Chad Hugo ‘Jumps’ Back With Debut Solo Single

Chad Hugo is stepping back into the spotlight. The influential producer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist has unveiled “Jumpupw!nya,” his first major solo release ever, which pairs with Tierra Whack and Leikeli47 for a shape-shifting new single and an equally surreal video directed by Kid. Studio.

The track marks the beginning of what Hugo describes as a new creative chapter after decades spent helping redefine the sound of hip-hop, pop, R&B and alternative music from behind the scenes as one half of the Neptunes alongside Pharrell Williams and a founding member of N.E.R.D.

More from Spin:

• Phish Busts A 1992 Move To Open MSG Run
• Stef Chura Swings With R.E.M.’s Buck, Mills
• John Prine Archival LP Due In October

“Jumpupw!nya” is billed as a celebration of artistic freedom and community, bringing together two artists known for disregarding genre boundaries. The accompanying video unfolds as a kaleidoscopic fantasy, with Whack making a scene-stealing appearance amid a series of increasingly surreal twists. “For those that don’t know, I’m from Brooklyn by way of Virginia; so when Chad called, I leapt at the opportunity to collaborate,” Leikeli47 said. “Love to the amazing Tierra Whack. I’m just happy to play my part.”

Hugo’s fingerprints are all over modern music. With the Neptunes and N.E.R.D., he helped craft era-defining hits for artists including Beyoncé, Britney Spears, Jay-Z, Gwen Stefani, Justin Timberlake, Clipse, Busta Rhymes, Jadakiss, Pusha T, Kelis and Snoop Dogg. His catalog includes landmark songs such as “Grindin’,” “Drop It Like It’s Hot,” “Hot in Herre,” “Hollaback Girl” and “…Baby One More Time”-era standout “I’m a Slave 4 U,” earning him a Songwriters Hall of Fame induction.

Sadly, the release arrives as Hugo remains locked in a legal battle with former partner Williams. Hugo initially sued Williams over what he claims is roughly $1 million in unpaid partnership proceeds tied to their Neptunes work, but later expanded the lawsuit into a broader copyright dispute. According to the amended complaint, Hugo alleges he was omitted as a credited creator on multiple songs, including Rosalía’s “Motomami” and “La Combi Versace” and Latto’s “Real One.”

The filing further claims that, within the Neptunes, Hugo served as the “principal composer, arranger, multi-instrumentalist, and producer responsible for programming, instrumentation, and overall sound design,” while Williams more frequently occupied the duo’s public-facing role.

To see our running list of the top 100 greatest rock stars of all time, click here.