Photo Credit: Jake Linden
We had the awesome opportunity to interview Hugh Lee. His new album is set to drop April 5, 2019. Check out the interview below.
Hi Hugh! Thank you for granting the interview. Your album is set to drop April 5, 2019, and includes singles Graduation and Swimfan. Tell us more.
Yes, the album drops April 5th. It’s called Cabrini, named after the notorious housing projects in Chicago. It’s a lucky 7 project that represents my best work to date by far. Cabrini, along with the pilot that comes with it, serves as a look into the world from the perspective of the “have not’s” attempting to turn into “the haves.” It shows inner thoughts of not only myself but others who grew up similarly, being exposed to a lot of things children shouldn’t be. It forces kids to grow up fairly quickly, as I state in the opening song “Factitious” -‘ You grow up quick, inner-city strife.’
Tell us what inspired your new album.
I’ve continuously built on my roots, making sure I’ve stayed in touch with the things that made me the way I am. Every year I grow older and am able to dive deeper into my past a bit more. I think people growing up in Chicago the way I did develop a bit of PTSD. Personally, I blocked a lot of things out, but as I express more through music, I’m able to dive deeper and find more from my past that I can bring to light for those who may not have the same voice or ability to find it in themselves yet. In a way, we get to heal together.
You’re known as a singer, songwriter, and rapper. How important is it to write your own music?
For me, it’s all about the end product. Going into each scenery with an objective or goal. If the idea is to make a hit record, how do all the tools available help me reach that goal? With an album like Cabrini, it was more to heal. So I wanted to make sure my truth was wholeheartedly told and in the ‘writing’ that had to be apparent. No one can tell your truth as you can. So I’d say it’s incredibly important for this project.
Tell us about your songwriting process. How do you choose a topic to sing about?
I don’t write as much as I used to. I’ll write a punch line or a bar in my notes. When it comes to flow I’ll have an idea of how I want it to sound or the melody I want to use. I’ll base that on the beat I choose to work with. Then I go into the studio and allow whatever to come out. If I don’t write it, it sounds less rehearsed and more authentic. Plus, I FEEL it more. Writing is a barrier for me. I’d rather freestyle it all.
What has been your biggest challenge as a singer/rapper?
My biggest challenge was finding my sound. It’s easy to get caught up in what sound is expected from you or what’s popular at the moment. I even caught myself doing the blonde thing haha. It’s important to stay true to yourself and your roots. Once I did that, everything else fell into place.
As mentioned, your music is shaped by your childhood experiences. Tell us about it.
Just growing up, seeing drug use at an early age. Poverty and the effects it causes first hand. Watching people murder and get murdered on an almost daily basis. It changes your perspective. I remember the Chiraq wave. It was almost a badge of honor. It wasn’t until outsiders starting calling it that I looked at our living situation like “wow we are really living like the third world out here.” Lack of job opportunity, especially for such a big city. Lack of hope. Violence. Drugs. It’s like a bad movie.
How can fans-to-be gain access to your music?
Fans will be able to get access to Cabrini on all streaming platforms. Tidal, Spotify, Pandora, Apple Music, etc. April 5th we will release the album. In the meantime, my former works are available everywhere including SoundCloud.
Who are your musical icons/influences?
My musical icons are Future, Childish Gambino, Kanye, Hov, Thugger and that list can go on and on. I’d have to say those guys influenced me the most. The sound, the imagery, morals, and principles they stand for are all great.
When looking back on the production of your music, what resonated with you the most and why?
I liked being in the studio with people from my childhood. Those I hadn’t necessarily talked to in a bit because life happens you know. It was good to bounce thoughts and theories off one another and use that energy to record and get the feeling right there as opposed to having to recreate it later.
In your opinion, how could a singer/rapper make an impact on the world?
By using our platform to inspire and speak our truths, but also to help based on the things we stand for. For instance, I’m using my platform to further my foundation, Libras Never Lie, which was designed to mentor and help give advantages to children with autism or adults also on the spectrum.
If you had to do it all over again, would you still choose this career? Would you do anything differently?
I would still choose this career. It’s a difficult one and the path I’ve chosen hasn’t necessarily been the easiest, but it’s necessary. Once you work with a purpose and make it a selfless act, it’s all worth it. As I said, this is about healing, not just for me, but my city. You can fix the wound if you don’t acknowledge there is one. This is a look at it.
Do you have anything else you would like to share about your music?
Yes, Cabrini is meant to be consumed as a project as you read the script. You’ll see how it all ties in together. And how it’s one journey together.
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