How a child performer became a protégé of Pharrell Williams
In short: Before he was a rapper, Simmie Sims III was a child actor in musicals. By age 15, his talent caught the ear of Pharrell Williams, leading to a recording contract that would launch a career spanning music, acting, and collaborative hip-hop supergroups.
Born on September 10, 1993, Simmie Sims III—known professionally as Buddy—was raised in an environment steeped in music. His father, a preacher and choir director, introduced him to gospel and soul, providing a foundation for a performance career that began at age seven. As a young boy, Buddy performed in several musicals like 'The Wiz', 'Oliver with a Twist', and 'Dreamgirls' while at the Amazing Grace Conservatory.
Buddy's transition into professional recording began in 2009 when he was just 15 years old. After music supervisor Scott Vener shared an early recording with Pharrell Williams, the producer signed the teenager to his I Am Other creative collective. This partnership yielded significant early successes, such as the 18-year-old's release of 'Awesome Awesome' and the 2012 single 'Staircases', which featured Kendrick Lamar.
His discography has since expanded into diverse territories, from the 2014 mixtape 'Idle Time' to the 2018 debut full-length album 'Harlan & Alondra', which he intended to serve as a portrait of Los Angeles. In recent years, Buddy has explored independent distribution, releasing his third studio album, 'Don't Forget to Breathe', in March 2024 via Empire Distribution. His versatility is further evidenced by his membership in the hip-hop supergroup Zoink Gang alongside JID, Smino, and Guapdad 4000, and his upcoming acting debut in a 'Snowfall' television spin-off.
The artist's work often reflects his personal geography and evolution. His 2017 EP 'Ocean & Montana' took its name from the Santa Monica intersection where he lived and sought inspiration. Similarly, his 2022 album 'Superghetto' explored the essence of growing up in the hood, a theme he continued to refine as he moved toward independent artistry.
Opens the Intellect+ feed with this card first. Swipe up for the next one.
Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Buddy (rapper)
To cite this card, link to https://intellectplus.co.uk/app/places-buddy-rapper.
How we source, check and correct cards: Editorial standards.
General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.
Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?
Related
More in Countries and other regions · More in Countries & Cities · Latest · A–Z · All topics
