U.G.O
Official Biography :

« A change is gonna come ». This famous Sam Cookes song became an anthem for the American Civil Rights Movement. A few decades later, the first black president was elected at the White House. Perfect time for U.G.O to share this audacity of hope with his new hit single « Change » featuring Sean Kingston. And it all makes sense when you know that U.G.Os father was threatened with death after a political push and forced to leave his country, Nigeria, to find a new home in Washington DC
Thats how the majestic Stevano « U.G.O » (meaning « eagle » in his mother tongue) was able to spread his wings in the US and catch hip hop culture as it flies past. First with break dancing that he has been practicing regularly. Then as a MC, wich
allowed him to express his talent. But the young rapper was influenced by KRS-1, a famous New York MC known for his conscious lyrics, as much as Fela Kuti, the Afro Beats pope, also a Nigerian native : « I grew up listening to both American and
African music and wanted to create songs that would be appreciated by all. The most important thing is not where you come from, its to believe in yourself Music is universal » says U.G.O who also has italian blood running through his veins.
If he already realeased two songs, « Earthquakin Afrikan MC » in 2002 and « Bran-Nu-Flo » in 2003, with a huge popular success in Nigeria, U.G.O had the chance to tour with reknown artists such as The Fugees, Digable Planets, E.V.E, Wu-Tang Clan, The Pharcyde or T-Boz from T.L.C. An experience that made him a great performer.
During one of his very first shows, he even met Notorious B.I.G. aka Biggie Smalls just before his murder in 1997. And the next year, U.G.O had the opportunity to travel with J-Lo and P. Diddy who took him to France. There, he met Bad Boys CEO who immediately noticed the young mans talent and was ready to signed him on in his notorious label. But, it wasnt the right time for the MC who was dealing with one of his brothers death, Lo, who happened to be Nas best friend.
When listening to « Bran-Nu-Flo », you realize that U.G.Os trademark is in his flow.
But, most of all, the man is a really gifted and complete artist. A few years ago, he decided to move to Los Angeles to study cinema, without giving up on his music career. This new skill led him to producing and directing his own video « Straight
From The Heart » with Cee Knowledge from the legendary group Digable Planets.
This video, featuring the actor Marlon Wayans, the singer Bobby Brown and
Method Man from the Wu Tang Clan, faired well on B.E.T.s « Rap City ». After
participating to the original soundtrack of the motion picture « Derailed » with Jean- Claude Van Damne in 2002 and appearing in H.B.Os show « The Wire », next to Stringer Bell and Marlo Stanfield, the rapper even had his first movie role in the HBO « Best Picture » award winning « A Vicious Circle ».
Now based in Toronto in Canada, U.G.O is planning to release his first album (« Change the game »)by the end of the year, via French Connect Records, a label based in Los Angeles. Meanwhile, the rapper gave us an idea of what we can expect with his first single, « Change », featuring the jamaican singer author of the #1 hit « Beautiful Girls », Sean Kingston. A song made to change the mentalities, especially those of our politicians. Because « so many humans on this planet deserve a chance, like every woman in a dress deserves a dance » dixit U.G.O

More info :
www.frenchconnectrecords.com
For general inquiries : contact@frenchconnectrecords.com
For press / Booking : management@frenchconnectrecords.com


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