Buddy: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert

Jan. 9, 2019 | Rodney Carmichael -- When Buddy, a preacher's son from Compton, turns to me with eyebrows raised on the elevator ride inside NPR's corporate headquarters, it's hard to tell if the question that comes next is in preparation for his performance or pure provocation.
"Can we smoke in here?!" he asks with a grin that elicits stifled laughter from his bandmates and a few newsroom journalists along for the ride. It's a blunt request, even from a self-professed "weed connoisseur," and it kicks off one of the most dramatic Tiny Desks in recent memory.
If 2018 signaled the year of disruption in rap - with a shortlist of vets and newcomers trolling their way to the top of the charts - it was dominated by a groundswell of emerging voices who found more creative means to make their mark. Buddy's anticipated full-length debut Harlan & Alondra, named for the cross streets where he lived as a child, placed him among the better company (and on NPR's Best Rap Albums Of 2018). The same soulful hybrid of rapping and singing that compelled Pharrell to sign him as a teenager found Buddy stretching L.A. hip-hop beyond its typical gangsta narrative, while dancing with his dreams and shaking off his demons.
But sometimes being a nonconformist works both ways. So when Buddy proceeded to fire up a blunt midway through his set, we had to stop the show and ask him to put it out before re-recording his song, "Hey Up There." (Smoking is not allowed on NPR property.) The performance was still lit, owing in part to Buddy's Baptist bona fides and his hood's close proximity to Hollywood. He grew up a singing in the choir and watching his dad work the crowd from the pulpit. He's also an alumni of actress Wendy Raquel Robinson's Amazing Grace Conservatory, an L.A. program known for steeping inner-city kids in the performing arts. Between the two, he earned his dramatic chops early. "I'm so used to being in front of an audience of people," he tells me, "just doing my thing and not really caring about it." He's definitely not afraid of the camera. In fact, he's one of the rare Tiny Desk guests who stares directly into it throughout much of his set, performing for the camera in the most literal sense.
While onstage drama kept Buddy a safe distance from the streets, he still experienced the kind of coming-of-age struggles that shaped his personal and political outlook. On "Real Life S**t," the opening song on his album and the last song in his Tiny Desk set, he conveys that reality with raw sentiment for the sitting President in lyrics straight from the record. It's that freedom of expression, from unbridled joy to middle-finger attitude, that makes him a provocateur in the purest sense. "If you don't like it, you weird," he tells me about his music before acknowledging the unintended irony behind his characterization: "Yeah, I am weird. So I guess being weird doesn't matter."
Set List
"Legend"
"Trouble On Central"
"Hey Up There"
"Real Life S**t"
Credits
Producers: Rodney Carmichael, Morgan Noelle Smith; Creative Director: Bob Boilen; Audio Engineers: Josh Rogosin, Patrick Boyd; Videographers: Morgan Noelle Smith, Kaylee Domzalski, Maia Stern, Kara Frame; Production Assistant: Brie Martin; Photo: Cameron Pollack/NPR

[@nprmusic]

How do you love rap when rap doesn’t love you back? From Rico Nasty’s harassment from toxic Carti fans, to Saucy Santana's unapologetically femme aesthetics in a queerphobic industry, to the assault case that put Megan Thee Stallion’s entire image on trial, each episode of Louder Than A Riot - the second season of our investigative hip-hop podcast - unpacks the unspoken rules of rap that hold the entire culture back. Tap in to our first episode at n.pr/louder-season-2.

[@kindthoughts4u]

Who is here in 2024? The lyrics. the band .. Buddy and the vocalist great combo :)

[@SunsetTim]

Buddy hard af ... trouble on central is hood soul

[@thedirtybird_11]

Sunset Tim BIG FAX

[@davidjourdain8534]

💯💯💯

[@codyh5077]

no call no text no email just fax

[@MrCashrio]

Sunset Tim niggas sleeping

[@TanRicky321]

Hell Yeah

[@Skypp317]

This was the first time I heard of Buddy. I've been a huge fan ever since.

[@aleceatsnot]

WHY ARE THE MUSICIANS NO LONGER CREDITED ON THIS? PLEASE CREDIT THE MUSICIANS.

[@ashleysapp1333]

^^ yes, good point

[@BobMarlich94]

roofeeo on the drum

[@Tnwwnt]

Brody Brown on bass, Rose Gold on BV...some help for the other members please

[@SophiaWilson]

Oh glad you noticed!

[@ddorseymusic]

David Foreman on guitar...

