Hugh Lee

Newcomer Hugh Lee returns this week with a new visual for "Who Am I?" as he continues to build steam following the breeze-y video for "One Day". That piece released just about a month ago and today we get a fresh release from the Chicago native that finds the protagonist in a much darker aesthetic, while offering up his own take on Childish Gambino's "I. Crawl". Draped in shadows and backed by a distinctly more up-tempo, almost edm-inducing backing production that sets the tone for the video immediately.

The video itself, shot by On The Real Film, follows a trend I've seen since Austin Vesely super-imposed Chance The Rapper's face over distinct images of civil rights struggles, news broadcasts and the like en route to a MTV Woodie Award. The beginning finds Hugh, framed similarly, which may be a nod to the Childish Gambino connection, or I'm reading into it a bit too much. Regardless, Hugh delivers his own rendition bars with a thick-voiced panache that finds him declaring "I made it now/power drunk I'm fading now". Hugh says so, what do you think? - Side by SIde Magazine

Hugh Lee is at it again, this time dropping visuals for his rendition of Childish Gambino’s much loved “I. Crawl.” This is hardly a remix, though. More of a re-imagining of the song itself. Words don’t quite do it justice. You’ll have to listen for yourself.

The awesome punch lines and flow are accompanied by stellar visuals from On The Real Film. This is one of Hugh’s more intricate pieces of work, and if this is a taste of things to come, I am more than excited to see what comes next. - Raps&Hustles

It's hard to sleep on anyone these days, especially coming out of Chicago, so I've been making a concerted effort as of late to give everything a look, a listen; a chance if you will. Anyone who has blogged or sent a press release knows how hard it can be to get eyes on media so call it paying it forward a bit if you'd like. Whatever the case, this time around I came upon this new visual by Chicago native Hugh Lee for his track "One Day".

The video itself, shot by On The Real Film isn't earth shattering and it's at once evident that Hugh is not out to re-shape the wheel. His raps are steeped in boom bap, yet adjusted to the trap beat provided by Dave Cappa and Professor Fox. The sample of D-Why's "One Day" is put to good use as well, creating an interesting jusxtaposition against the heavier sound of the higher bpm rate of the latter parts of the song while Hugh's rhyme scheme and vocal intonations call to mind a bevy of today's contemporary stars and could well lift him to a new plateau soon. Give the kid a chance, - Side By Side Magazine

Hugh Lee debuts the first music video from his much-anticipated “FRESHHEIR” mixtape. Directed by On The Real Film, Hugh decides to take it back with the boom bap sound and heavy lyricism. This masterful track was mixed and mastered by Force One Seven’s Na’el Shehade (Credits Include Chance The Rapper’s “Acid Rap,” Kanye West… “Cruel Summer.”) Hugh recruits Smoko Ono (from Vic Mensa’s “Feel That,”) and the team of Directors within On the Real Film

The video recreates Tom Hank’s hit movie “Big,” in a more modern way. Hugh is a child in the studio of Grammy nominated Professor Fox. After a brief exposition, Hugh is an adult rapping as he passes some of Chicago’s most historic landmarks. - Audio Feign

Chicago artists Brewski and Hugh Lee team up with director Brianna Lashe for some dope visuals to their track “MVP” produced by Buddahspk sampling Big L. - Elevator Magazine

CHI TOWN EMCEE HUGH LEE CONTRACTS MONTREAL PRODUCER HIGH KLASSIFIED FOR THE ENTHRALLING PERMAGRIN. SONICALLY THIS FEELS LIKE BEING PULLED INTO A WARP ZONE, OFF KILTER AND ENGAGING TO SAY THE LEAST

*** - The word is bond

It was a late fall evening, on October 11th, when I walked into an unfamiliar bar in Chicago for a party full of people I did not know at all. I knew the host, but wandered off and got lost in the crowd of people dying to get his attention. Awkwardly, I sat at the edge of the bar clutching my drink with my dear life and smiling and nodding at everything the pretty blonde girl to the right of me was saying. At one point, I felt like I was suffocating, but I gulped on some water and decided to use all the acting training I had and tell lively stories so that I would fit in. This was clearly an epic fail because the blonde leaned in and said, “I think you’re doing too much.” Fragile and sad, I looked for the exit wanting to leave so badly. I felt like someone punched me in the stomach. Apparently, this was not my scene and my efforts to engage were interpreted as overdramatic. “Am I in high school or is this Mean Girls?” I thought. Will the director yell, “Cut, back to one”…”Let’s take it from the top”?

