Chad Hugo has teamed up with Tierra Whack, Leikeli47 and Rochelle Jordan for his rowdy new single ‘JUMPUPW!NYA’ – complete with an epic video.
The track marks the debut solo single from the former Neptunes and N.E.R.D. musician, and features classic Chad Hugo grooves and spacey, swirling synths.
The video is equally as high-energy. Featuring a motley crew of men in hazmat suits concocting the tune, it also depicts Chad Hugo as a cowboy in the desert and Whack manning an intergalactic space craft. The video ends with multiple explosions across the surreal locations shown in the video.
According to Chad Hugo’s press, more music is to be expected soon.
In a statement to Complex, Leikeli47 said of her collaboration: “For those that don’t know, I’m from Brooklyn by way of Virginia; so when Chad called, I leapt at the opportunity to collaborate. Love to the amazing Tierra Whack. I’m just happy to play my part.”
Check out the video for ‘JUMPUPW!NYA’ below:
In 2020, it was reported that The Neptunes had reunited and were working on music in the studio.
After releasing a few singles, including collaborations with Deadmau5, Brent Faiyaz and Drake, Hugo sued his former Neptunes bandmate Pharrell Williams in 2024 over the band’s name rights.
Hugo’s lawyers accused Williams of “fraudulently” seeking sole control over the trademarks without consulting him.
In response, a representative for Williams said that the musician was left “surprised” by the legal action, and had no ill intent behind the trademark filings. The representative added that Williams had “reached out on multiple occasions” to “make sure a third party doesn’t get a hold of the trademark and to guarantee Chad and Pharrell share in ownership and administration.”
Later that year, Williams confirmed that he and Hugo were no longer on speaking terms. When asked about his relationship with Hugo, Williams said: “I always wish him the absolute best.”
In January 2026, Hugo then sued Williams again for $1million over alleged unpaid royalties in relation to the 2017 N.E.R.D. album ‘No One Ever Really Dies’.
In a statement issued to Billboard, Pharrell’s representatives said that “a standard accounting review is already in progress.”
They added: “The lawsuit filed is premature as there may not even be a dispute between the parties. If the accounting review determines that money is owed, the appropriate party will pay it. Pharrell has consistently acted in good faith. He has great respect for Chad and looks forward to resolving this in a way that honours their shared history.”
