Drop Knowledge...Not Bombs

"Me say live de life ya love
And love de life you live"

From the opening bars of his underground hit Come Around, New Orleans born, Bermudian bred Collie Buddz (born Colin Harper) lets the world know where his interests lie. It's pretty obvious. Although this song was first released as an underground hit in 2004 in my homeland of Bermuda, it has only just garnered attention from international music fans. Beginning rounds in Europe, this song has infiltrated the African continent, and will reach America, if it hasn't already. This man is not just supported by his record execs-he is supported by an entire country. For Bermuda, this song is free publicity, proving that Jamaica is not the only island in the world that can produce greatness. Oh, and did I mention he's white?

For reggae and dancehall fans worldwide, Collie Buddz has provided a pure dance tune, with its massive baseline. Soundsytems, DJs and music television worldwide have been playing this song to the limit, although many yet are unaware. Industry greats such as the legendary David Rodigan, Bobby Konders of Hot 97 NY, Mighty Crown Soundsytems (from Japan) and Jabba of MTV Tempo and Hot 97 NY have all saluted Collie Buddz. David Rodigan even performed a speech in honour of the next reggae great at a soundsystem clash in Bermuda between himself and Souljah One. He is taking the world by storm, brick by brick.

However, Mr. Buddz is no one-trick pony, and he is determined to prove this. Tracks such as Mamacita (of which a video will soon be released-I've seen it, brilliant) Tommorrow's Another Day (from which the quote is taken), and Fresh Start all showcase his limitless talents. He even featured with rap superstar Lil' Flip on Tell Me, from his new release "I Need Mine". Also, a track with the stunning Beyonce, a remix of Ring the Alarm, has been released. He will be the next Sean Paul a-like, and, fittingly has been compared him, along with Super Cat and Gentleman.

So, the next big thing? The simple answer...yes! Breaking into radio, however is crucial. Unfortunately, the radio edit of his hit Come Around leave out the true heart of the song. So, check out the numerous remixes, one with Busta Rhymes, one with Young Buck and Tony Yayo, with yet another featuring an ensemble cast of Aztec, B-Real (of Cypress Hill), Shaggy and Paul Wall (who has a cameo in the Come Around video). He is also on various reggae compilations, such as Ragga Ragga Ragga 2007 . They are all excellent demonstrations of rappers who can convincingly feature on a dancehall tune.

But, you ask, where can I get his music? The best bet is I-Tunes of course, but Yahoo Music has just premiered Mamacita. His videos are playing in constant rotation on BET in the US and MTV Base in the UK. His website http://www.colliebuddz.com/ is worth checking out for news, and his MySpace account www.myspace.com/colliebuddz also features other artists from his Harper Digital imprint. The site http://www.vybezalliance.tv/ also features other up and comers from Bermuda, such as the local celebrity C'Daynger with his hit Bun Down De System.
So check him out, and buy the tune. He's the next big thing outta Bermuda, and the next big thing in dancehall music in general. His album drops on July, 3rd, from Sony BMG. Just wait for the herbs to come around...