Hud

Hud is a group associated with funk and Southern rap, with links to both Houston, Texas and London, England. The project is tied to Ingenuity Records Limited, an independent label set up in London, and it also has offices based in both London and Houston.

Background

Hud is connected with Houston through its origins, with the name linked to the city’s 5th Ward area, where it is raised in Kelly Court Village. That neighbourhood is described as a difficult environment shaped by crime, drugs, violence and poverty. The same area is also associated with J-Prince of Rap-A-Lot Records, the Geto Boys and heavyweight boxer George Foreman.

The project’s story begins with basketball. Hud’s original ambition is to play professional basketball, but that ends after a stabbing incident on the court. While recovering, Hud starts writing songs about life experiences and continues to do so.

Career and business interests

After moving to London, Hud returns to music following other interests and work in the freight business. Hud then saves money to buy a truck, which leads to the start of S&G Distributors. Alongside music, Hud works as a motivational speaker and businessman, and also serves as president and CEO of a wider enterprise.

That business operation includes a freight company, a tyre and rim company, a music publishing company, a recording studio, an investment company and Ingenuity Records. Hud also speaks at an anti-gang and anti-drug rally sponsored by former Houston mayor Bob Lanier, and works with inmates through the Turning Point Program at the Texas Department of Correction, including motivational classes and one-to-one mentoring aimed at preparing for re-entry into society.

Music

Hud appears with the tracks “Let’s Ride” and “Reassure You”, described as street rap and laid-back club material. Hud works with producer Randy “Raw Kat” Washington, who has produced for Deja, Wine-O and Brooke Valentine. Hud also works with James Hoover and Mark Kidney of Digital Services in Houston, who have recorded, engineered and mixed music for artists including the Geto Boys, Destiny’s Child, Chamillionaire, Frankie J and Clint Black.

Other activity

Hud is affiliated with Pulse Model Management in London and looks to extend into modelling and acting as well.