Buddy

Buddy is an American rapper and singer from Compton, California, part of a generation of West Coast artists who blend laid-back G-funk-inflected melody with modern hip-hop and R&B textures. He first drew attention with the breakout single «Awesome Awesome» and was subsequently signed to Pharrell Williams' i am OTHER label, a relationship that shaped the polished, genre-blending sound he became known for.

His early mixtape Idle Time, released in 2014, featured guest appearances from fellow West Coast artists including Casey Veggies and Kendrick Lamar, positioning Buddy within a network of Compton-connected talent even before his major-label debut. He went on to release full-length projects such as Harlan & Alondra, which leaned into introspective storytelling about his upbringing and community, showcasing a warmer, more melodic vocal approach than much of contemporary West Coast rap.

Buddy's music is marked by smooth, soulful production, conversational rapping and a strong sense of place tied to Compton, distinguishing him from more aggressive strands of West Coast hip-hop. His catalog reflects steady evolution from mixtape-era buzz to a distinctive, R&B-leaning voice within modern rap.