Born Michael Payne, Jr. in Birmingham, Alabama and raised in West Palm Beach and Jacksonville, Florida, Mr. Buddy is a genre-blending powerhouse who’s turning heads across the entertainment world. A multi-instrumentalist and dynamic performer, Mr. Buddy fuses 70s funk, 80s disco, hip-hop, neo-soul, and even big band into a fresh, feel-good sound that’s as nostalgic as it is next-gen.
Following up on the success of his soulful early 2025 single “Feel”, Mr. Buddy is back with a contagious new anthem: “Good Time” (released May 9, 2025)—a funky, sun-soaked collab featuring T. Nava of Anderson .Paak’s band The Free Nationals. Packed with lush keys, a thick bassline, and that signature Mr. Buddy bounce, the single is already setting the tone for summer. It’s an irresistible groove made for rooftop vibes, cookouts, and dancing like no one’s watching.
But music is just one lane of Mr. Buddy’s creative freeway. He’s also a seasoned stand-up comedian, actor, and voice impressionist with over 50 character voices in his arsenal. A graduate of Bethune-Cookman University with a degree in Communication Studies and a Theater Arts focus, he’s shared the stage with comedy heavyweights like Benji Brown and Emmanuel Hudson, and once served as a kid-caster for Radio Disney.
Whether he’s delivering laughs or dropping heat in the studio, Mr. Buddy’s mission stays the same: to uplift, entertain, and connect through music and comedy. With “Good Time” in full rotation and more on the way, one thing’s for sure—Mr. Buddy isn’t just having a moment, he’s building a movement.