[@michaelboschelli7797]

The drummer looks at peace with life

[@odiesel4545]

Michael Boschelli right when I read this comment he’s kinda licked his lips and looked wistfully into the distance. 😢 it’s a beautiful thing

[@jasonbannerman-thompson3181]

Lil Jon out there killin it lol

[@9290SC]

@@jasonbannerman-thompson3181 Hilarious!!

[@milfabdrums]

one word "drums"

[@CapitalColosseum]

He’s in his own universe behind those shades

[@solsticelovechild1500]

Rose Gold on the background vocals killing it

[@tarvorshaejones343]

Brooke Daniels killing it

[@thomasholmes536]

Rose Gold is amazing

[@ShePressure28]

Yesss she is!!!

[@lateshachild2580]

ahh thats who i was looking for! good looking out

[@TedSomerville317]

So her name is as awesome as her voice

[@alexaz4422]

So talented, hope he finally gets recognition this yr. Now waiting for Smino’s tiny desk

[@SuperOwenCooper]

I think the fact that both of them are on REVENGE OF THE DREAMERS III is really gonna get them some long overdue recognition.

[@keikeikitty4330]

@@SuperOwenCooper looking this up right now..!!

[@alexaz4422]

KnOwenCooper oh yea for sure

[@thedirtybird_11]

KnOwenCooper Agreed. So many great producers & artists on the project, I’m expecting 100+ songs.

[@HoustonWadeCompton]

PATIENTLY

[@nigelwallace4652]

Underrated. Such a joy-filled, child-like spirit, with a mature mentality. This kid is incredible. Keep going, Buddy.

[@topnetworkersgroup]

severely underrated -

[@Paviste93]

Damn, the band is doing a fantastic job

[@jaredfrodel4235]

Damn this was dope but that girl was SNAPPING. She needs her own show

[@tarvorshaejones343]

jared frodel Rose Gold is doing her thang

[@lta4615]

Facts she stole the show

[@jahfariheron4796]

jared frodel facts

[@thecoolest1980]

The whole time I was wondering who she was and if she has any music of her own I could listen to asap!

[@ChhotiMaa]

he good, luv the lyrics but tbh he cant really sing...she can SAANG

[@tarvorshaejones343]

Background vocalist is doing her thang

[@theraphippies6927]

Sitting down at that!

[@EWreckWright91]

Facts sounds just like the record version 🔥🔥🔥

[@michaelbaker1476]

The homie Rose Gold from Baltimore!

[@graysonvillanueva4970]

We need the band and background vocalists name fasho 🧐

[@ronnieg1341]

She’s nice

[@conduitofthegospeldarrellb9154]

Artist like Buddy, The Internet, Phony Ppl, Boogie, etc etc are gonna run the next decade. They’re a bit unnoticed to the major public currently but there time is here

[@Tempest87]

Darrel Be I agree and I’m so so excited for it!

[@tarvorshaejones343]

They in a genre call Trip Hop..my daughter introduced me to the term

[@shabaclank3711]

I wouldn’t say they’ll run the next decade lol But they’ll be important to the underground

[@thedirtybird_11]

Darrel Be Significant to the culture. People that say “who? never heard of them.” Missing out like crazy. I honestly dislike mainstream audience.

[@theworkethic]

​@@tarvorshaejones343 You are spreading misinformed nonsense! Like trip hop is some new thing your young daughter introduced you to. Don't muddle the waters by stealing a coined word and apply it to some wannabe enlightened west coast rappers. Trip hop is a sound from Bristol, England based in electronic music since late 80's. See artists like Tricky, Morcheeba, Goldie, Massive Attack. Again, no understanding of anything outside of the USA. Typical American ignorance.

[@gimic84]

FYYE 🔥. That background vocalist is underrated.

[@Jordanthetwin]

Her name is Rose Gold.

[@maggi-nh8zo]

Legend

[@Jordanthetwin]

@@Groovy-GG I saw her a couple of years ago Performing with The Pollyseeds (Terrace Martins Group). Check the album on Sounds of Crenshaw

[@SaSouljah]

You need to be rated to be underrated she's good though

[@jamesrolph4995]

Beautiful ...that's all!!!

[@dobriyvecher]

Shout out to NPR sound engineer, perfect work, like always

[@lfeazell01]

dobriyvecher underrated MVP for sure.

[@30jersey478]

I don't know who is in charge of finding artists for tiny desk but they are doing a great job.

[@kawabungadad8945]

It's a girl who used to do A&R for some record labels. I forget her name.

