / producer duo Tone Chop & Frost Gamble have released their new album “Respect Is Earned Not Given” through Miami label 22 Entertainment whose back catalogue includes Royce da 5’9″, DJ Premier, Fashawn, KXNG Crooked, Joe Budden and Bumpy Knuckles.

The follow up to last year’s critically acclaimed “Veteran” EP is again rammed full of rugged rhymes, battle bars and true life stories from Binghamton’s lyrical marksman aided and abetted by guest artists Kool G Rap, Planet Asia, Canadian upcomer White Rhino, Tragedy Khadafi and rap battling phenomenon DNA.

Award winning producer Frost laces the album with high calibre beats fusing classic and contemporary sounds with a healthy dose of turntablism resulting in straight heat for the hip hop connoisseur. Look out for their guest appearance on DJ Eclipse’s Sirius XM Rap Is Outta Control Show, Monday October 16th.

Available on CD and digital formats now.

Listen to the album stream on Bandcamp

The album is also available on iTunes and Spotify

Two new reviews of the album have just been published.

First up is US online magazine The Pop Break affording the release a ringing endorsement with an 8/10 rating. Read what they had to say HERE

Secondly, from the other side of the world, Kenya’s Afro Way Magazine gives a similar assessment in acknowledgement of the quality of lyricism, rhymes, wordplay and production on display. Read their article in full HERE

Look out for much more international press & media coverage coming in the days and weeks ahead, and meanwhile keep up to date with the pair on social media via Twitter @ToneChop & @FrostGamble, IG @ToneChop & @Frost.Gamble and on their joint Facebook Page

All international media, press and radio station enquiries regarding Tone Chop, Frost Gamble and their new album can be sent to us at UrbanElite PR. Our contact details are available HERE

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Under previous incarnations, Miami based 22 Entertainment operated as a record label, distribution partner and production company releasing a wide range of urban and rock genres.

Notable landmarks includes their involvement in assisting the early development of what would become rap supergroup Slaughterhouse, and in 2011 they released Royce da 5’9″‘s “Success Is Certain”, the most successful independent rap album of that year.

A restructure and re-brand in the past year has seen the label sign a worldwide physical and digital distribution deal with Sony’s “The Orchard” who recently took over Sony Red’s operations. Musically the label continue to nurture new emerging rap and hip hop talent balanced with releases by established names, and they have also made the move into the huge worldwide phenomenon that is “ASMR” via their Dreamscapes series, music and sounds to assist with relaxation and sleep.

In the past few months they’ve added their own presence to online digital store Bandcamp.

Much of their back catalogue has been made available, releases by Fashawn, Royce da 5’9″, Crooked I (KXNG Crooked), Chingy, Horseshoe Gang, J-Kwon, Joe Budden, Stat Quo, Kid Vishis and of course several of their Dreamscapes series.

You can visit their store HERE Their most recent and forthcoming releases include the following :

RAMPAGE – “THE PAYBACK”

Available to buy now, the Flipmode veteran returns with a themed release, the production by Felony Muzik acting as a pastiche of a 70’s cop flick, the superior classic soul and rnb samples providing the soundtrack to a journey through the streets’ underbelly

TONE CHOP & FROST GAMBLE – “RESPECT IS EARNED NOT GIVEN”

Releasing on September 29th and available to pre-order, it’s the latest from the label’s in house producer signing Frost Gamble whose star has risen quickly in the past year. This time he’s teamed up with old sparring partner, NY state rapper Tone Chop to deliver the real deal in hip hop; rhymes, bars and beats for days aided and abetted by featured artists Kool G Rap, Planet Asia, Canadian upcome White Rhino, Tragedy Khadafi and rap battling sensation D.N.A.

TRAGEDY KHADAFI & FROST GAMBLE – “RARE FABRIC” EP

Releasing October 20th and available to pre-order, it’s another from the eastcoast beatmaker, this time with Queens’ veteran rapper Tragedy Khadafi. The recording was only completed earlier this month and precedes a new solo project coming soon from Frost Gamble which includes guest featured artists Rah Digga, Ras Kass, Skyzoo, KXNG Crooked, Ruste Juxx, Guilty Simpson and many more….futher details to follow

DA FLYY HOOLIGAN – “S.C.U.M.”

