H.R.

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For other uses, see HR.

H.R. In New York outside of CBGB

H.R. (born ca. 1957) ("Hunting Rod" and later "Human Rights") is the stage name of Paul D. Hudson (Ras Hailu Gabriel Joseph I), the lead singer of the influential punk-reggae band Bad Brains. Earl Hudson, the band's usual drummer, is H.R.'s brother. Often, in conflict with the other members of the group throughout the 1980s, H.R. would leave the band periodically and record solo albums which were more mellow reggae than Bad Brains' usual offerings. As a result, he experienced an extensive solo career, gaining a reputation as an impressive singer and dynamic perfomer, with numerous reggae albums released on SST Records. He also collaborated with the Long Beach Dub Allstars on their song "New Sun", on the Right Back album. During the past several years H.R. has headlined DIA Records Global Rock Showcase tour. HR continues to play the odd show with his Bad Brains bandmates. The foursome has a new album in the works as confirmed by bassist Daryl Jenifer in 2005. The album is produced by long time fan/friend Adam Yauch of the Beastie Boys. H.R. will be on board providing lead vocals to the new LP which is set to release in spring of 2007.

A Village Voice review of a Bad Brains concert described him on stage "like James Brown gone berserk, with a hyperkinetic repertoire of spins, dives, back-flips, splits, and skanks."

In recent years H.R.'s performances have taken a much more mellow tone as he is now focused primarily on reggae, funk music and rastafarianism. This is a stark contrast to his wildly animated stage perfomances of the late 70's and 1980's.[1]