[Pretty tangential, but hey. -Ben]

http://www.startribune.co...08259.html

See also (more info on the Prince relation): http://www.citypages.com/...le8804.asp

Excerpt:
Buddy drifted up from Chicago in 1993, in search of a rap gig or, failing that, a decent day job. Part of a northward migration that has transformed the Twin Cities' demographics and infused the hip-hop scene with newer, harder blood, he and his cousin found themselves unemployed and homeless. Undiscouraged, Buddy started hanging out at local venues, showing up at the Entry or Arnellia's, jawing his way onstage between acts and making a name for himself with his freestyles. Eventually he was befriended by New Power Generation rapper Tony Mosely, made it to the Glam Slam club stage, and caught the eye of Prince. Buddy has cultivated that particular relationship carefully over the years. "Prince, my mentor, talks to Henry and myself every other month, like two or three hours at a time," Buddy explains.

Buddy's rapport with Prince might be helped by the fact that they see eye to eye: Standing at less than five-and-a-half-feet, Buddy lives up to the adjectival half of his moniker.