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As we’ve continue to witness an ever changing genre in hip-hop, the lines between contemporary rap and pop music are more blurred than ever. It’s not surprising to see even the most “street” artists in the game harmonizing (and in a lot of cases) flat out singing over the most subtle and soft R&B samples. And while many hip-hop fans may cringe at that thought, that popular blend has brought us a new crop of artists with some original sounds, concepts and personality that is much needed in a genre that has become watered down in many areas. Leading the pack perhaps is a young artist from west coast that may just be the most unique sounding artist in rap today, with a quality album to prove it.
Buddy, who bust on the scene in 2017 with two excellent EP’s, Magnolia and Ocean & Montana, respectively. The Magnolia EP highlights the Compton, California artist’s witty and sharp lyrical ability behind some heavy bassed production. With features from Wiz Khalifa and new Shady Records addition Boogie, Buddy shows that he will not be overlooked on any track he’s on. The Ocean & Montana EP is much more of an essential look at full range of his talent as he mixes his unique voice with the upbeat, airy sounds laid down by super producer Kaytranada, who produces all five tracks (play Find Me). The two projects were met with much praise from music fans and Buddy shortly became a hot commodity and has since featured on songs with Nipsey Hussle, Cousin Stizz and the legendary DJ Quik. With all the buzz surrounding him in such a short time, many fans were interested to see what his debut album would sound like and would the direction would be.
No matter what the fans anticipated, Harlan & Alondra, Buddy’s first full length project, delivers in every way possible. In 12 songs and only 40 minutes of run time, he manages to make a Rap album sound completely original and unconventional in 2018. Harboring around a theme of simply trying to become rich and establish a life for himself and his family, the album stays on point and gives the listener a first row seat to Buddy’s laid back yet extremely confident personality. As the album proceeds, you find yourself walking with him through the realization that he’s now successful, and carries the legacy of his family and name on his back.
Hey Up There -featuring R&B superstar Ty Dolla $ign, Shameless, Real Life Sh*t and Find Me 2 deal with the all too common struggle of balancing success with life’s issues. But Buddy doesn’t just stay in one lane for his debut project. He shows off his attitude in the racially charged Black featuring A$AP Ferg. Song of the Year candidate Trouble on Central serves as a R&B ode to keeping one’s head above water. And in perhaps the most entertaining and unique portion of the album, the listener is taken back to the Funk and Soul era i with the tracks The Blue (featuring Snoop Dogg) and Speechless, which Buddy croones as if he was the special act for an episode of Soul Train. The album concludes with the appropriate Shine, which serves as nothing more than the realization that there is no other choice in this life but to be something great, no matter what obstacles stay in place. Harlan & Alondra serves as a spin on the idea of success and how it doesn’t have to change a person. Buddy is youthful, versatile, humorous and wise, something that holds value in the current climate of music. It holds its ground in both Rap and R&B as one of the best projects of the year, bar none.
Top 5 Songs:
1.Trouble on Central
2. Speechless
3. Shine
4. Hey Up There
5. The Blue