Emerging from the small town of Chester, New York, Buddybudski is not just another name in hip-hop—he is a movement. At only 20 years old, the artist, creative director, and label owner is carving out a lane that blends nostalgia, lyricism, and unapologetic self-expression in an industry that has rarely made space for voices like his.

Buddybudski describes his sound as rooted in the whimsical, lyrical hip-hop of the late 2000s and early 2010s—a time when rap felt cinematic, bold, and larger than life. His music carries a nostalgic glow while staying sharply modern, filled with animated delivery, heavy punchlines, and bars that demand attention. It’s a style that feels both familiar and futuristic, built for listeners who crave substance and presence.

Though young, his journey has been anything but small. He began pursuing music professionally at 17, releasing his debut EP MBA in 2023, followed by YOLO in 2024. Alongside his own catalog, Buddybudski founded Royalty Records Entertainment, a record label and collective he runs independently. Currently, the roster includes only himself and fellow artist @freem222—but his vision is clearly larger. He is actively building something intentional: a home for artists who share his hunger, creativity, and long-term thinking.

His latest single, “Above The Clouds,” released on January 2, 2026, represents both homage and evolution. Inspired by the 2009–2010 era of hip-hop, pop-rap, and crossover energy, the track stands out for an extraordinary detail: the beat is 14 years old. For Buddybudski, reclaiming and reimagining that sound wasn’t just artistic—it was symbolic. “Putting that beat to use was a really big deal for me,” he says. “It’s about honoring the era that made me while pushing it forward.”

At the heart of his music is empowerment. Buddybudski doesn’t just want his listeners to hear his songs—he wants them to feel them. His art is designed to make people feel powerful, confident, and cinematic. “I want my music to make you feel like you can do anything, be anything,” he explains. “Like you’re in a magazine, a video game, a movie. I want it to make you feel like that girl—strong, untouchable, and fully yourself.”

And the world is listening.

Over the past year alone, Buddybudski’s music has reached more than 81 countries, accumulating 59.9K streams, 18.2K listeners, and 53.5K hours of global playtime. His second EP YOLO became his most successful project to date with 11.1K streams, while his SoundCloud-exclusive release BoyBarbie World: Blue World (2025) reached 8,538 combined streams across multiple drops. These numbers reflect not only growth, but connection—proof that his sound resonates far beyond his hometown.

Collaboration has also played a role in his rise. He teamed up with @capzlockxo on two standout remixes: “Take Care (KINGS-MIX)” and “HOME REMIX,” both featuring XO Vasco and Plxg1ns. These projects showcased his adaptability, lyrical sharpness, and ability to hold his own alongside other underground voices.

But what truly separates Buddybudski from the crowd is not just talent—it’s intention.

As a Black gay artist navigating a historically hyper-masculine industry, he understands that visibility is never handed out. “I have to work so much harder to be seen,” he says. And he does. Since his debut in 2023, he has embedded himself in the underground scene, building relationships, earning opportunities, and refusing to shrink for acceptance. More recently, he has also begun tapping directly into the gay rap community—an intentional move that led to the release of BoyBarbie World: Blue World, designed to connect with a growing wave of queer creators and listeners.

Where others rely on ego or trend-chasing, Buddybudski relies on discipline, branding, and purpose. He thinks long-term about his discography, mapping projects in a way that builds a clear artistic narrative rather than releasing music without direction. “A lot of artists drop without a plan. Their catalogs don’t tell a story,” he explains. “Everything I put out is in order. My art is intentional.”

That intentionality extends to his identity. His lyrics are bold, layered, and often nostalgic, but his presence is just as powerful. He makes softness feel strong. He makes individuality feel dominant. And he does it without apology.

Looking ahead to 2026, Buddybudski is ready to break barriers.

This year, he aims to cement his name in the underground while opening doors for queer artists—especially those who have never seen themselves represented in rap’s center stage. With the release of his third EP, “UPNEXT,” on the horizon, he is preparing for what he calls a takeover: putting Chester, NY on the map, challenging toxic masculinity in hip-hop, and leading what he proudly calls his “femboy army.”

“All independent. No label but my own,” he declares. “I’m here to stand up for my community and become the new and improved King of Rap.”

Bold words—but for an artist who has already crossed borders, built his own platform, and redefined what power looks like in hip-hop, Buddybudski isn’t just speaking a dream. He’s building it.