SONY BMG Artist Collie Buddz Speaks with AC

Ok folks, I have a confession to make.
I know you're thinking this is not the place or the forum for such things.
But I need to clear the air and want to share this with my AC family.

Here it goes.... Yes folks, I'm having an affair!

A musical one it is, but an affair nonetheless. His name is Collie Buddz, born in 1981 (which also makes me a bit of a cradle robber) but hell you only live once.

What's exciting about my new found "love" interest is that he fills my desire for originality, cultural fusion, classical style and contagious dancehall riddims.

Don't get me wrong, when I was first introduced to Collie, I thought, "here we go again.. another young carbon copy MC." However, since I am not one to pre-judge, I gave him a chance. I went ahead and hit the link to his title song and Boy did I "Come Around!" The music was fresh with influences of hip-hop, soca, reggae and more. My soul became totally infused as my hips moved from side to side. I was totally addicted and wanted more Collie. I searched on and found his myspace page where I anxiously waited for our next encounter which was appropriately titled "Mamacita." This could not be more appropriate considering our "Me & Mrs. Jones-like affair." As the music played on, I was jammin' with Collie thinking, "Da boy wicked 'n bad...ya hear?"

As my musical soul soared, he serenaded this Mamacita with words like:

Gal let me hold you tight
She rock so, she dip so
She looked muy bonita
remind me of Selena
Look how her dress stuck on her hips so
she move fast, the beat slow
Little girl whatcha think of me now

I'm thinking...take me to Bermuda now!!

Collie Buddz is one of Sony BMG's newest artists. If I was the betting type, I'd predict that he will be one of their brightest and most marketable. In a time when music can be stale and repetitive with the same ole packaging and sound, Collie's rock-solid foundation in reggae-and its power to connect ghetto reality with the highest heights of human aspiration - is indeed a rarity. Should it matter that he is White?

Join me as I interview this rising star about his journey and his plans for the future.

Saba,Ink: Congratulations on being the only Reggae artist on the label right now. How does that make you feel?
Collie B:Yeah , I am... come to think about it. I hadn't thought about it until you brought it up. I feel good (laughs).
Saba,Ink: Is it coincidental that your tour began in Europe or was that by design?
Collie B:It took off in Europe before anywhere else. Last year around March/April Massive B / Bobby Konders pressed it on 7" vinyl and sent it over there and it just took off. So we have hit Italy, Germany, Sweden, Paris and Amsterdam you know.
Saba,Ink: Tell me about the concept behind your title song "Come Around?"
Collie B:During the drought season in Bermuda, the quality of weed is bad. People have to pay more and the quality is less. It affects the economy of Bermuda and some people's paychecks...like the line in the song, finally the earth's come around.
Saba,Ink: Are you referring to "spliff" or marijuana?
Collie B:Yes that's what I mean (laughing)
Saba,Ink: That is really interesting I never thought of that concept before (laughing).
Saba,Ink: Some might describe you as a Reggae style EMINEM. How do you respond?
Collie B: Thanks (laughs) that is a big compliment. Don't know how to describe myself. Some even have compared me to Sean Paul but I sound nothing like him. I guess people need a reference point but I am my own style. Because I'm white it is even more interesting trying to describe me for some people.
Saba,Ink: That brings me to the next question. Has being white hindered or helped your street rep or/credibility?
Collie B: It causes some confusion. When people hear my music, they are expecting a Rasta Man from the hills or something. When they see my performance they're like I don't care what you are...I love your vibe. That's what the music is about.
Saba,Ink: I am a little older than you but you know I love your vibe also....especially Mamacita. It takes me back to my Dance hall days in NYC. What is your fan base like? Older, younger, what?
Collie B:I t is a nice mix. Mamacita comes from a sample of Barris Hammonds Lost Wars. So when older folks hear it they get into it. Most of my fans right now are around my age like 20-25.
Saba,Ink: I was hoping that Mamacita might have been inspired by me but now that you are here, tell me exactly who or what inspired that song?
Collie B:It was actually a demo tune produced before I was signed to SONY. I was actually in Toronto at a night club and there were some amazing looking women there. There was one that caught my eye and you could say she or they inspired the song...but it goes out to all the ladies. It's got a little latin flavor to it you know.
Saba,Ink: In an industry that is full of wannabees and aspiring artists , how will you distinguish yourself?
Collie B: By keepin' it authentic. Staying true to the music. From Producers to music studios to the vibes they are all on the Island... Jamaica that is.
Saba,Ink: What can we look for from Collie Buddz in the future?
CollieB: I want to be in this thing longterm. I am not looking to be a one hit wonder. 'Nuff respect to those people but I love the music too much for that. I want to produce like I did Mamacita and have a whole album just with my own stuff. In 5 years and on, I want to be respected in the industry.
Saba,Ink: Where are you off to next?
Collie B: Right now as we speak I'm in NYC. We are going to Tampa, North Carolina and a few other US Cities now.
Saba,Ink: Well you know I'm currently in North Carolina. I need to talk to management about getting some tickets to the show and setting up a backstage meet.
Collie B: (laughs) that sounds like a plan. I'll do a shout-out to you when I perform Mamacita.
Saba,Ink: Sounds like a plan....I'll work on that for sure.
Saba,Ink: So...What final words would you like to leave with the audience?
Collie B: Big Up to the fans that have supported me all along. Enough Love and Respect to all...even the haters because they help me with publicity too. You know, when you are doing the right thing, it is the only time you have haters. I also thank all the musicians, artists, producers, sound people and everyone that support the Reggae Movement.
Saba,Ink: Collie, it has been a pleasure speaking with you. I look forward to seeing you at the Grammys!
Collie B:(laughs) that would be great.... Thank you!

Collie Buddz.....(if you've heard the song) This is why he's HOT!