Buddy & Kaytranada – Ocean & Montana (Album Review)

Buddy & Kaytranda collaborated for a quick little EP that promises to take the whole R&B/Rap genre to another stratosphere.

TOP 5 SONGS

5. A LITE

‘A Lite’ is pure west coast music, as Buddy does his best Tyga impression in his delivery.

The song has this smooth sound to it that kinda reminds you of a peaceful house party right? (I can count on my fingers how many peaceful house parties I been to BTW). On it, Buddy wants everyone in the party to have some fun, as he raps with this very energetic bop on his verses. While the song sounds all peachy and fruitful, There is one problem that Buddy has at this party, and it is that he can’t find a light for his blunt. He eventually finds it, sounding like Link from the Legend of Zelda when he finds those magical swords.

4. WORLD OF WONDERS

Who doesn’t have an island song on their album nowadays?

This song has lots of positive energy to it, as it sounds like Buddy wants to take this beautiful lady to paradise. I love the organic vibe of the record, as it will have you clapping your hands and stomping your feet for sure.

This might be the most commercial song on the EP.

3. GUILLOTINE

This song sounds like some Shaft s–t to me… It’s smooth as a muthasucka production-wise!

The verses are aggressive and fast, as Buddy shows he’s nothing to mess with on the mic.

This might be the most unique song on this EP.

2. LOVE OR SOMETHING

Kaytranada has a major fan in Pharrell Williams, and on this beat he makes something Pharrell and the Neptunes would make back in the day.

Buddy takes advantage of the sly beat by rapping with this quirkiness on his verses. It seems like the house party that Buddy went to in ‘A Lite’ has skipped the lounging stage, and has now become a dancing environment with lots of drinking.

1. FIND ME

You can never get too much extraterrestrial sounding s–t from artists, so I am loving this track for sure! On it, Buddy digs deep into his soul to explain how, why, and when he became lost and alone.

I love the nonchalant voice that he sings with! It definitely helps you to feel his story even more.

SONG BY SONG BREAKDOWN

1. FIND ME (5/5)

2. GUILLOTINE (4.3/5)

3. WORLD OF WONDERS (4.6/5)

4. A LITE (4/5)

5. LOVE OF SOMETHING (4.7/5)

OVERALL RATING (8.3/10)

In a very short sample size, I am pretty impressed with Buddy’s abilities on this EP. He mixes some R&B, some island music, and some West Coast rap, sounding authentic in each style. His versatility is the best aspect of this project, and something that can gain him lots of new fans moving forward.

Kaytranada’s contributions to this EP should not be ignored at all, as his ability to create many different sounds is hella impressive. Kay clearly motivates Buddy to be the best he can be song to song, establishing the perfect vibe. While I think Murda Beatz is the hottest producer out right now, I think Kay might be the most complete.

The EP is short, but sweet. Though a full album would be wishful thinking, I’m hoping that both Kay and Buddy continue to make records together in the near future.