SLUG Style: BuddyLove

Buddy Hills (or best known by his other alias, BuddyLove) is making a splash in the breakdancing scene of SLC. From competing in the Red Bull Dance Your Style world finals to setting sail on the Royal Caribbean, Hills’ talent is taking him all across the map! Before he travels off to his next fancy-free adventure, however, SLUG had some time to talk about one essential part of what makes BuddyLove who he is today — his style.

Every month, SLUG Style features a distinct member of the community and asks them why they do what they do. Exploring more than just clothing, SLUG Style is an attempt to feature the people who give Salt Lake City flavor through personality and panache.

Q&A with BuddyLove

What are your stylistic influences? This could be a band, decade, fictional character — anything.

My style is influenced by R&B artists like Chris Brown, 6LACK, Tems and Kehlani, with movement rooted in Hip-hop, Dancehall, Afro, Memphis Jookin, footwork and freestyle flow. I’m inspired by anime, comedy, ‘90s urban fashion, and thrifting as a key part of my aesthetic.

What are your interests or hobbies? What is the hobby or interest that you have that no one would realize to ask you about?

I’m a big sports fan! I love playing basketball, tumbling, hiking and playing my harmonica! I have a collection of 400 Polaroid photos and counting.

What was it like to compete in the Red Bull Dance Your Style world finals? How do you train for such a competition?

I competed in the SLC qualifiers and USA western finals two years in a row! This experience was everything and more; I’m honored to be able to share my art with many people who connect with the way I move! The world finals were life-changing. When it comes to training for this, it takes consistency, authenticity and musical understanding daily! That’s how you train!

Are you always “on” or would someone see you at the grocery store, for example, with fewer elements of your style?

I am always on! You can catch me dancing at the grocery store, whether it’s my own music and my headphones or the music playing, just ask my friends!

If you had to describe yourself in three words, what would those be?

Self-made. Hungry. Influential.

How has your personal style evolved over time?

It has evolved into my own voice, without hesitation or question. I started late in the game at 20 years old!

What advice would you give someone who wants to learn how to dance — specifically hip-hop and breaking — but doesn’t know where to start?

Start anyway. Stay hungry and humble. Be yourself without apology. Work relentlessly, uplift your community and turn your growth into inspiration for others. Your path is meant for you to experience, not follow.

What exciting new projects do you have coming up? More competitions or collaborations?

I will be leaving Utah in March to work for Royal Caribbean for 10 months! I will continue to work with Red Bull, teach around the world and collaborate with inspiring people/businesses!

If you could give a piece of advice to your younger self, what would it be?

Trust the process! 

Read about more of Salt Lake’s fashion icons:
SLUG Style: Shelby & Joe Maddock
SLUG Style: Adaline Rae