Buddy with The Don Brown Collective

The pairing of rapper Buddy with The Don Brown Collective is an exciting live collaboration that spotlights the thriving crossover between contemporary hip-hop and foundational jazz artistry, scheduled to appear at the Blue Note Los Angeles on Saturday, December 27th, 2025. Buddy, a prominent figure in the modern rap scene known for his smooth flow and introspective lyrics, bridges the two genres by performing his work alongside The Don Brown Collective, a rotating group of highly skilled Los Angeles-based jazz musicians. The Collective itself was founded by professionally trained drummer Don Brown with the core mission of highlighting local talent, exposing diverse audiences to jazz music, and creating a framework for musicians to rotate and celebrate their collective chemistry. This specific partnership is a fantastic example of the current trend where hip-hop artists engage with a live, improvisational band, giving Buddy’s distinct voice a sophisticated, dynamic, and soulful musical bed, offering audiences a unique show that merges the sharp edge of rap with the deep pocket and expressive freedom of a modern jazz ensemble.