When it comes to The Neptunes, the charismatic Pharrell Williams might have been the best-known member of the now-defunct production duo. But we shouldn’t forget that Chad Hugo is just as big a musical force. He’s proving just that as he embarks on a solo journey and steps into the spotlight along with Leikeli47 and Tierra Whack for his new single “Jumpupw!nya.”
Chad takes production reins with an assist from Cadenza, and they kick it off with ominous synth horns before launching into breakneck, militaristic drums. That sound is paired with even more off-kilter sounds, samples and crunchy horn stabs that keep the energy percolating. The sound is undeniably funky and attention-grabbing, which we’re sure is the point.
Speaking of drawing attention, Leikeli47 and Tierra Whack command it with their verses, which keep up nicely with the inventive beat. The ladies show off their wordplay with the skill we’ve come to expect, offering up memorable lines in the process.
Leikeli gets spicy on her verse, on which she boasts about getting her hustle on. “Got money on my mind, I don’t toe the line / So don’t make me tick ’cause I don’t mind doing time,” she rhymes. “Spicy lil’ thing, black pepper, on her grind / The one they all watch, been ahead of my time.”
Tierra, meanwhile, gets wild on her verse, rapping, “Call PETA ’cause I'm ’bout to go animal / Ape s**t, I’m going bananas / We dodging those lights, those cameras / Some questions don’t have answers.”
The song’s video gives homage to the sci-fi films of yesteryear as it depicts several scenarios involving people running around in hazmat suits and working in space-age environments. Chad and Tierra are present in the fray, running about and rushing around with an urgency that eventually leads to an explosive finale. The clip is a mish-mash of scenes and elements reminiscent of the ’90s visual output of the Beastie Boys, but brought into a new age.
“Jumpupw!nyq” is technically the first solo outing for Chad Hugo, though he has worked as a solo producer for several others since the dissolution of The Neptunes. It remains to be seen if this is simply a one-off effort or a sign of things — and jams — to come.
- Advertisement -