Colin Patrick Harper, known professionally as Collie Buddz, was born on August 21, 1984, in New Orleans, Louisiana. Raised in Bermuda, he developed a deep appreciation for reggae music from an early age. Recognizing his passion for music, Buddz pursued formal education in audio engineering at Full Sail University in Winter Park, Florida, where he graduated at the top of his class in 2006. Buddz's musical career took off in 2007 with the release of his self-titled debut album under Sony Music. The album featured standout tracks like "Come Around" and "Blind To You," which garnered significant attention in the reggae community.
That same year, he collaborated with Shaggy on the track "Mad Mad World" from Shaggy's album "Intoxication." In 2008, Buddz's song "S.O.S." was selected as the entrance theme for WWE wrestler Kofi Kingston, further expanding his reach. In 2011, Buddz launched his own record label, Harper Digital Entertainment, marking a new chapter in his career. He released the "Playback" EP in 2012 and the "Blue Dreamz" EP in 2015, both showcasing his evolving sound. His second studio album, "Good Life," released in 2017, featured collaborations with artists like Snoop Dogg and P-Lo, and topped the US Billboard Reggae Albums chart. The 2019 album "Hybrid" continued this trend, featuring artists such as Russ and Tech N9ne, and also reached number one on the Billboard Reggae Albums chart.
Buddz has made significant contributions to reggae music by blending traditional reggae rhythms with contemporary sounds, appealing to a broad audience. His collaborations with artists across various genres have helped bridge gaps between reggae and other musical styles. Additionally, his work on the "Cali Roots Riddim" series has provided a platform for numerous reggae artists to showcase their talents. As of 2025, Collie Buddz remains an active and influential figure in the reggae scene. His fourth studio album, "Take It Easy," released in September 2023, was nominated for Best Reggae Album at the 2025 Grammy Awards.
The album features collaborations with artists like Bounty Killer and B-Real. Buddz continues to tour extensively, with performances scheduled at major festivals such as Reggae Rise Up and California Roots Music and Arts Festival. His music has also achieved significant streaming success, with over 15 million listeners on Spotify as of December 2024. Throughout his career, Collie Buddz has demonstrated a commitment to evolving his sound while staying true to his reggae roots. His ability to blend genres and collaborate with a diverse range of artists has solidified his place as a respected and influential figure in the reggae music industry.
