Buddy Searches for Escape on New Song “Trouble on Central”

Following the release of the visual for "Black," a history-minded, political rallying cry featuring A$AP Ferg, last month, Buddy returns with the new single, “Trouble on Central.” The track arrives ahead of the Compton artist's forthcoming album.

The new song finds Buddy riding the Blue Line train home from downtown Los Angeles to Compton, listening to Lauryn Hill’s 1998 single “Ex-Factor,” longing for simplicity. Over a skeletal G-funk beat, he wishes for escape from the stresses he observes outside his window, from shootings at the Arco station to junkies on narcos.

“I wish I had the finer things/I wish I wasn’t so Cobain,” Buddy sings. “I wish I had you/Shit, I wish I wasn’t stuck on Central.”

Amid the daydream, Buddy recalls his parents urging him to be careful. The song resolves with the rapper crooning over a moody bass line and moog stabs, promising himself a better future. “Pretty soon we gon’ take take control,” he sings. “Just wait on it, wait on.”

The song is Buddy’s second release since his 2017 EP, Magnolia. His upcoming album is out later this year via Cool Lil Company/RCA Records.

Buddy is currently touring North America with Joey Bada$$ and fellow Compton native Boogie, in support of the “Devastated” rapper’s album All-Amerikkkan Bada$$. You can check out dates for The Amerikkkana Tour here. The last show is in Montreal, Quebec on May 26.

Listen to Buddy's new song “Trouble on Central” below.—Tosten Burks

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