Odd Squad’s The Group, Coughee Brothaz’ The Clique

Comprised of Jugg Mugg, Rob Quest and Devin the Dude, Houston, Texas’ own Hip Hop trio the Odd Squad dropped their highly praised debut album, Fadanuf Fa Erybody!!, produced by blind group member Quest, DJ Styles, N.O. Joe and Mike Dean, on February 1, 1994 under Rap-A-Lot Records. Label-mate Scarface still considers the 17-track magnum opus to be the famed label’s finest record release to date.

First things first, last year (August 11th to be exact) marked the 50th Anniversary of Hip Hop — What exactly does that mean to and for you?

My thoughts that come to mind almost make me want to quote a Biggie line, “I never thought Hip Hop would take it this far!” Coming from a person that officially entered this wonderful thang they called Hip Hop in the early ‘90’s – talking ‘91, ‘92 – and for today to be 2024+ and my crew and myself are still somewhat relevant, is truly a blessing and a gift from above – I did not think that Hip Hop would’ve come this far.

What are some of your fondest, most stand-out moments / memories during your lengthy tenure in this thing called Hip Hop?

Gracing the stage with Goodie Mob in ATL, and going to the Dungeon freestyling to Rico Wade’s beats. Chilling with Dave Chappelle after he hosted our show in Ohio, and being invited back to Katt Willams’ studio home to record a song, smoke weed, play pool, and chop it up about the industry.

That said, what are your future plans and / or goals throughout the remainder of 2024 and beyond?

Releasing my first album entitled Rock Solid Logic, as well as a couple of licensing deals on the table, and…staying busy Hip Hop-wise.

Switching gears here, what exactly do you want people to get from your music?

Without preaching – words to live by, food for thought, and positive life messages with purpose.

If you could collaborate with any one artist, living or dead, who would it be and why?

Andre 3000 for the dept of the artistry and message.

If you could play any venue in the world, which one would you choose and why?

Humboldt County cuz of the extensive marijuana growth.

On a more serious note, are you happy with the current state of Hip Hop?

Yes and No. No, because of all the street stuff and senseless killings. And, yes, because of how far Hip Hop has come and how influential it has been to the world.

What do you feel has and will continue to be the key to your longevity?

Continuing to stay in my own lane, and sticking to my original artform and style of music.

Do you have any other outside / additional (future) aspirations, maybe even completely away from entertainment?

Management, along with logistics and transportation.

What’s an average day like for you?

Always giving thanks to the highest to see another day; average, yet fulfilling.

Please discuss how you interact with and respond to fans…

Admiration, respect, and appreciation.

What is your favorite part about this line of work? Your least favorite? And, why?

Getting to do something I love. The interworking of the business itself.

What advice would you have for someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?

Learn as much as you can about the music business.

Looking ahead, say five or maybe even ten years from now, where do you see yourself?

Running multiple businesses, and still recording music.

Btw, what’s up with Odd Squad?

Still working. Odd Squad as a group plays more of a behind the scene role with Devin the Dude, but still recording albums as the Coughee Brothaz.

Also, same question applies to Coughee Brothaz…

Three albums titled The Black Cover, Waiting Our Turn, Fresh Brew, and we’re working on the fourth album as we speak.

Is there anything I left out or just plain forgot to mention?

Naw. I think you covered everything.

Any “parting” words for our readers?

Summer 2024 – Rock Solid Logic, from Jugg Mugg the Jugganott.