[2] Introduced to gospel and soul by his father, a preacher and choir director, Buddy began his performance career at age seven by starring in plays and musicals including The Wiz, Oliver with a Twist, and Dreamgirls at Amazing Grace Conservatory.

In 2009, he got a break when TV music supervisor Scott Vener showed Pharrell Williams an early effort by the 15-year-old Buddy.

[6] He then embarked on a series of collaborations with various artists, including Nipsey Hussle, BJ The Chicago Kid, Chance the Rapper, Wiz Khalifa, and ASAP Rocky.

[citation needed] Buddy described the single as "a ghetto hymn acknowledging inevitable death while showing gratitude for abundant life.

Buddy's EP Ocean & Montana, produced by Kaytranada, was released May 19, 2017, by Cool LIL Company, and features the single "Find Me".

The EP's title refers to the intersection in Santa Monica where he lived, sought inspiration, and began collaborating with Kaytranada after leaving his parents' home.

[13] Mic described the album as "a record that uses its brevity to keep the listener on their heels, that successfully manages to feel as if it's constantly molting and evolving until it cuts off".