I first stumbled upon Chris Bivins, also known as BuddaFly Wolf, when I was deep in my SoundCloud era. At that time, discovering new music felt like finding hidden treasure. I remember getting lost in his "type beats," inspired by artists like Solange, Tiffany Gouché, The Internet, and one of my favorites, Moonchild (which inspired me to do a small EP). I'd find myself zoning out to his beats, headphones on, floating through the house— fully absorbed. It was one of those moments when you have this song on repeat and can't take it off.

In this feature, we're excited to showcase Chris Bivins—the innovative producer and creative powerhouse who's made waves in the music world. His journey from experimenting with sounds in his bedroom to working with millennial icons like Chris Brown, PARTYNEXTDOOR, and Kehlani is a testament to his hustle, vision, and pure ear for captivating songs. Even more impressive is how he's laid the foundations for some of today's biggest hits—turning inspiration into the sound of a generation.

We had the opportunity to interview Chris Bivins about his beginnings, his thoughts on building a career on SoundCloud, and what it's like to create music that resonates deeply with today's culture.

Read the full interview below!

Mature: Talk to us about your upbringing. What was it like growing up?

BuddaFly Wolf: Growing up, I considered myself musical even before I knew how things would turn out. My parents were heavy into the sounds of Stevie Wonder, Frankie Beverly, Sade, and Smokie Robinson. I never played in church or anything like that. Not being formally trained it's always been about the ear for me. I was a 90s baby growing up, but soul, R&B, and jazz certainly influenced me and still do.

Mature: Your start on SoundCloud helped you build a platform. What was it like creating and releasing your first tracks there, and how did it help launch your career?

BW: SoundCloud was really significant to me as far as putting my beats out there. I initially started on SoundClick; SoundCloud helped me see what my audience could be and look like while developing my beat chops and experimenting with things until something stuck. Also, it was the beginning of independent artists creating their platforms, so I used that to build my catalog. So yeah, shout to SoundCloud.

Mature: What's your creative process like when you're crafting music? Do you have any specific routines or rituals before getting into the studio?

BW: For me, inspiration usually comes from whatever feels good at any given moment. It could stem from a conversation, a melody I might hear in an elevator, a grocery store, or everyday life. Something will spark in my mind, and I start generating sounds and textures, either recording or humming ideas on video before heading into the studio to lay it all out. Most of the time, the process is spontaneous. Often, I'll start by playing random chords on the piano and follow wherever that takes me. But my main sentiment is feeling—ear candy with a purpose.

Mature: You've created iconic "type beats" that have helped new artists find their sound. Can you walk us through your approach to making those?

BW: It usually boils down to who I would imagine myself working with within the type of beats. It is also marketing, as most people are more familiar with the artist than the producer behind the music. I usually study or listen to an artist's body of work and create my own sonic world. If we were working in the studio, this is what I would present to them and bring to the table.

Mature: You've collaborated with an impressive roster of artists, from PARTYNEXTDOOR and Chris Brown to Jack Harlow, Kehlani, and one of my favorites, Durand Bernarr. How do you navigate working with such diverse talents, and what's your process for creating sounds that complement their artistry while keeping in touch with yourself?

BW: I owe all of that to one key factor: studying the artists I admire in a nearly journalistic way. I can envision the best version of myself collaborating with them and strive to remain eclectic and musically curious. Whatever taste I can bring to the table—whether in the most minimal or complex and imaginative ways—shapes my creative approach. Listening to these artists has helped me build a unique, eclectic style. I don't like to put myself in a box; I prefer to give myself as many options as possible as a musician, allowing me to explore beyond any restrictions. I often think about what I would present if I were in the room with them. It all goes back to SoundCloud (laughs). It's the art of letting go and the beauty of the unknown.

Mature: For aspiring producers just starting, what essential tools and equipment should they invest in to begin their careers?

BW: I would say to work on your ear and your heart and cultivate a mind of limitless imagination. You can turn your ideas into something special with any amount—or even a lack—of equipment. There really are no rules; it's all about how far you can take your concepts when it comes to carving out your unique sound. To me, less is more, and some of my biggest records to date were created with little to no equipment.

Mature: You were nominated for a "Best R&B Album" Grammy for Chris Brown's "Breezy" album at the 65th Annual Grammy Awards. What was that moment like for you, and how did your collaboration with Chris Brown come about

BW: That was a huge moment for me, especially coming off of my collaboration with Jack Harlow on "Already Best Friends," alongside my long-time colleague and playmaker, Ye Ali. It involved me sending ideas and melodies to Ye, who trusted my ear for what to include in our work. We've been collaborating for years, and to me, it's a labor built on trust and faith, not knowing where my contributions might ultimately end up.

When I heard that I was nominated as a co-producer for The Breezy Album, it felt like icing on the cake. Chris Brown is iconic—come on! While it added a bit of pressure, it also brought a sense of solace, confirming that I'm in the right space.

Mature: Are there any dream collaborations or artists you want to work with?

BW: I'm really digging a lot of indie artists out right now, like Sasha Keable, Scotty Apex, and Brent Faiyaz, to name a few. Oh, Anderson Park, Erykah Badu, Sade Man, I'll take a Bruno Mars record for sure!! (laughs)

Mature: What's next for you? Are there any upcoming projects or ventures you're excited about that you can share with us?

BW: Absolutely! Outside of my placements, I'm working on some instrumental beat tape projects slated for independent releases in 2025—passion projects that I'm really excited about. I've been collaborating with the amazing musician and drummer, DESH, and I'm thrilled with what I've been creating alongside artist JVVMN from Seattle. I'm also working with Spring, an incredible singer-songwriter on the rise, in my opinion, as well as some other talented friends you should definitely check out. Honestly, all of them are incredibly gifted, if I may say so myself! (laughs)

Mature: What does Mature mean to you?

BW: To me, Mature means being authentically you. No one else can be you but you. It's about discovering your groove and seeing the world through your own unique lens, living in it without boundaries. It encompasses the art of listening and the art of intention.

I want to take a moment to shout out some incredible folks. Huge thanks to the team at Ye Ali, who recognized a lot of my work on SoundCloud years before we started making records together. Shoutouts to Bizness Boi, Frank Rose, Jonnywood Beats, RyfY, Tank, PARTYNEXTDOOR, Chris Brown, Troy Taylor, Durand Bernarr, Bernarr Ferebee, and the whole camp. Also, a big shoutout to Kenyon Dixon, Tiffany Gouché, Sebastian Mikael, Tho3ry, my dog 15gramz, Powerhouse Cleo, Al Hatch, and all my friends and family. You all know who you are!

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