Released 1989 Recorded 1988 Length 4:54 | Format CD single12" single Genre Alternative hip hop | |
"Buddy" is the third single released by De La Soul from their album 3 Feet High and Rising.
Contents
The song is often cited as an example of an effective remix; one that includes a change of song lyrics or beat. In this case, both the original song's lyrics and the musical bed received a make over. With its Taana Gardner sampling bassline, the 7 minute 12" version was clearly tailor-made for dancefloors and provided a striking contrast to the laid back album version.
The song was also famous for featuring the major members of the Native Tongues posse, including Q-Tip of A Tribe Called Quest, Jungle Brothers, Queen Latifah and Monie Love. While Phife Dawg appears in the video itself and is heard in the extended mix, the mix in the video eliminates his entire verse.
Music video
The music video for "Buddy" is introduced by Prince Paul who explains, "'Buddy' doesn't mean 'girl' or 'sex' for that matter, 'buddy' simply means 'body', bodies of all kind." While the majority of the video consists of the members of the Native Tongues posse performing straight to camera, this is interspersed with brief segments of black-and-white footage, one of which featuring a speech balloon that remarks "this video makes no sense!"
Along with those who appeared in the song, the video also featured a cameo from rapper Chi-Ali.
Track listing
- "Buddy (Native Tongue Decision)" - 7:17
- Guest Appearances: Q-Tip, Phife Dawg, Jungle Brothers, Queen Latifah, Monie Love
- "Buddy (Native Tongue Decision Instrumental)" - 5:50
- "Ghetto Thang (Vocal)" - 3:45
- "Ghetto Thang (Ghetto Ximer)" - 3:55
- "Buddy (Vocal)" - 4:58
- Guest Appearances: Q-Tip, Jungle Brothers
- "Ghetto Thang (Ghetto Ximer Instrumental)" - 3:47