Buddy’s soul remains pure in “Don’t Forget To Breathe.”
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TOP 5
5. Like This
One of the chillest bangers you would hear today.
Every so often, Buddy channels the vibe of Devin The Dude, and “Like This” is one of those tracks where he fully embraces that comparison. Set against a smooth-as-silk beat that’s tailor-made for kicking back with some quality herb, Buddy delves into the potency of his joints, his gratitude for each new day, and the therapeutic release of cruising with the top down. Yet, he doesn’t shy away from addressing the paranoia of run-ins with law enforcement and his unwavering drive to stack “mo dollars.” The song’s strength lies in its laid-back atmosphere and Buddy’s candid, slick rhymes, all delivered with a consistently smooth flow.
4. Should’ve Known (Ft. Smino & Cedxric)
Smino and Buddy are GOAT neo-soul/hip-hop artists, so you should’ve known they would link up at least once in your lifetime.
“Should’ve Known” shines as a fusion of neo-soul and hip-hop brilliance. With its effortlessly smooth hip-hop production by Cedxric and Smino, the track features slick vocal performances by both Smino and Buddy. Buddy’s vocals are particularly noteworthy, delivering a performance so captivating that it’s almost surprising to realize he’s part of the song.
3. Buddy A Fool
That n***a Buddy is a low-key hitmaker.
“Buddy A Fool” brings to mind 50 Cent’s “Talk About Me” from the Get Rich Or Die Tryin’ soundtrack. Both tracks dive into the rumors circulating about the artists’ personal lives, offering their perspectives on the gossip. Buddy tackles some of the rumors head-on in “Buddy A Fool,” asserting his authenticity and staying true to his roots. Beyond its intriguing premise, the song stands out for its aggressive delivery and the juxtaposition of chill yet impactful production. Surprisingly, I think the hook Buddy drops is meh.
2. You 2 Thank
You’re supposed to sound like this when you find the one.
Buddy channels his inner BJ The Chicago Kid in “You 2 Thank,” delivering his purest, most gentle vocals to express the joy of finding someone who brings a smile to his face. The song’s subtle Afropop vibes, infectious melodies, and heartfelt lyrics make it a rare gem in today’s music landscape, as feel-good tracks like this are becoming increasingly scarce.
Only food would make me sound this happy.
1. Free My Mind
As soon as I free my mind, I’m going to Chipotle.
You know what I admire? Buddy kicks off this album by reaffirming why we were drawn to him in the first place. “Free My Mind,” the intro to Don’t Forget To Breathe, serves as a pure, potent, and dynamic banger. In it, Buddy seamlessly transitions between a laid-back rapper and a passionate singer, reflecting on the challenges he’s faced in recent years and how they’ve shaped his current mindset. I think the track is a perfect representation of what the Compton rapper is all about.
SONG BY SONG BREAKDOWN
1. Free My Mind (4.5/5)
2. Like This (4/5)
3. Do Thangs (3.5/5)
4. Talk About It (Ft. Kent Jamz & BJ The Chicago Kid) (3.5/5)
5. Buddy A Fool (4/5)
6. Get It All (Ft. pineappleCITI) (4/5)
7. Smoke (3.5/5)
8. Move On (3.5/5)
9. Should’ve Known (Ft. Smino & Cedxric) (4/5)
10. Got Me Started (Ft. Huey Briss) (4/5)
11. All The Way (4/5)
12. You 2 Thank (4/5)
OVERALL RATING
(C+) (77%)
Buddy is grossly underrated. This album changes nothing about this fact.
So, what do I love about this album? The way Buddy seamlessly transitions between being an unfiltered rapper and a soulful singer is what immediately captures my attention. What’s remarkable is how he does it with such spontaneity and ease. One moment, he exudes the aura of a cool, nonchalant kid, and then suddenly, he delivers vocals that evoke the spirit of church hymns. It’s truly mesmerizing to experience.
What’s another thing that I love about this album? The topics Buddy covers in it. For about 10% of the time, he talks about the same s**t everyone else talks about, but for 90% of the time, he speaks on his impressive come-up (And trust me, it’s hella impressive. This man is from Compton), real-life relationship issues, and just finding ways to enjoy the day. Buddy has always been a pure dude (From what it seems), and he reflects that well in Don’t Forget To Breathe.
One more thing I love about this album. The production is smoother than my right ass cheek (That’s the one I don’t sacrifice when I need to take a dump in public bathrooms). Seriously, every beat almost feels therapeutic, boasting smooth vibes but just enough knock to make the killas happy. I’m very satisfied with this department.
What would I change about this album? If I could change one thing, it would be some of the hooks (I guess that’s many things). Buddy’s vocals shine brightest when he fearlessly explores their full potential. While tracks like “Free My Mind” showcase his incredible vocal range, others, such as “Buddy A Fool,” could benefit from more daring and intricate hooks to fully leverage his talent.
All in all, I think this is a solid showing by Compton’s finest.
Quincy is the creator of Ratings Game Music. He loves writing about music, taking long walks on beaches, and spaghetti that fights him back.
