| ARTIST |

Born Michael Payne, Jr. on May 14 in Birmingham, Alabama, Mr. Buddy—endearingly known as Dippity Dawg by his father and immediate family—has been immersed in creativity from the start. Growing up between West Palm Beach and Jacksonville, Florida, he is the second of five siblings in a family where music and theater are a way of life.From a young age, Mr. Buddy's talent for music was undeniable. He became a master of multiple instruments, including piano, drums, and trumpet, channeling his passion into a sound that is as eclectic as it is electrifying. His music is a vibrant tapestry woven from the threads of 70s, 80s, and 90s influences—fusing funk, disco, big band, hip-hop, rock, country, and neo-soul into a unique and irresistible groove. For Mr. Buddy, the funkier the music, the better, as he draws inspiration from thick chords and phat bass lines, all rooted in the soulful energy of his church upbringing and the playful spirit of icons like Will Smith.But Mr. Buddy's talent doesn't stop at music. He's a professional stand-up comedian and actor, renowned for his uncanny ability to perform over 50 voice impressions and deliver side-splitting physical comedy. A graduate of the prestigious Bethune-Cookman University, where he earned a degree in Communication Studies with a focus on Theater Arts, Mr. Buddy honed his skills in leadership roles, including Vice President of the Thurgood Marshall University Debate Society and Public Relations for the Hispanic Organization for Latin Awareness (H.O.L.A.). As a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc., he's shared the stage with comedy heavyweights like Benji Brown, Tyler Chronicles, and Emmanuel Hudson from MTV’s “Wild 'N Out,” all while holding his own as a former kid-caster for Radio Disney.Mr. Buddy is often described as a "connoisseur of the arts," a title that reflects his relentless pursuit of creative excellence. He is driven by a mission to unite and uplift through the universal languages of music and laughter. His artistic influences span across a wide spectrum of musicians, actors, comedians, and scholars, all of whom fuel his passion for pushing the boundaries of entertainment.As George Bernard Shaw once remarked, "The goal of an artist is to create the definitive work that cannot be surpassed." Mr. Buddy lives by this credo, always striving to break new ground and leave an indelible mark on the world. Get ready to embark on an exhilarating journey with Mr. Buddy—where the beats are funky, the laughs are endless, and the possibilities are infinite.