Los Angeles' Hugh Augustine is back this year with the new album Dubious, scheduled to release March 2, 2018 on The Order Label. As the follow up to Massimo Ciabatta, Dubious features Ray Wright (Warm Brew), Syd (The Internet), Joy Postell, Leiah, and Ye Ali. With the success of work on Isiah Rashad's latest TDE album The Sun's Tirade and continuous features with Warm Brew, Hugh Augustine's sound continues to push hip-hop music forward, reflecting his raw lifestyle and the rich legacy of LA culture.
Breaking out the initial Dubious single "Nights On Replay" last year, the track features Syd of The Internet and was accompanied by an official music video premiered at Billboard. Lil Yachty album artist and creative director Mihailo Andic added the design to the single's artwork, paving the way for the type of visuals that match Hugh's philosophies. Keeping to the base of his roots and the paths he's walked for years, Hugh reached out to UCLA art student and close friend for the creation of the Dubious album cover. The beats across the album draw from a similar thread of sonic identity despite Hugh working with different producers across Los Angeles. Completing the album between the fall of 2016 and 2017, production features include Rory Behr, Al B Smoov, 2nd Roof Music, D. Sanders, Deacon Blues, Jansport J, TMA, and Huss.
Massimo Ciabatta was about finding a way to creative and financial independence, Dubious is about what to do once these sides of artistic legacy begin to accelerate and traveling through work becomes a staple of one's career. As Hugh reflects, "My lifestyle revolves around music. Traveling is becoming one of the most important aspects of that because it has allowed me to spread my music to people I never would have thought relate to my story. Keeping things simple in my personal life has allowed me to have the freedom to pack up and go whenever I need to make moves. The lyrical content of Dubious is all about the embodiment of that energy." The cadences are more polished and the messaging more revelatory, created in the spirit of rising above adversity yet staying grounded to foundations.
Dubious is all about making a way out of no way and will be one of LA's most unique street records in 2018. Dubious is available worldwide on all streaming platforms March 2, 2018 via The Order Label.