Steve 'Flash' JuonSimmie Sims III got the “next big thing” tag at only 15 years old when Pharrell signed him to Star Trak. I can’t even imagine how much of a mind blowing head fuck that would be — one of the biggest producers and crossover stars of the 21st century wants YOU to work with him and you’re not even old enough to drive a car yet. That’s exactly the kind of thing that makes people flame out early. He was younger than Kobe Bryant when the Lakers signed him straight out of high school. That’s an immense amount of pressure to put on a young man’s shoulders. It probably shouldn’t come as a surprise his first official studio album “Harlan & Alondra” didn’t come out until nine years later.
It also shouldn’t surprising then than in 2024 “Don’t Forget to Breathe” is only his third album in total. “Why he ain’t drop in a while?” asks Buddy on the song “Buddy a Fool,” but then immediately answers the question with “Please don’t worry about me.” Hearing his laid back but well measured flow on the song tells me he’s absolutely right. No longer under Pharrell’s long shadow, Buddy has grown immensely from the age of 15 to being 30 today. Having twice as much life experience informs every part of his music and bleeds into hearing him both rap and sing on songs like “Should’ve Known” featuring his friends Cedxric and Smino.
Even though Buddy has been associated with everything from Compton to Long Beach to Gardena in his lifetime, the track is indicative of the fact he has nothing to prove to any of them. Buddy easily and effortlessly flips back and forth between styles to the point it’s not hard to see why Mr. Williams was so eager to sign him. I hope Pharrell isn’t too insulted when I say Buddy is a better singer, but since he’s still a genius producer, I think he can deal with it. “You 2 Thank” is that kind of breezy summer jam you want to play at a party. He can sing “I’m so grateful” for his blessings and not come off corny at all.
He even found a new era Skateboard P to lace him in Kaelin Ellis on the song “Like This.” It’s also refreshing to hear Buddy talk about banking some of his dividends instead of blowing it all as fast as he can. “Can I tell you something while you’re here?/I say I’m doing pretty good for a black child/pray my luck don’t max out.” It’s not luck Buddy. It’s talent.
Buddy didn’t flame out at all. He may have taken a long time to mature into a full fledged artist but “Don’t Forget to Breathe” is the realization of that potential. He’s a little bit like P, a little bit like Kendrick, and a lot like nobody else to come before him. He’s a singer than needs no AutoTune and a rapper that needs no introduction, but since this is our first time reviewing his shit, maybe he actually does. Okay then let me introduce you to Mr. Simmie “Buddy” Sims III, the latest in the Sims family tree and the one you’re going to remember long after listening to his CD.