In a unique access all areas series, south London based photographer Joseph McDermott goes behind the scenes to learn more about the most exciting and emerging acts in music today.

Just before he took to the stage at the RMBA: Syd & Friends show in London, McDermott got to sit down with the Compton MC and frequent Kaytranada collaborator, Buddy.

 
Who are you and where are you from?

My name is Buddy, I’m from Compton, California, Los Angeles.

How did you get into making music?

I was acting at first, I was in a conservatory called AGC, we did theatre plays, and we did a fashion show to raise money for stage production and costumes and they threw me in a rap group – I never stopped rapping.

How would you describe your sound?

I don’t know, super tight? I kinda just go have a bunch of fun making songs and like, let people decide what it sounds like and classify it ya know? I don’t like to box myself in really, I just kinda create.

If somebody hasn’t listened to Buddy, where should they start?

I say just shuffle, Russian Roulette it. All the songs are tight, wherever you wanna start. All my songs show a different side of me.

If you were going on your own headline tour, what artists would you be bringing with you?

I really don’t know. That’s too crazy. Everybody would be there, all the homies.

What’s your go-to iPhone song right now?

Overdoz, 2008. They got a song on there called “Let The Homie Hit” *sings* “Probably never fall in love again, probably never fall in love again, you let the homie hit….”

Who are your inspirations, musically?

Damn, I don’t know. I’ll have to skip that one, that’s too crazy.

Who’s your favourite artist or producer to collaborate with?

I work with a lot of my friends; I’ve worked with too many amazing producers and rappers, it’s a tough one as well. Everyone I work with is special. I like working with everybody, everybody is cool, I just try and always stay open for collaboration.

What can we expect next from Buddy?

I’m working on an album for some time next year, expect new music, new songs.

And any final comments?

Follow me @buddy. B-U-D-D-Y, tap in to the music, turn up at the shows. You know what I’m saying?