Ocean & Montana

Compton rapper Buddy keeps good company. A long-time Pharrell protégé, he’s teamed up with one of hip-hop’s most inventive producers, KAYTRANADA, for a debut EP showcasing his versatility and pin-sharp wordplay. Pharrell’s influence is audible on the breathlessly lusty “Love or Something” but Buddy’s equally assured while discharging high-velocity rhymes over “Guillotine”’s humid funk and easing into a relaxed, melodic flow on dancehall-flavoured mating call “World of Wonders.” However, it’s the emotive storytelling of “Find Me” that truly casts him as one of rap’s most promising new talents.

It's less than 20 minutes of music, but Compton rapper Buddy and Montreal beatsmith Kaytranada flaunt their range on the team effort Ocean &...