This was not a dress rehearsal or a table read for a dramatic comedy, but fortunately for me a somewhat quiet guy, Hugh Lee, had walked in and sat on my left side observing my poor attempt to be “one of the cool girls.” He stood out because he was wearing Cubs gear and I finally felt like I could breathe again. “You’re a Cubs fan?” I asked. “Oh yeah, of course.” “Well, that makes two of us, what’s your name?” He introduced himself as Hugh, but some people call him Chris. I just call him nice and real because he was the only one in that room who didn’t make me feel like I was at some sort of hazing for the most elite social club around. He didn’t say I’m too “over the top” or “crazy” or anything like that. Clearly, he could tell I was the new kid on the block trying to feel my way around unfamiliar folks.

Little did I know, Hugh was a hip hop artist and little did I know he had dropped a few songs and been on tour with some well known entertainers. At that party, he was very chill and humble and we did not start talking about what he does until after he let me settle into conversation so that I felt comfortable. Being socially anxious is something I try to hide and often times I talk a lot to hide my nervousness, while other times I am too loud or really go out of my way to fit in. Sometimes it works and I’m the life of a party, other times I just get mocked. At this party, I was experiencing more of the latter. However, Chris, was like the one cool kid in the lunchroom who saw me looking like a deer stuck in headlights and invited me to sit with him, or rather talked to me. Everyone else appeared either dismissive or condescending, but I just stuck with Hugh and I got through that night.

The reason I went into such detail about my experience the first night I met Hugh is because I wanted to highlight how perceptive he is and also help readers understand that artists are sometimes a lot more intuitive than one would expect. Not all entertainers are about glitz and glamor and not all all want to be the center of attention. Some are just looking to connect and get to know people, engage in conversation, and make fans from new friends. Before that night, I did not know a thing about Hugh’s music and had I not had that experience, I may have overlooked it. However, Hugh’s kind and real spirt did inspire me to listen to his tracks and pay attention to the lyrics and the unique way he sees life. All artists see something and sometimes we have to get into their world and their mindset to understand the message of the songs. With Hugh, this happened by accident, or perhaps it was no accident at all because there are no coincidences in God’s universe.

Hugh and I kept in touch a little, but I kept leaving town and did not get much time to really interview him until now. So, for all you Hugh Lee fans out there and potential new fans, here is my interview with Hugh Lee.

What is your background? Where did you grow up?

I am from the Austin neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois. I was born there and lived there most of my life. I moved around a lot as a teenager though. I lived in Atlanta, Merrilville, Indiana, Griffith Indiana, and a few other places throughout Illinois and Northwest Indiana.

Of all the places you’ve travelled to or lived, where did you feel most “at home”?

I’d have to say Chicago. I spent the most time in Chicago and every time I come here it just gives me that home feeling, you know.

Did you always want to be an entertainer?
No. Actually I was in school at Indiana State studying to become a physician in internal medicine. Music was just a side hobby, something I wanted but never really saw as a viable option. I released a song titled “MVP,” and started getting buzz around the city as well as from labels, etc. It was then that I started to realize I could use music as an actual profession and build something around it. I put my mind to it, and really ran with it.

How is your family supporting your dream?
My family is as supportive as a family can be with a career that has no guarantees [Laughs]. They just want me to be successful, you know.

Is there anyone in particular you would like to give back to or help from your family and how do you think you can achieve that goal through your music?

I’d want to help out my pops. He worked hard his whole life to provide for us. I’d love to help him to the point where he doesn’t have to work anymore so my mom and him can just relax .

Who are your favorite old entertainers?
My favorite old entertainer would be Michael Jackson, hands down. He’s the greatest. There’s no debate. Prince was a great entertainer as well. But as far as rapping, LL Cool J first. His swag and energy was just dope. I kinda wanted to be him for the better part of my childhood. After that, I’d say Run (of Run DMC), or Q-Tip.

Who are your favorite current entertainers?
My favorites currently include Kanye (of course), Hov, Chance The Rapper, Childish Gambino, Mac Miller, Big Sean and Logic. I just love to watch their performances. Not just great music, but also great bands and light crews, etc. Just the whole show.

Who was your most significant inspiration?
My most significant inspiration would be probably my (birth) dad. My pops raised me and I don’t really know my dad too well, but from what I hear, he was a great musician and he did fairly well for himself in music. I’d have to say somewhere deep subconsciously, I gained a lot from him.

