From his early days performing with L.A.’s Amazing Grace Conservatory to joining Pharrell’s I Am Other music collective at just 15, Buddy has navigated a decade marked by growth and introspection. His latest studio album, Don’t Forget To Breathe, reflects a moment of pause and clarity, inspired in part by a retreat to Portugal that included a transformative mushroom trip and sound bath.
In interviews, Buddy describes his journey towards mindfulness, which threads through tracks like “Free My Mind,” where he explores themes of grounding and release amidst swirling synths and a driving beat. On “Move On,” he encourages listeners to leave behind draining relationships, while “Shouldve Known” features a reflective collaboration with Smino over a swanky lounge tune. Rooted in Compton’s rich musical tradition, Buddy’s versatility shines through in the L.A. G-funk vibes that permeate his work, evident from his collaborations with artists like Kent Jamz on the jazzy “Talk About It” from Janktape Vol. 1 to the ’90s West Coast rap homage on tracks like “Got Me Started” and “Get It All.”
Throughout Don’t Forget To Breathe, Buddy blends introspection with upbeat, cruisy vibes, delivering what he calls “real good rapping over dope beats.” His playful yet thoughtful approach, evident on tracks like “Buddy A Fool” and “Like This,” showcases his evolution as an artist rooted in his West Coast roots while exploring new musical territories.
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