[@whothatniggaonthatnag3510]

The Colors Show also. There's alot of great artists there too.

[@samanthatyokolo3568]

Four years later and I’m still here ❤

[@michmich-g9m]

The diversity of NPR is surreal, their taste of music is like no other, and the performances as usual are divine. Thank you for always letting me find new artists to love!!

[@user-kp5kg5dl8h]

Yesss. Any time I'm aching for new music, I can always count on NPR

[@-ix3mo]

they literally invite the only peeps I be listening to. 👌👌💯

[@gilmarlopez3590]

Tiny desk is every true musicians goal. The difference now? The youth is catching up to it. So they aim to please. But in my opinion? Not all things are for the youth. Things like good and real music should never be compromised. It doesn't matter who wants a part. It's called respect. But the problem? Today's society and people's feeling of entitlement... Makes me puke

[@frankmiranda2105]

Talkin' 'bout the diversity of musicians that they invite to Tiny Desk, right? Not the diversity of the staff of NPR?

[@MediumDon]

@@gilmarlopez3590 ok boomer

[@samangelo8866]

When he looks at the camera I feel like he I starring into my soul. Those long gazes will haunt me

[@keyfrom92]

Samangelo real shit bro.

[@navshak]

Yep r souls.

[@olasadeesq1102]

Samangelo no seriously. I caught myself wondering why he was looking at me. Really helps us watching connect though

[@Tomeezzyy]

Nope. He just pissed cause NPR people stopped him from lighting a blunt. Read the description. 😂

[@kandiceondemand]

@@olasadeesq1102 I know this is a year old but I just seen it and started cracking up

[@antoinetteporter]

This young man is incredibly talented. That band is hot. And that vocalist though. These folks are going places.

[@duandavis]

I first learned about Buddy thru Pharrell Williams.

[@topnetworkersgroup]

it was Nipsey Hussle for me @@duandavis

[@jaydaharris6738]

I hope he stays golden. He’s a hugeee breath of fresh air.

[@Maxbeanbag]

isnt he what

[@DeshanHoward]

As 45 y/o veteran of South Central, Gardena, this brotha told my life story in 3 songs.

[@birg8356]

He’s a beautiful black person. I tend to see beauty in a lot of ppl but his resonates.

[@jcoburn3590]

You should look up his session on ADD (AllDefDigital), he's a funny guy too! Does seem to have a cool vibe.

[@elizabethhaden979]

Check out his songs "Black" and "Black 2". Black pride ❤️💯🎯👍🏾

[@chiefbmac1]

Buddy is so slept on 🔥🔥🔥

[@internetathi]

I keep on coming back to this performance. One of the best, really. Also, the backing vocalist, Rose Gold, took me away. Love from Cape Town, South Africa!

[@GoodxJ]

same, love this! Buddy got the real rhymes and soulful vibes! One of the top Tiny Desk performances no doubt!!!

[@ab_reffak]

S.A !

[@herikaduma4993]

@Ragnar hahahaha

[@thamamukumela9514]

I saw Buddy and came here running.

[@Thataussiebattler]

He is amazing :)

[@LMICUK]

Damn straight

[@itsvintime]

😂😂word

[@ElNegringoKreyolito]

Clicked with the quickness

[@joemomma6317]

Been a minute since I’ve seen this one, one of my favorite NPR performances fo sho

[@tonynawn]

That's the happiest I've ever heard someone say "long beach, Compton to South Central"

[@pepejg7]

tonynawn lmao for real

[@abdeljorg9916]

Buddy a real one tho ... go watch his old stuff he been puttin nipsey in his clips had a k.dot feature wayyyy before he blew up. Pharell actually pushed him he mad talented.

[@topnetworkersgroup]

This should have way more than 32k likes ....

[@jackblackman5401]

Harlan and Alondra was the best debut album this year

[@MaximilianMengwasser]

Jack Blackman You mean last year... ;)

[@SirGandalfGoyard]

Jack Blackman and it was so slept on that’s crazy

[@riazzmidastouchedboards3895]

Last year had the hardest debuts bro c'mon

[@ynvme7880]

"The Blue" tho!!! He's talented! Baby girl is singing

[@darnishashari2174]

His eyes are piercing... old soul,.... and speaking from his heart!

[@POSYmusic_us]

Buddy is the most underrated dude in the game. Harlan & Alondra is a modern classic 🙌

[@tequanatolajierno4458]

I feel pride knowing Cali has Buddy. Wassu Sc

[@maxwell9211]

I love everything about this. From his rapping to the instrumentation.

