Mon, April 25, Hugo

The next release on Jay-Z’s Roc Nation label won’t be a hip-hop record. It’ll be singer-songwriter Hugo’s debut album, Old Tyme Religion, dropping May 10. The British genre bender grew up in Thailand before moving to London and honing his songwriting. Beyoncé noticed his talent and covered his song “Disappear” on her latest album I Am … Sasha Fierce. It was perfect timing for the self-proclaimed struggling rocker in the age of hip-hop. Hugo has come full circle, with the lead single on his upcoming album being a cover of Jay-Z’s “99 Problems,” rock-ified, and augmented by new verses and banjos. 2708 J Street, www.hugoofficial.com.