Collie Buddz

Colin Patrick Harper, professionally known as Collie Buddz, was born on August 21, 1981, in New Orleans, Louisiana, to a Bermudian mother. He was raised in Bermuda and later pursued his education in audio engineering at Full Sail University in Winter Park, Florida. His musical career officially began in 2006, leading to a signing with Columbia Records. In 2007, he released his self-titled debut studio album, which successfully charted on the Billboard 200. This album featured his well-known singles “Come Around” and “Mamacita,” with “Mamacita” achieving significant commercial success, selling approximately 4 million copies. His early career also included a notable performance on Shaggy’s 2007 album “Intoxication” and a remix of Kid Cudi’s 2009 single “Day ‘n’ Nite.”
Following the release of his debut album, Buddz transitioned to an independent model by establishing his own record label, Harper Digital Entertainment. This move marked a significant turning point in his career, providing him with greater creative and business control. He released his first EP, “Playback,” in 2012, followed by “Blue Dreamz” in 2015. His second studio album, “Good Life,” released in 2017 under Harper Digital Entertainment, reached number one on the US Billboard Reggae Albums chart and number 29 on the Independent Albums chart. This album featured collaborations with prominent artists such as Snoop Dogg and Kat Dahlia. In 2019, he released his third studio album, “Hybrid,” which also topped the Billboard reggae albums chart and featured artists like B Young, Russ, and Tech N9ne. He has expanded his role as a producer through his “Cali Roots Riddim” compilation albums, launched in 2020, 2021, and 2023, showcasing collaborations with numerous reggae and reggae rock artists. His 2023 album, “Take It Easy,” was nominated for ‘Best Reggae Album’ at the 2025 Grammy Awards, further cementing his impact in the reggae genre.