Buddy’s new album is a West Coast rap autobiography

The Compton rapper tells us the story behind the record.

On his new album Harlan & Alondra Buddy’s sound oscillates between sunny-side drop-top vibes and hards raps about real life in his home city of Compton. The album carries the hallmarks of its geography – the lyrical, autobiographical brilliance of South Central alumni (Kendrick, Dre, Snoop) and the irrepressible, soulful, summertime vibe that belongs to almost everything that has ever come out of California.

The lead track “Black” is a fired up is a fired up statement of intent, while the easy, breezy sounding single “Trouble on Central” is the perfect sound for a freeway ride, albeit peppered with hints of Buddy’s own checkered autobiography.

To celebrate the release of the album, Buddy gave out free gas at the Arco on Central Avenue. The album cover is a photograph of the artist and his family taken outside their home. Collectively, the tracks on Harlan & Alondra feel like a map of Buddy’s life and his home city. It’s a compelling release that speaks of truth, history and positivity.

Before you even get the chance to hear the record, the cover is this stunning photo of your family. Tell me what was the thought process behind that?

I love my family, they make me better. I chose to have a family photo as the cover because I wanted to show them off to the world. We look amazing.

Did they always support your decision to follow music?

Big time, I grew up in the church choir. I was acting, singing, and dancing doing theater plays in AGC (Amazing Grace Conservatory), my parents have always supported all my entertainment endeavors.

Trousers by Matthew Miller, boxers Places Plus Faces, chain Buddy's own

Shooting the cover outside your family home is one of many references to your early life in Compton on the record. What are your memories like of that time?

It was a simpler time, I remember playing outside in front my house, skateboarding, basketball, riding my bike, catching the train to go to school. I had a bullshit sign-flipping job for Liberty Tax, right on the corner of Central & Alondra, that shit was trash.

Compton’s got an incredible music history – It feels like it should have a hip-hop museum. Is that history something you were super conscious of growing up? Does the city revolve around music?

I was introduced to Compton rap at an early age. I’ve always thought I grew up in one of the most popular cities for Rap Music, Dr Dre, DJ Quik, and NWA are all big influences. I wouldn’t say Compton revolves around music, music is more like the engine driving the city forward and upward.

Tracksuit by Blood Brother
Tracksuit by Blood Brother, trainers by What We Wear x Filling Pieces

Harlan & Alondra is the third record you’ve named after a geographical location. What’s does that address mean to you?

All three of the projects I’ve released have been named after places that changed my life. Ocean & Montana are the cross streets to my first apartment, Magnolia is the street in North Hollywood where I recorded every day and curated my sound, and Harlan & Alondra are the cross streets to the house I grew up in.

There’s a few moments on the record that talk about chasing wealth. What do you spend your checks on?!

Food, Fun, & Fronto! I pay my rent and buy jewelry now too.

Was it fun dishing out gas on Central? That’s the best stunt!

It was definitely fun to give back, especially now that I’m in a position to give back. You should’ve seen the looks on those faces. I feel like I really made people’s day which made my day.

Hoody by Gold Sport, Coat by Matthew Miller

There’s a couple of love songs on the album too. Have you had good or bad experiences of relationships?

KiKi from the drake song broke my heart back in the day. I haven’t been in a committed relationship since.

Do relationships get harder when your career takes off?

It’s all about honesty and communication which is not easy for everyone, I’m doing pretty good currently.

What’s coming up next for you?

More music! More tours! More fun!

Buddy’s album Harlan & Alondra is out now .

photographer
Ben Duah
stylist
Jay Hines
groomer
Neusa Neves
photographic assistant
Matt Marsh
BTS crew
Will Stuetz and Loona Kasements
words
Elliot Watson