Because This Song Made Hugo Chegwin Turn Away from Kendrick Lamar
When it comes to music, few people have as unique and eclectic a taste as Hugo Chegwin—the producer and actor best known for his role in People Just Do Nothing. In a candid look at his personal playlist, Chegwin opens up about the songs that shaped his life, the tracks that make him secretly dance in front of the mirror, and why he isn’t a fan of Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like ”Us”—especially because of its digs at his “very close friend,” Drake.
This article takes a deep dive into Hugo Chegwin’s honest playlist, highlighting the music that influenced him from childhood to today. From his first musical idols, PJ and Duncan, to his admiration for Michael Jackson, NERD, and J Dilla, Chegwin’s playlist reveals both personal stories and larger truths about how music connects to memory, identity, and friendship.
Hugo Chegwin and the Power of a Playlist
Playlists are not just random assortments of songs. For Chegwin, they act as milestones in life—reflections of moments, friendships, struggles, and triumphs. His selections range from classic pop hits to underground pirate radio tracks, each representing a chapter of his story.
Chegwin has built his career on understanding culture and rhythm, not only as an actor but also as a music producer with a genuine love for beats, lyrics, and the emotions behind them. That is why his honest playlist is not just entertaining – it’s a glimpse into the personality of a man who has lived and breathed music his whole life.
The First Song Hugo Chegwin Fell in Love With
The song that made Hugo Chegwin fall in love with music was “Dirty Diana” by Michael Jackson. His parents gifted him Bad, and the intensity of Jackson’s vocals combined with the dark, edgy sound instantly captivated him. Listening through “those mad wiry headphones,” Chegwin described the song as feeling dangerous in a good way.
This moment was more than just a childhood memory—it was the beginning of his journey into musical discovery. For Chegwin, Michael Jackson represented the magic of pop stardom while also hinting at the emotional complexity that music can carry.
The First Single He Ever Bought
For many fans, the first single bought is a rite of passage. Chegwin’s first purchase was “Let’s Get Ready to Rhumble” by PJ and Duncan, from Our Price in Chiswick. While Ant and Dec might now be known as beloved TV personalities, back then they were rap idols for a young Chegwin.
He admits their music felt like “entry-level rap,” but something about their energy, humor, and accessibility made them unforgettable. This purchase marked the start of his personal ownership of music and a step toward developing his own taste.
Why He Can No Longer Listen to Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us”
One of the most striking confessions in Chegwin’s playlist is his distaste for Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us.” While he acknowledges Lamar’s talent and cleverness, he criticizes the song for being “overly repetitive.”
But more importantly, Chegwin admits the track bothers him because it targets Drake, someone he calls a very close friend. His loyalty to Drake overrides his admiration for Lamar’s artistry. In a world where rap rivalries dominate headlines, Chegwin’s honesty reveals the personal side of fandom: music is not only about rhythm and lyrics but also about relationships and values.
The Song He Knows Every Lyric To
Sometimes, songs unexpectedly become part of our DNA. For Chegwin, that song is “Mr. Brightside” by The Killers. He first encountered it at a festival in his twenties and was blown away by its energy.
Even though his friends from Brentford might have judged him for listening to it, Chegwin memorized every word. Today, “Mr. Brightside” is not just a party anthem—it’s also a reminder that music can transcend expectations and stereotypes.
Karaoke Nights: A Risky Choice
Karaoke is both thrilling and terrifying, and Chegwin admits he isn’t naturally a fan of it. However, when he does step up to the mic, his song of choice is “Adorn” by Miguel.
Though he finds the vocal range challenging—describing it as “basically in the Stevie Wonder range”—Chegwinloves the song too much not to choose it. This selection highlights his appreciation for soulful, powerful ballads, even if they push him out of his comfort zone.
His Secret Guilty Pleasure
Every playlist has one: a song you love but pretend to hate. For Chegwin, it’s “Let Me Love You” by Mario. On the surface, he dismisses it as overly cheesy R&B, but privately, he admits to dancing in front of the mirror whenever it plays.
This confession is both relatable and revealing. It shows how even professional musicians and producers find joy in tracks that may not be critically acclaimed but connect emotionally.
The Best Song to Play at a Party
When it comes to getting people moving, Chegwin swears by “Lapdance” by NERD. He describes it as an amazing beat that never fails to deliver. Its combination of rhythm, attitude, and singalong potential makes it a timeless party classic.
The Song That Changed His Life
Not all songs are about fun and energy—some inspire life-changing paths. For Chegwin, that track was “Closer Than Close” by Rosie Gaines.
He discovered it through pirate radio, which eventually became a passion of his. This exposure to underground music shaped his understanding of sound, culture, and the role of community in music. It was through pirate radio that Chegwin developed the curiosity and creativity that defined his later career.
The Track That Motivated Him Through Hard Times
Before finding success, Chegwin worked in call centers and retail jobs, struggling to envision a better future. During that time, he often listened to “Don’t Go” by Wretch 32.
He recalls feeling deeply emotional while driving to work with the song on repeat. Paired with his opportunity to remix “Heaven” by Emeli Sandé, this period marked a turning point where music gave him hope and propelled him forward.
The Morning Wake-Up Song
Currently, Chegwin starts his mornings with “Vacay” by Aminé, praising the rapper’s collaborations with innovative producers. For him, it’s the perfect blend of energy and freshness, setting the tone for a productive day.
The Song That Makes Him Cry
Music and memory often intertwine with grief. Chegwin reflects on “Yesterday” by Atmosphere, which carries a line about loss that resonates with his own experiences. Songs like this remind him of the power of emotional storytelling in rap.
The Song He Wants Played at His Funeral
Chegwin’s final selection is both profound and poignant: “Time: The Donut of the Heart” by J Dilla. Knowing that J Dilla created Donuts while dying gives the album a haunting depth. For Chegwin, this track is a way to leave behind a statement about creativity, resilience, and passion, even in the face of mortality.
What Hugo Chegwin’s Playlist Tells Us
Hugo Chegwin’s honest playlist is more than just a collection of songs—it’s a map of his life. From childhood idols like Michael Jackson and PJ & Duncan to his loyalty toward friends like Drake, each track reveals his values, passions, and struggles.
Whether it’s dancing secretly to Mario, reminiscing about pirate radio, or defending his friend from Kendrick Lamar’s criticism, Chegwin proves that music is deeply personal. It’s not just entertainment; it’s identity, memory, and emotion rolled into one.
His honesty also reminds us that the songs we love, hate, or defend say as much about who we are as the artists themselves. And in Chegwin’s case, that honesty makes his playlist not only relatable but also unforgettable.
