Suga Buga (Rapper)

Suga Buga, also known as Suga Buga The Pimp, and formerly known as Dogg, is a foundational figure in West Coast hip-hop, representing the West Side of Inglewood, California. Born at Daniel Freeman Memorial Hospital, his career serves as a historical bridge between the raw gang-bangin’ records of the early 90s and the sophisticated G-Funk and independent movement of the 2000s.

The Dangerous Era: Bangin’ on Wax (1993–1995)

Suga Buga first emerged under the moniker “Dogg” as a standout member of the Bloods & Crips project. Orchestrated by Ronnie Ron and Tweedy Bird Loc, this era was defined by its unprecedented reality: active gang members from across South Los Angeles collaborating on wax.

The Damu Ridas: Following the success of the platinum-selling Bangin’ on Wax, the Bloods contingent evolved into the Damu Ridas. 

Suga Buga contributed to the group’s seminal albums, Damu Ridas (1995) and How Deep Is Your Hood (1999), during a period when the group was faced with the heavy toll of street violence, leaving Suga Buga as one of the few surviving voices of the original lineup.

The Death Row Chapter: Young Soldierz (1994–1998)

While still active with the Bloods & Crips projects, Suga Buga joined forces with Big Wy (Crenshaw Mafia) and Lil’ Stretch (Bounty Hunter Bloods) to form the Young Soldierz. After the success of their single “Eastside-Westside,” the group caught the attention of Suge Knight and signed to Death Row Records at the height of its power.

The group’s presence was solidified through high-profile placements on the Murder Was The Case and Gang Related soundtracks, positioning Suga Buga among the label’s elite roster alongside 2Pac and Snoop Dogg.

The Relativez & Independent Power (2000–Present)

Following the decline of the original Death Row era, Suga Buga rebranded and formed The Relativez with his cousin, Big Wy. This move signaled a shift toward a more polished, cinematic production style and a “pimp” persona that reflected his Inglewood roots.

The duo released a string of West Coast classics, including Dirty Money (2000), The Takeover (2002), and Money Respect Money (2005), collaborating with icons like WC, Too Short, and Mack 10.

Known for their lyrical consistency and ability to navigate industry feuds—most notably deactivating a friction-filled rivalry with Mack 10—The Relativez remain one of the most respected duos in independent West Coast history.

Later Career

Following the mid-2000s, The Relativez became less active. Suga Buga has continued to release music and perform on a smaller scale, maintaining a presence within the underground West Coast rap scene. In 2023, the death of his cousin and longtime collaborator Big Wy marked a significant moment in his career and the legacy of The Relativez.

Discography

The Relativez

• 2000 – Dirty Money
• 2002 – The Takeover
• 2005 – Money Respect Money
• 2007 – Legendary
• 2007 – Rise to Power

Damu Ridas

• 1995 – Damu Ridas
• 1999 – How Deep Is Your Hood

Young Soldierz

• 1994 – Young Soldierz

Bloods & Crips

• 1993 – Bangin’ on Wax
• 1994 – Bangin’ on Wax 2… The Saga Continues