Artist:Hugo
Song:99 Problems
Album:No Strings Attached: Music From The Motion Picture
Hugo is a singer songwriter who forged an unlikely alliance with Jay-Z after his song Disappear appeared on Beyonce's 2008 album I Am...Sasha Fierce. This led to a record deal with Jay-Z's record label Roc Nation. And this cover of the Jay-Z song 99 Problems appeared in the 2010 film No Strings Attached. Jay-Z describes Hugo's music as "gangsta rock". In the video, Hugo presents himself as a one man band. Plus it's not every day you hear a banjo in a pop record. He was born Hugo Chua Alexander Levy Aug. 6, 1981 in London, England. His mother is writer and environmental activist M.R. Narisa Chakrabongse. She is Thai royalty so Hugo grew up in Thailand. Hugo appeared in Thai soap operas as a child. As a teen, he recorded four albums with the band Siplor. After some success, Hugo went solo and moved to London. That's when Beyonce recorded Disappear and Hugo signed with Roc Nation. His cover of the Jay-Z song 99 Problems appeared on his 2011 debut album Old Tyme Religion. It also played over the end credits of the 2011 film No Strings Attached. That film was produced and directed by Ivan Reitman. The stars were Natalie Portman and Ashton Kutcher. Hugo's album is available as a digital download. But the No Strings Attached soundtrack is available on CD. Plus I think most folks will only be interested in Hugo's version of 99 Problems. The film was a big hit. Hugo wrote all the songs on his album with various co-writers. Dave McCracken was one of those writers and he produced the album. Noam Pikelny of Punch Brothers played the banjo. And no, the song is not bluegrass. But I like the use of the banjo. Hugo last released an album last year. Here's the video for 99 Problems by Hugo.
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