Buddy Teases 2026 Album and Brings Out Kent Jamz at The Blue Note LA

On chilly December night on Sunset Blvd, The Blue Note LA set the perfect stage for Buddy and The Don Brown Collective to deliver a warm, genre-defying performance that left the packed house buzzing with energy. The sold-out show on December 27 brought out a diverse crowd dressed in their finest fabrics, filling every seat in the newly opened venue well before the lights dimmed.

From the moment Buddy stepped on stage in a crimson tuxedo, it was clear this wasn't just a casual rap or hip hop show. The Blue Note’s intimate jazz club aesthetic, paired with its legacy of hosting legendary acts like Ray Charles and Dizzy Gillespie, made for a fitting backdrop for Buddy’s genre-blurring catalog. Known for his blend of alternative hip hop, R&B, and the heavy use of live instrumentation layered in his beats, Buddy delivered a set full of emotion, improvisation and musical range.

The hour-long performance felt as unpredictable as it was seamless. Transitions were smooth, with each song delivered like a story. Buddy tapped into the deeper corners of his discography, showcasing reflective records rooted in personal experience and storytelling. At one point, he paused the set to reveal plans for a new album dropping in 2026 and even previewed unreleased music from the project. The announcement drew excited cheers from the people in attendance.

Another standout moment came about 40 minutes into the set, when Buddy took a quick drink break and handed the spotlight to The Don Brown Collective. The drummer kicked off an improvised five-minute solo built on a foundation of broken beats. With no other musicians at first, it felt like a meditative pocket of rhythm that kept the vibe going.

As the solo ended, the rest of the band joined in one by one, picking up where he left off for another five-minute stretch of groove-heavy improvisation. The guitarist, saxophonist, keyboardist, and a musician playing a full-size upright bass slowly layered their sounds together. The result was a textured, immersive jam session that added a rich new depth to the show. It felt like a moment lifted straight from a live album recording.

Just when the energy was already running high, Buddy brought out surprise guest Kent Jamz for a live rendition of their fan-favorite "Rollin Wit the Homies." The collaboration, rooted in nostalgia and West Coast synergy, added another layer of excitement to the room. Seeing the two artists perform together in such a storied space made for one of the night’s most memorable moments.

More than just a performance, the show felt like a celebration. The energy in the room was infectious. From the Blue Note staff to the band to the audience, everyone was smiling. The venue's tight layout meant no one was far from the stage, creating a sense of shared experience that is hard to replicate.

Buddy’s recent creative run has been just as noteworthy. He quietly released a collaborative EP this year with the Indigo Boys titled Marmalade and appeared on Peter Sun’s critically favored album Rent Was Due, which landed on our Top 10 Projects of the Year list.

As for The Blue Note LA, the venue continues to prove itself as a cultural centerpiece since its August opening. If Buddy’s show was any indication, its place in LA's live music scene is already solidified. Just make sure you get your tickets early next time because tickets go fast and the show starts at the scheduled time.