I’m back at it again. It’s been a while. The pen been a little dry, well, not exactly, just been putting it to use on other projects but I’m back and it’s time for some new shit to be introduced. In my Craig Mack voice, “I’m kickin’ new flava in ya ear!” LOL! Anyways, there’s this particular artist. I met through family, so he is kind of like family to me too. Harlem’s finest and doing the damn thing as of lately dropping new dope music and music videos as well. I love to see people working, grinding, and shining. He goes by the name Dub Pudgy. Born as Michael Jordan, Jr. on October 9th, 1991, Pudgy’s another underground rap artist whose an up and coming talent whose been one busy individual. I’m very picky about talent and music but it’s the drive, dedication, and consistency that catches my eye. Let’s take it back to the very beginning of things, shall we?? Coming from Harlem, Pudgy’s family bond, in the beginning, was a really close one, and then things became different for him. He says, “At first, I had a family that was really close together, after more than a few deaths along with misunderstandings, that went away and it made things harder in the sense of being alone.” Unfortunately, family dynamics do change. Whether we want them to or not. A family, a foundation always shapes what type of adult the child will eventually become. It’s those unfortunate times that helps spark a young creative mind too. With the bad also comes with the good. Pudgy continues on about his days as a child and his inspirations and influences. “My elders, as in famous people, Tupac, Lil’ Wayne, and Will Smith, but mainly my Nana, grandmother and deep conversation with my brothers.” Having the love, support, and bond with our loved ones are very important just as much as our influences from entertainment. These things always reveal who we become as artists. Inspiration can come from anywhere outside of our main influences though. Energy never lies and what you associate with you will pick up. Even just minding your business walking down the street. Pudgy tells more about his where his inspirations come from. He says, “There’s something about being around people with good energy and when I just wrote something or performed, the reaction was so addictive and motivating that I became consumed in becoming great and making this a career.” No greater feeling than getting positive love, energy, and reciprocation back from those who are watching and listening. It’s what keeps an artist consistent and true to what they do. Speaking of doing, Pudgy is definitely doing the damn thing indeed. Music, music videos, collaborations, I love to see it all. My YouTube subscription box has Dub Pudgy music videos, he sends me texts of his links, it’s why I had to come back and give him his props for what he is doing. I asked Pudgy to speak more about his work and what he has going on currently. “My new single “Be Better” is out now on all platforms, the album “Harlem Legends”, and the video to “Be Better” will be out soon and we got more than music coming soon too.” Truly exciting. I love it all. Just wanted to make sure the people get into this as well. The sounds are very new school class of Harlem rap for the current generation. It’s all about the good times, good vibes, and positive energy. Youthful, hood, yet hopeful, optimistic, and fun Black-ness. When you reach a certain level and point in the field that you chose, reflecting on your progress and growth always humbles you. You also think about your life choices in the past because they definitely gave you the lessons you needed in order to get to where are you are currently. Any regrets at all?? Pudgy responds, “Every choice I’ve made got me to be the man that’s here today so no.” There you have it! No regrets. Full on confidence. He continues, “I see growth. You’re never too old to learn to be better.” Indeed. Never too old. Life goes on. To hear more from Dub Pudgy, you can find him on Facebook as MrNocap Withthehood and on Instagram @itz_justdub.
Written by Jalen Hemphill