[@austinfeltner6238]

Bruh. Everything about this Tiny Desk is fire.

[@tamia707]

2019 is Buddy’s year

[@georgethompson1991]

“All I do shine!”

[@AShiba-xj3fz]

South Africa APPRECIATES!!

[@MatomeQuestMoremi]

Yes We Do!!!!

[@elarno3554]

Who here after the revenge documentary?

[@Ghanaman93]

El Arno nah Buddy been dope

[@elarno3554]

@@Ghanaman93 i can believe that but now he exposed to a whole lot more people.

[@tallyblose7600]

🙋‍♂️

[@sidneyjones8641]

@@elarno3554 MostDef. Me. He just snapped

[@DmanUNT2014]

Buddy is up next.

[@andrewa.1757]

Couple things band did there thang. Big fan of buddy also Someone needs to tell girl she deserves to be up front center stage doing her thang

[@gardenoflaina]

Rose Gold is dope!

[@theempresslyfe6054]

I’m so inlove with rose gold.the whole band was beautiful definitely one of the best tiny desk

[@thamamukumela9514]

Buddy deserved a longer video. Man has enough hits to have a 30 min performance.

[@TeLarry]

Buddy really bridges the gap. Big ups🫡

[@MVBillcdd]

Nice guy! Perfect band!

[@viniciuscursino2121]

Oloco Mv bill

[@searcsrc]

Se o homi falou ta falado !!! Monstroo !!!

[@lennon4701]

Carai tem br aqui

[@andersugland8284]

yyyyyo, backing vocals lady! gooood damn so talented! Band was fantastic, and she made it perfect

[@mrjohnson20123]

Is it just me or does she sounds like a 90’s R&B singer ????💯🤟🏾👌🏾

[@browncrichlow]

mrjohnson20123 just found this on rose gold... kzbin.info/www/bejne/aqTVZKd4hpysd6s

[@BrotherMalMusic]

@@browncrichlow Bro thank you

[@Bmore08]

He’s so underrated I don’t know what need to happen but he should be blasting from city to city

[@dfrnt_hues]

Buddy surprised me with this one... don’t judge a book by its cover!

[@dfrnt_hues]

He look like dark skin Lil Romeo

[@TheOtherSun]

haaha thats wh at i was thinking. even his mannerisms

[@letsjustohh]

omg. i sent this to my friend and said he looks like master p got with a dif woman and gave romeo a half brother.

[@fashioninj4247]

word hahahaha

[@December_baby04]

naim tate man gone

[@Imah2888]

Accurate af! 😂

[@stlrickyjones]

Yeah Buddy. Trouble on Central is my jam you heard!

[@southernicedtea9925]

This my favorite tiny desk concert

[@johnniedee8754]

I'm a NEW BIG FAN of this young brotha Buddy. I first discovered him on "Sway In The Morning" L.A. Studio..... This young man has a special likable aura about him.

[@littleoldal]

Thank you, Buddy, band mates, not, and whoever writes the descriptions. All ways a great background story.

[@niknakxnewz]

It's my Earthday and this Brother is giving me all the music and energy for today..we give thanks!!!

[@maximecholvy2813]

Same for me bro, that's quite a nice present. Enjoy you day :)

[@niknakxnewz]

@@maximecholvy2813 I'm a Sistar..enjoy Ur day too..bless up!!!

[@kimberlyrichardson8015]

Yay! You guys have a great day!!! Happy birthday🖤🖤🖤

[@danniellemorris8433]

Happy birthday!:)

[@stardustcypress]

Happy birthday!

[@ztrapski]

Still bumping in 2021?!

[@Valcanexz]

2024

[@oisinisio1]

Buddy one of the best rapper/singers out there

[@WilsonRidge]

They're so full of energy even tho the songs are about some difficult shit. Thanks, Buddy this is what I needed today

[@charlieherbert7716]

Great band. Love the bass.

[@tarvorshaejones343]

Charlie Herbert he’s dope

[@jasonbafile]

Killer tone.

[@Mathijsburgh]

Why is this not over a million views yet?

[@GoodxJ]

Buddy is real soulful, feeling this going to check out his album now! Thanks.

[@jaydechose8046]

This version of Hey up there is great

[@Honoringlife108]

Get earthgang up there. This was amazing!

[@cierrataylor5860]

Buddy tho!! Thanks npr

[@rayshepherd5971]

Long Beach, Compton, Watts to South Central 🕺🏽🔥 that walk was fye! LA culture is just different👏🏽

[@shawfestify]

Trouble on Central, Thank You!

