Artist Buzz: Hugo

: Created on Tuesday, September 21 2010; Written by Michelle Marie

Imagine hearing Jay-Z's "99 Problems" covered by Jim Morrison. Although it WOULD be dope, obviously it's not gonna happen. Leave it up to Hugo, Roc Nation's new signee to be able to channel his inner-Morrison to transform HOV's infamous Hip-hop track into modern-age rock perfection. I was introduced to Hugo through a friend at Jay-Z's exclusive Roc Nation Brunch during Grammy weekend, and his bad boy mysterioso made me want to dig further. As soon as I took a listen to his cover of "99 Problems," I was hooked. Peep his video below:

Born in England but raised in Thailand, Hugo drew inspirations for his music from his spiritual journey around the world. He has a very unique sound and style, as he is able to fuse rock, pop, blues-grass, and hip hop in a way that no one has done before. But it was his songwriting skills that got him noticed. Hugo wrote "Disappear," featured on Beyonce's "I AM...Sasha Fierce,” and it was B who told Jay about him, leading to his record deal with Roc Nation.

I recently got a chance to see him perform live at The Viper Room here in L.A., and I was blown away. Now I know why Jay Z snagged this dude.

“I’m trying to make rock & roll in the age of hip hop” Hugo said. He’s doing just that, and it’s only the beginning….

*Photo Credit: KC Morse