Releasing October 27th and available to pre-order, it’s the new album by north west London rapper Da Flyy Hooligan, long regarded as one of the most gifted and creative lyricists within the burgeoning UK rap scene. DFH also spent time based in NYC becoming part of J-Ronin’s “All Elements” movement, and went on to record with Sav Killz, Prince Po, M1 of Dead Prez, Hasan Salaam, D.V Alias Khryst and the late Sean P. The new album features US luminaries Westside Gunn and Hus Kingpin.

You can keep up to date with news on the most recent single, EP and album releases via 22 Entertainment’s twitter feed @22Entertainmen

All international media, press and radio station enquiries regarding 22 Entertainment and the associated releases can be sent to us at UrbanElite PR. Our contact information is available HERE

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Released on May 26th, the hip hop album “Black Beach” by Detroit rapper ZotheJerk and eastcoast producer Frost Gamble has received plaudits by international publications for its intelligent social commentary addressing many aspects of life in today’s “Black America”.

This is not however just a barrage of protest anthems, but balances political issues with messages of hope, aspiration and the importance of providing the next generation with positive paternal role models, as witnessed in the duo’s most recent lyric video “Keep Me Safe”.

The album has also received praise for the production provided by Frost Gamble, who utilises a mix of soul, hip hop and electronica to reflect the mood swings, resulting in a perfect musical backdrop for the various themes.

The latest review published by Patrick Griffin on his personal blog encompasses both aspects. While affording the album an 8.5 rating, the article includes Zo’s in depth video interview with “The Underground Hip Hop”, and can be read HERE

WATCH THE LYRIC VIDEO FOR “KEEP ME SAFE”

“Black Beach” includes guest featured artists KXNG Crooked, Guilty Simpson, Tone Chop, Young Bleed, Boldy James and Sadat X. Released through 22 Entertainment, it is available to buy on iTunes, Amazon, Spotify and a special deluxe edition from Bandcamp

Producer Frost will release a new album “Respect Is Earned Not Given” on September 29th. Again a joint project with his old NY State sparring partner Tone Chop, it is the follow up to their EP “Veteran” released in November 2016, and includes guest features by Kool G Rap, White Rhino, Planet Asia, DNA and Tragedy Khadafi with whom he has just begun recording a future project.

You can connect with the artists via social media, on twitter @TheJerkNation & @FrostGamble, on Instagram @ZotheJerk & @Frost.Gamble and over on their joint Facebook Page

All media & press enquiries regarding “Black Beach” and the new forthcoming album “Respect Is Earned Not Given” can be addressed to us at UrbanElite PR, our contact details are available HERE

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Detroit rapper ZotheJerk and producer Frost Gamble release their new album “Black Beach” through 22 Entertainment on May 26th.

It will be available on all digital stores worldwide including iTunes and Spotify, and includes guest featured artists Boldy James, Slaughterhouse frontman KXNG Crooked, Brand Nubian’s Sadat X and legendary Random Axe member Guilty Simpson.

The rapidly expanding Miami based label have now added their presence to digital store Bandcamp. Initial additions include releases by Horseshoe Gang, Crooked I aka KXNG Crooked and Kid Vishis. They have now made the new album “Black Beach” available for pre-order as a deluxe edition exclusive to Bandcamp which includes bonus cuts and instrumentals.

Click the link to see what’s available BLACK BEACH DELUXE EDITION

The duo have already released two singles from the album, “Risk vs Reward” ft Sadat X and “My Negus” ft Guilty Simpson. Check the audio streams on Soundcloud

Look out for interviews and reviews relating to the release appearing in international press during the weeks ahead, including a feature on the album in renowned print publication MOJO Magazine at the end of this month.

Connect with Zo & Frost on social media via Twitter @TheJerkNation & @FrostGamble, on Instagram @ZotheJerk & @Frost.Gamble and over on their joint Facebook Page

All media, press and radio station DJ inquiries regarding the album “Black Beach” can be sent to us at UrbanElite PR. Our contact information is available HERE

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