Collie Buddz at the Masonic Temple tonight

He’s from Bermuda but his music is known everywhere from America to Japan to Germany to Dubai. His first single, “Come Around,” was 2007’s summer anthem. His first album entered the Billboard Reggae Chart at number one. Hip Hop Weekly called him “one of the most firmly grounded voices you may ever encounter.” Wow, Collie Buddz sure has accomplished a lot in his three years as a signed artist.

Born Colin Harper (not nearly as cool a name as Collie Buddz), the “singjay” combines hip hop, soca, dancehall, roots and reggae music to create a sound that is one-of-a-kind. He was recently in Los Angeles, finishing a song with Sugar Ray (who knew they were still making music?) for his upcoming mixtape, which also features Buddz on songs by Beyoncé, Rihanna and Kid Cudi. The mixtape is set to be released on Buddz’ own independent label, Harper Digital, shortly before the release of his yet-to-be titled sophomore album.

Collie Buddz will perform with Devin the Dude and Real Life Rockaz • Thursday, Nov. 18 at 7pm • Tickets: $25 • Masonic Center • 1108 W. Riverside Ave. • Call: 328-0661