For the last three years, the Compton rapper Buddy has been a favorite sidekick of some notable names. He’s shared space with Miley Cyrus, Kendrick Lamar, and Pharrell, and his last EP was produced entirely by Kaytranada. Now, Buddy has another EP on the way and the lead single, “That Much,” is proof he looks good under the spotlight all by himself.

Buddy’s versatility is what has allowed him to pair so seamlessly as an accompanist, but his scurrying flow works well solo. Produced by Mike & Keys, “That Much” is a trapped-out G-funk romp, with bells, strings, and ringing keys surging over the scuttling snares. While Buddy’s delivery is more enticing than his lyrics, his energetic run through Mike & Key’s canvas elevates the already rich affair. Lyrics like “I'm causing global hysteria/This is hysterical” are colorful, but his interest in the rhythm of his words reveals something lacking in their content. Buddy’s knack for filling up empty space in bursts like this shows he can more than carry a song all his own.