Buddy, born Simmie Sims III, began his career as a rapper and singer in the mid-school years, quickly establishing himself as a prominent figure within the Compton music scene. His subsequent pivot into television acting marked a significant, albeit unexpected, shift for the artist, a journey largely fueled by his experiences with Nipsey Hussle. Initially, Buddy’s musical endeavors focused on creating music for the glee of fans, culminating in a teenager’s signing with Pharrell Williams’ Star Trak Entertainment, setting the stage for a diverse range of projects.
His recording career extended across multiple solo releases and collaborations with major West Coast artists, solidifying his position as a key player in the industry. However, the core of his artistic ambition remained firmly rooted in music, a decision that profoundly influenced his subsequent move into the realm of television acting. The transition from rapper to screen actor is an intriguing and complex transformation, representing a return to a different artistic avenue after nearly two decades of focused musical pursuits.
Buddy’s initial experiences with the music business, particularly his encounters with the late Nipsey Hussle, provided him with a wealth of material that he felt could not be learned from a script. In the NABJ conversation, he articulated a deep belief that these experiences gave him a unique understanding of the business and the creative process, emphasizing the importance of personal narratives and the power of a talent to connect with audiences. He explained that he carries those encounters into his portrayal of Artillery, feeling an immediate command of the character and the potential to bring the part to life.
“I mean, I’m from Compton and I’ve been on a journey in the music industry, and it’s rigged against the artist. So my personal journey of just like signing my IP away the labels, you know, approving budgets and just building up a tab that I got to pay for later,” he explained, highlighting the often-unseen complexities of the music industry. He further elaborated that he felt a strong connection to the music, and the experience of creating music was a beautiful thing to experience, reflecting on the impact of his craft.
The role of Artillery was spurred by Buddy’s desire to move beyond the constraints of traditional hip-hop and explore new creative avenues. The FX series continuation of ‘The Drop’ places Buddy in a compelling and evolving narrative, focusing on the intertwined lives of Wanda Bell and Leon Simmons as West Coast Hip-Hop rises from the devastation left by the crack epidemic in 1990s Los Angeles. Buddy’s presence adds a layer of thematic resonance to the story, reflecting the historical context of the era. The premiere of ‘The Drop’ is scheduled for Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. on @AllHipHopcom. Ted Talker, Host, Talking Head, featured on MSNBC, BET, TVOne, VH1, Hot 97, and Fox, is scheduled to be present at the event, offering insights into the industry’s dynamic. Visit [email protected] for booking information.
Source: AllHipHop