[@chefp2739]

Just came to listen for a few seconds and end up watching the whole thing . This guy is too dope . !

[@ireneorosario5691]

Buddy is a BIG STAR… her Chorus Girl its an Angel...the Band its Wonderfull...

[@chickybaby2277]

This is one of the most sick Tiny Desks right next to Tank and the Bangas. I keep revisiting this one.

[@forthesubconscious6835]

Much love from the Southern Tip of Africa. Buddy's music is gold

[@Dres_Anatomy]

Rose Gold is a vibe all herself. How she was in sync on the "hey up there im on my way up" & looked up @ 10:10 after "I been goin thru some RLS" give u chills.

[@tiffaniefrancis5513]

I can’t stop playing this

[@GTacticalJody]

“I need less of what I want I want more of what I need” ~Buddy

[@ladyluck7481]

Sounds so good!!

[@Brywellington]

This Buddy perfomance is fire fa sho.....but the guitar man got the whole vibe..thats #pimpgoals lol fa sho'

[@spencerperieff1566]

Dantanya couldn’t have said it better

[@habilekeffieh1088]

Woooow I just realize than I've seen this video more than 100 times. Pure dope

[@kaunisrumilus]

If his voice ain't deep like Barry White's Imma snap!

[@stevenmcilvaine8240]

This dude is awesome, as is his band & backup vocal!

[@tymirra8769]

I may have just fallen in love with that back up vocalist.... wow.

[@americanbrotha]

This is the spot for the underrated artists.

[@elijahcesar4149]

Buddy don't get no credit?

[@tonyfrench3192]

One of the best !!! Shout out to Buddy , the homie …. Love and peace ✌🏿 black Man

[@24hrmob43]

From bompton tho, buddy good people

[@TheeJasmyneMonét]

Wow 🙌🏽😍 I'm so at peace watching this all this talent from an unapologetically black band ✊🏾 the sound, the vocals, the vibes...Black Excellence 🤩

[@e.amensah]

This is beautiful

[@belkacemaitsiamer9432]

Perfect track selection for this THANK YOU

[@BROWARDTRILL]

Buddy dope af.

[@thomassmith6790]

This one of the great Tiny desks , should have a lot more views

[@khadijahafeel6346]

Any one else feel like he was staring into your soul?

[@amarascott2822]

I liked it tho😭

[@bakariafrica23]

great work....

[@kushville1]

I have no idea where we'd be musically without this channel. NPR Music, these artistes are LEGENDS! Thank you for all the great music! Please add links for the artistes' YT channels. Keep up the phenomenal work!

[@volcomman4878]

I literally comeback every once in awhile to listen to this again

[@diegomegi7369]

loving it. amazing vibes. kinda reminds me of KAYTRANADA. amazing.

[@mynamesMihir]

he has a mixtape with kaytranada

[@mikecraig2062]

Facts cause Kaytranda has produced a lot of his shit.

[@simba1225]

His EP with Kaytra came out in 2017 it's called Ocean & Montana

[@DavedaGreat88]

This dude is incredible

[@dominickpeterson2193]

yo wtf i love this shit and the fact he's singing/rapping about about home. people are coming so far. thank you for helping me end my night on such a good note.

[@djyoung6754]

I love that girl she's amazing

[@AmaniStudio]

As a media outlet NPR also has the responsibility of crediting every single artist featured in their description: Brody Brown on bass. Carl on drums. Rico* on Piano. Uncle Dave (David Foreman) on guitar and Rose Gold on BV. ... ...and he may have been a little stoned, not speaking into the mmic. Rudy* facepalmed in the smoothest possible way @ 1:35 * indicates lack of clarity on their name

[@palesaaaa_]

I often think about Buddy's Tiny Desk Performance once in a while. So soothing

[@lunaticharlie8831]

Jesus ... real life shit was my jam for the end of 2018 . This song is unbelievable 💜💜

[@hopetrnr0]

he so sweet.. he gotta inner Light that shines bright thru his eyes

[@joaomiiguelcosta]

This was sooooo awesome! What a vibe what a energy! Damn this made my day

[@rickystout7023]

That brother strokin that lead guitar..he cold with it!!

[@darrellrich5267]

It’s evident P shared that fountain with Buddy. That boi good!!!

[@jazcoleman]

Luv see people playing with a big smile in their faces

[@autumn975]

Look at Rose Gold singing bg

[@tarvorshaejones343]

A P. She sounds good

[@diaryofasneakerhead9790]

She bad asf too