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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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Clarksburg Applying for Home Rehabilitation Program

By Tammy DanielsiBerkshires Staff
CLARKSBURG, Mass. — The town is applying for Community Development Block Grant funds for a housing rehabilitation program. 
 
Clarksburg could get $850,000 or more depending on if it partners with another community. 
 
Brett Roberts, a senior planner with Berkshire Regional Planning Commission, presented the options to the Select Board at its last meeting. 
 
"We were looking over our portfolio, and you're a town that we haven't reached out to in quite a while, and I wanted to change that," he said. "You have a pretty competitive score with the state so we wanted to see if you'd be interested in the grant."
 
The grants, funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and administered by the state Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities, help small cities and towns undertake projects that benefit low and moderate-income residents. Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll recently announced more than $4 million coming to Berkshire towns for fiscal 2025. 
 
This is slightly different than Home Modification Loan Program presented to the North Adams City Council earlier this month that focuses on accessibility.
 
Roberts said funds would be used to repair homes, bring them up to code, do lead mitigation or update roofs, windows, and septic. Eligible recipients would have income up to 80 percent of the area median income. 
 
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