Buddy & Kaytranada

Ocean & Montana

BY A. HarmonyPublished May 22, 2017

7
It's less than 20 minutes of music, but Compton rapper Buddy and Montreal beatsmith Kaytranada flaunt their range on the team effort Ocean & Montana.
 
Buddy's matured since his 2014 mixtape Idle Time, and his growth is most apparent on "Find Me," a moody lament for the protagonist's incongruous need for both isolation and intimacy. Buddy plays with heavy themes like substance abuse and depression on the track, but there's a subtle brightness to the production that belies the song's sullen lyrics. "Guillotine" is an overt nod to funk and Buddy's chance to show off his nimble cadence, "World of Wonders" is sunny, infectious and dripping with island influence, "A Lite" is a simple smoker's anthem and "Love or Something" is light and fun, with a distinct N.E.R.D. influence in the bouncy production.
 
Each song is a total sonic departure from the last, showcasing each artist's versatility. The only real downside to Ocean & Montana is that it's so short; hopefully it's not the last time Buddy and Kaytranada pair up.
(Cool LIL Company)

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