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Fudge E. Nuggitz captures the beat on his new CD mix.

Review: Fudg E. Nuggitz Delivers Oldies Style

By Robert MangiameleiBerkshires Intern
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NORTH ADAMS Mass. — Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts junior Chris Oxholm of Holliston, aka Fudge E. Nuggitz, has put together a mix of tracks using some old-school classics to anchor his new CD into a steady, rhythmic balance.

Everything from '70s jazz, soul, R&B blends well with the bouncy lyrics Fudge E. and his brother, MC Willy and friends provide. It's clear these easy-going, carefree MCs are just having fun on most tracks, often phrasing funky lyrics and sound. Their funny phrases are usually followed by a Teddy Pendergrass, Zapp and Rogger, or doo-wop group background vocal. 

One track "Tim Anderson," has Fudge E. and friend/rapper Jus-Joe going around their college campus sneakily and steadily, stealing anything they can get their hands on from booze to drugs to munchies and has a James Brown hook.

While usually the final decisions are made by Fudge E., he says he trusts his brother's judgment and will more likely than not ask MC Willy to just add "his spice" to top off what is usually a hot and upbeat flow. 


Chris Oxholm, also known as Fudge E. Nuggitz has a new and interesting take on hip hop.
Most of the CD declares the message of "just get up and dance," Fudge E. said. Tracks such as "Blow my Thang," "Afro Cop," "Let's get Funky" and "Shake ya Booty" display Fudge E. and company lyrically representing on the microphone as if they were at a disco party.

"These guys keep hip hop original," said MCLA sophomore Marc Latour, a hip hop fan.

Despite their respect for old-school music, the album does offer a pair of tracks that prove a smooth transition into today's lingo as well. "Computer Love" and "Date.com" cover the Internet dating and relationship scene with the flirty smiles, fake hearts symbols and meaningless texts youth is so use to sheltering behind these days. But Fudge E. Nuggitz and MC Willy mock the back-and-forth cell calls with a catchy beat, addicting hook and beautiful intro.

"The song just melts any stress you have," Latour said of "Computer Love." The fourth track on his mixed CD, "Movin' On" is an emotional song, perfect for those heartbroken listeners. Fudge E. takes his listeners through his first love and the ups and downs that usually come with young love. 

The last two tracks, "Life Support" and "Old Skool," are strictly Fudge E. Nuggitz coming in for the final stab, like a relief pitcher closing out the finale with some authority. With no help from others on the final two cuts, Fudge E. proves he can hold his own. This is evident in his poised delivery and "go get it" demeanor, with an added writing style that displays not only confidence but diversity as well. 

Overall, with the old-tune classics properly placed in the hooks and Fudge E. and company behind the dials, the CD is a new and interesting take on hip hop and is sure to garner support from local listeners.

Tags: hip hop,   

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Companion Corner Grey Boy at No Paws Left Behind

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — There's a cat No Paws Left Behind still waiting for his forever home.

iBerkshire's Companion Corner is a weekly series spotlighting an animal in our local shelters that is ready to find a home. He was previously highlighted but he now has new information.

Grey Boy is 10 years old and is a gray and white domestic shorthair and was previously highlighted on Companion Corner.

The shelter's Executive Director Noelle Howland introduced us to him and his long journey to be ready for adoption.

"He's been here a couple months. He was a transfer from a rescue in Bennington. They were out of space, so we had taken him in with a few other cats. So he's been here a couple months. He came in with what we believed was a respiratory infection," she said. "So it took us a little bit to get him ready, and then he also needed a dental. So he has nice, clean teeth. He had some teeth removed, and then he has to go back in and have one more dental. So he'll be all ready to go."

It was previously thought that he has feline herpes but he was recently diagnosed with a palette fracture because of how bad his dental disease was, which is what is causing his sneezing. He can now go home with cats, a cat-savvy dog and children.

"He has had two dentals since being with us. Due to the palate fracture he will be sneezy for the rest of his life, not contagious sneezing, but that doesn’t stop him from living a perfectly happy life. He should be on wet food with chunks due to this and since he has had many teeth removed," Howland said.

Grey Boy loves to play with toys and enjoy treats. He would also love to have a window to lounge or bird-watch in.

"He is not afraid of anything. He's very curious, so I'm sure he'd love if you have windows for him to look out of. He still plays, even though he's 10 it does not stop him. So any home would be a good fit for him."

Now that he is ready to be adopted, he is excited. When you walk into the room with him he will rub up against your leg introducing himself and asking to be pet.

"Usually, I would say, when you're walking, he'll bonk into you so he might catch you off guard a little bit. He constantly is rubbing against you," Howland said. "He really, I would say he's lazy when you want him to be, and he's active when you want him to be. He'll play with toys. He's usually lounging away. And then when he comes out he'll play. He loves it. So, very friendly, easy going cat."

He is now perfectly healthy with his dentals all done and veterinary care up to date and is ready to find his forever family.

"I would say the friendliest, easiest cat you could have. He's just, he's just gonna be a little sneezy sometimes, but that doesn't stop him from doing anything," she said.

Grey Boy's adoption fee is sponsored by Rooted in Balance Counseling LLC.

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