When did you start writing and creating music?
I started writing in high school. Just remixing stuff, joking around. I got serious my freshman year of college. I used a mic I had from a Rock Band video game and recorded on this free app called audacity. Then I recorded a bunch of incredibly low quality songs and put them out like I had just invented fire.

What was the catalyst that got you started?
My peers. Everyone I knew was rapping and I was the only one who didn’t. Everyone would sit around free styling at lunch or after school. I think one day I just jumped in and everybody liked it so I kept going.

How are you planning to set yourself apart form everyone else who is coming up in the same musical genre?
I believe my honesty sets me apart. I’m just rapping about life, the life I know. I can’t sit here and lie on songs and tell you I have stuff or have been through things I haven’t. Real recognize real. People can tell if it’s BS. People connect with me because they know I’m real.

Do you play any instruments? If not, what instrument would you like to play?
I play piano. I’m ok at it, not advanced but I can do a little something.

Who have you collaborated with?
I have collaborated with other artists and business owners that I’ve come into contact with including GRAMMY nominated Cam o’bi, GRAMMY nominated Professor Fox, and a lot of other people here and there.

Who is your most significant mentor and how did that relationship start?
My most significant mentor is Anan Abu-Taleb. He is currently the Mayor of Oak Park. I met him while I was working at a business he owns in Chicago. He owns quite a few businesses, so I’d see him every now and then, but whenever I did, I would pick his brain and learn about business and how to carry yourself in the public, etc. I learned a lot from him.

Do you believe the music industry is focused on competition or collaboration?
I believe it’s a combination of the two. You have to collaborate to share ideas, get your name out and everything, but you have to remember it’s a competition and everybody is trying to get that top spot.

If you can change anything about the industry what would it be?
There should be more love. I understand competition, I even enjoy it, but there’s too much hate between artists, you know. We should come together more.

Is there anything you would NOT do for fame and success?
Sacrifice who I am. I won’t lie to the people. Everything I write and perform has to be real and genuine.

Is main stream success the ultimate goal for you or do you get your reward from the craft itself?
I definitely want the main stream success. I want the masses to know and love my music.

If you were to find out that you would not achieve main stream success, would you quit now or would you continue doing what you are doing?
I’m not quite sure. That’s a great question. I don’t think about it though. I have an extremely high level of confidence in my ability to achieve main stream success.

What is the most significant ethical value that guides you?
Honesty. Plain and simple. Be real. Stay true to myself.

What wakes you up mornings when you have challenges and circumstances are rough?
There’s always someone who has it worse. I always think about that. It seems cliche, but it’s cliche because it works and it’s honest.

What is your advice to someone who is just getting started?
I’d say go never half ass anything. Whole ass it or don’t do it at all.

If you had a message for today’s youth, what would you like for them to take away from your music?
Everything can change in an instant: feelings, situations, everything. Just be prepared to go with the flow and coast as the tides change.

What would be the first thing you would do if you came upon a ridiculous amount of money from your music?
Buy my parents a house somewhere they can relax and enjoy the remainder of their lives.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned from being an entertainer?
Music brings all different types of cultures religions and people together. Use it for the right reasons.

What do you have to say to those who may have disappointed you on your journey?
It’s all love. I appreciate the learning experiences. Any time anyone disappointed me, I tried to remember the good times. It’s the “I’m not sad it ended, I’m happy it ever happened,” mentality.

Do you believe what goes around comes around or do you try to live by higher principles without being concerned with punishing those who may have hurt you in the past?
I don’t worry about it. I know that what goes around comes around, but in the off chance those who did me dirty don’t get a dose of their own medicine, it’s still all love. I am not the type of person to carry around grudges. That energy is like a sickness that I want no part of it.

How important are personal ethics in this industry for you personally?
They are very important for me. I know to others they may not be a priority, but to me they are.

What are some things you would like to work on that you think would help you achieve your personal goals?
Building my brand and building a bigger fan base. I think more exposure would help me.

Is your music helping you become a better person or are you becoming more bitter the more involved you are in the industry?
I think I’m becoming better only in terms of understanding different people. I see so many different people that I can pretty much determine what type of energy someone is bringing around within the first few seconds of talking to them.

What is the ugly side of the industry?
The ugly side of the industry is the business side. In a perfect world, I’d be able to just perform and not deal with anything else, but this is a business that I am the head of and I understand that. I have more-so embraced it though.

