Buddy – Harlan & Alondra (Deluxe)
The original release of 2018’s Harlan & Alondra was a moment for Buddy, the Compton MC and vocalist whose earliest claim to fame was as Pharrell's teenage rapping protégé. The deluxe version of Harlan & Alondra expands the original by four songs, all of which are squarely on-brand with the hazy Los Angeles funk that landed the album on a number of year-end lists. “Cubicle” allows incarcerated Watts gangsta rapper 03 Greedo to take off his armor and ruminate on one of Buddy’s favorite topics—the unique experience of growing up in one of LA’s hoods. “It’s Love” is scuzzy disco, Buddy deeply in his bag, singing about the endless joys of having someone. “Link Up,” featuring Kent Jamz, Bas, Guapdad 4000, and J.I.D, boasts all of the “let me hold the mic” fellowship of a Tribe Called Quest posse cut. “Bad Attitude” rounds out the foursome, with Buddy taking a minute to remind everyone that the Compton that lives in gangsta rap infamy is indeed the very same Compton he hails from.