Nugawdz by Nugawdz: A Raw Slice of 2015 Hip Hop That Still Hits Different
Yo, let me tell ya about Nugawdz. This album came outta nowhere in 2015, straight from the US under Pharxmy label, and man—it’s got this gritty, unfiltered vibe that just sticks to your soul. It's not perfect, but it doesn’t need to be. Sometimes music is better when it feels like it’s spilling straight from someone’s chest without overthinking it. And damn, does Nugawdz feel alive.
First off, shoutout to “Cranberry Apple.” I know, weird name for a hip-hop track, right? But trust me, this joint slaps. The beat has this hypnotic bounce—like you’re walking through a hood late at night with neon lights flickering above you. The lyrics hit hard too; they talk about grindin’, hustlin’, and surviving. What makes it unforgettable though is how smooth the flow gets on the hook. You’ll catch yourself mumbling along even if you don’t mean to. Like, yo, it’s one of those tracks where you can practically feel the artist’s hunger bleeding through every word. Real talk.
Then there’s “The Ghetto Bird.” If “Cranberry Apple” pulls you into the streets, this one locks you in. The production here is darker, heavier, almost cinematic. It’s like the soundtrack to some midnight chase scene in a movie you haven’t seen yet. The storytelling on this track? Chef’s kiss. It paints pictures so vivid you might start looking over your shoulder while listening. There’s something haunting about how the verses ride the beat—it’s aggressive but controlled, chaotic but calculated. Honestly, it gave me chills the first time I heard it, and it still does now.
I won’t lie, not every track hits as hard as these two. Some songs, like “Bell$” or “Youz,” are solid but kinda blend together after a while. Others, like the intro and outro, serve their purpose but don’t leave much of an impression. Still, the highs on this project are high enough to make up for the dips. When it works, it REALLY works.
What strikes me most about Nugawdz is its rawness. It’s not trying to be polished or radio-friendly. Instead, it feels like a snapshot of where Nugawdz was at in 2015—no filter, no apologies. Listening to it feels like hearing someone pour their heart (and maybe their pain) onto wax. That kind of authenticity is rare these days.
And honestly? As I sit here writing this review, I can’t help thinking…what happened to Nugawdz? Did they drop more stuff after this? Or was this their peak? Either way, Nugawdz remains a hidden gem—a little rough around the edges, sure, but full of soul and fire. If you’re into underground hip-hop that keeps it real, give this album a spin. Just don’t blame me if “Cranberry Apple” ends up stuck in your head for days.
Peace.