Does forgiveness come easily to you?
In a way. I just learn from experiences. I don’t dwell on the misfortunes. I’d rather deal with it and move to the next task. Dwelling takes too much time and time is a luxury.

How do you set yourself apart?
I set myself a part naturally. I’m a different type of person, so I’m lucky. Just being me sets me apart from the pack.

What would you like to be remembered for?
I’d like to be remembered as the guy that saved Hip-Hop. That voice that kept everything afloat.

What is your latest project?
My newest project is called The Apocrypha.

Where do you usually perform?
I’ve just finished tour a few months ago. We toured all over the country. Hopefully next time we can go overseas.

When is your next show?
My next show is February 19th in Hollywood Los Angeles, CA

How are you planning on distributing your music?
We are in talks with a few people on how this next project will be distributed. My last project was distributed independently though.

Who is your internet audience?
My internet audience is 18-24yo youtubers, Facebookers, tweeters, and instagramers

How are you planning to increase your audience?
Marketing, performing and exposure.

How are distributing your music?
Through every avenue possible.

Do you do meet and greets?
Yes. Every show I offer the ability to come have a regular conversation with me to anyone.

What is your favorite charity?
Any charity that helps the homeless or hungry children.

Do you volunteer?
I volunteer at elementary schools. I help children who have trouble with math or reading. I also help teachers tutor students studying to get their GEDs.

If you were to do a show to benefit a charity, which would you chose and why? Where would you like to have a show like this?
It would be either for the homeless or hungry children. I think these people need help the most. From what I can see, there is no shortage of hungry children or homeless pool.

What are your current challenges?
My current challenge is breaking through the noise of a over saturated industry.

How can your fans help?
Fans can help by spreading the word about all of my music and just promoting, sharing etc. - Scene Chicago

I wasn’t that into rap-type music and I was so detached from the themes so integrated into the style. But I kept listening, and he kept recording. And lo and behold, he got better. Then, I started really listening. I began to realize where this Chicago native was coming from. I couldn’t relate, per se, but his perspective was having a real effect on me. Since then, he’s released a mixtape or two and he’s been performing and touring around the country. Hugh Lee, a young man I am proud to call a friend, just finished recording his debut album, TV’s Foster Child, and I am so excited for it. I guess his marketing is working. Hugh Lee’s general theme is his relationship to where he came from, and TVFC is in keeping. Without involved parents, he grew up watching TV rather than learning from intimate, parental relationships, and this album is inspired by that. What fascinates me about Hugh Lee’s music is two-fold: he has a classic sound inspired by the 90s hip-hop culture (yes, culture, not just the music) he watched on TV growing up, and he’s brutally honest and critical. Now, he very much embraces the usual facets of hip-hop, so if the language or heated, political lyrics don’t interest you, you shouldn’t be surprised to find them in Hugh Lee’s music. But he’s got a fresh perspective as a young person who wants to change the broken world he sees, rather than complaining about it or exploiting it, and I find that noble. TV’s Foster Child should drop later this year, hopefully in summer 2017. His original tracks that I mentioned before are no longer available to the public, but you can listen to and download his most recent mixtape, FreshHeir, from his website. Follow his Facebook page, Hugh Lee (@WhoisHughLee), for updates, downloads, and general support. This guy is going places (though you could argue he’s already getting there), and you’re going to want to be along for the ride. - Luke Carr Blog

Since releasing his debut mixtape, “FRESHHEIR,” Hugh Lee has been in attack mode touring all over the country. The FRESHHEIR Tour made it’s way from St. Louis all the way to the west coast at the end of August. Somehow, even through this hardcore touring, Hugh Lee has blessed us with a new visual to one of the standout singles on the mixtape entitled, “Someone Like You.” This ballad of professed love shows a different side of the lyrical artist as we are reminded of those long forgotten family values and what true love is. Hugh goes back to his “Trippin” days and tells a story that depicts how a relationship with an artist can truly be. Backed by the iconic Chicago skyline and close visuals, this can be classified as one of his best videos to date. Check it out for yourself below: - Siccness

Happy Wednesday, and most importantly in the U.S., Happy Veterans Day! We know there are plenty of musicians who have served or are currently serving in the military, and we’re thankful for their service. Enjoy these videos from TuneCore Artists as you continue to enjoy your afternoon. - Tunecore