NUBS of Odd Squad Family joins us with new “Abled” album.
Phoenix based hip hop artist NUBS (A.K.A Collin While), is most known for putting his real life trials and tribulations into his music. Today he is proud to release a masterfully created poetic and poignant solo debut album titled “Abled.” NUBS, which is an acronym for Normally Underestimated By Sight, was born with a rare condition, leaving him without arms or legs. Not having any limbs is enough of a struggle to overcome already, but NUBS also had to endure the bullying and teasing that came along with his condition. Instead of submitting to the pressure and letting life get him down, NUBS resorted to music. “Using my emotions as a compass I navigated into a whole new realm of singing, and songwriting. For years I have let my experiences drive the inspiration for my music, but with this album, I focused more on the feelings of my life and let those drive me to make this body of work,” states NUBS.
The album dropped with the single release of “Wayne Gretzky” ft. King Dayo. It was inspired by the great hockey player Wayne Gretzky who famously said, “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” NUBS reflects, “Being a huge hockey fan, I live by these quotes, and at this point in my life, I’m done waiting to take my shot.” He explains, “The day I made this song I was going through some internal struggles, and doubt, and at some point in my wallowing I opened my phone and started reading my social media comments: “You literally saved my life”, “You make my day every time I see your videos”, “Please never stop”, “My kids get bullied, so I showed them your song ‘Bully’ and now they look up to you so much”. These comments were the inspiration for this song. It reminds me every day to never let your moments slip away, own them, and go for what you want!”
NUBS of Odd Squad Family Releases Video For “Born Like This” Feat. Blind Fury
For the Phoenix based hip hop artist NUBS, music has always taken center stage in his life. At 9 years old he joined the renowned Phoenix Boys Choir where he was classically trained and toured Europe twice. But it wasn’t until high school when he met Snowman who shared his love for music and hip hop, that he really found his voice. They would later meet A-Factor and the trio formed Odd Squad Family.
It has been a little over a decade since the formation of Odd Squad Family which has been the predominant outlet for NUBS’ witty bars. His lyricism has been centered on his experiences, however, on the new record, NUBS shows a different side than fans might expect. He comments, “A couple months before I started making this album, my brothers came to me and expressed their concerns with my attitude, more specifically my ego. At first it was hard for me to take in what they were saying, but ultimately, the reason it hurt was because I knew they were right.”
Looking back at the new release, NUBS comments, “ABLED is such a package full of meaning. Not only does it describe me in one word people might not use for me at first glance, but it sets the tone right away for what you are about to witness when seeing me.”
He explains, “My whole life I have been looked at as “disabled” or “handicapped” but I was raised to believe that with hard work I can do anything. With this being my debut solo album, I wanted to name it something that not only described me, but also inspires people just based on what it could mean to them. No matter how different or alike you might be to others, everyone can relate to feeling like they aren’t good enough, or able to be successful. This whole album is here to remind you that you are good enough, and that you are ABLED!”
