.JPG "BugZbugs \"BZB\"")
BugZbugs "BZB" is a multi-talented soca and hip hop artist from St. Croix, United States Virgin Islands. I had the pleasure of chatting with BZB on September 14, 2022, about his musical journey.
BZB recalled that he felt he always had a hidden musical talent. When he was younger, he wrote raps/poems in a book. He was also heavily influenced by the traditional Crucian soca/calypso that everyone recognizes. BZB shared that he loved the energy of jouverts with riddim and calypso that got people off their feet and dancing in the streets.
He told me that he was inspired by Dennis the Mennis because he enjoyed how Dennis rocked the crowd. He also mentioned that Rock City was especially relevant because they rap in the native USVI dialect.
One Artist – 2+ Genres
Some ten years ago, BZB started singing with Toy Soldiers, a calypso band. Mr. C., a community role model, started the band and gave the young men involved a head start. Toy Soldiers performed at teem jams, Halloween parties, and other activities. BZB recalled how much he enjoyed those performances and the reactions from the crowd. He recollected those experiences while smiling and commenting that those events helped him to develop his musical talent and overall career. However, he shared that the vision of the individual members started to shift, and they eventually grew apart.
Another colleague, Pojo started a group called All Star Band, and BZB was able to link with Kyle “Kylo” Sylvester. This opportunity became another pivotal point in his music career, but eventually, the team grew apart and spread to other local bands. Eventually, Kylo transitioned to The Stylee Band. BZB recalled that Iaryn "Marvelus" Williams, also known as Swanks, reached out to him to sing on a soca riddim.
The artist confessed that he creates more rap songs than soca. He recollected the positive feedback that he would get from friends and fans who commended him for being lyrical. While he writes his soca music for the people, his rap music focuses on his life. He shared that while people vibe with both genres, they tend to understand and connect with rap more.
The Latest Song, "See Yuh"
He recently released an afrobeat song, "See Yuh," which was produced by Swanks. BZB shared that "See Yuh" was written in 2019 and performed on a different instrumental. He had posted a video with fellow rapper Petty God, where he featured the song. However, he re-released it in 2022 and is getting positive feedback from his fans.
He smiled as he shared how this song came about. He was going through some challenges in his relationship in 2019 when he wrote it. In 2022, he started to experience similar issues and decided to re-release the song.
Loss of Close Friends
BZB has lost a few close friends he holds dear to his heart. Buku was a childhood friend, Kylo was a bandmate, and Petty God was a fellow rapper. These talented persons, who we have lost, all impacted BZB and the wider Virgin Islands. BZB’s song, “Closure,” was dedicated to Kylo.
Motivations
When BZB started to get serious about music, he wanted people to hear his voice. He would work hard to develop the craziest punch lines that he thought people wanted to hear. However, as he matured, he shifted his focus to writing about real-life scenarios, as reflected in "See Yuh" and "Closure."
His original dream career was to be a basketball scout. He was able to attend university and attain a degree and benefited from internships at events. Those experiences have also inspired him and aided him in becoming disciplined. After he achieved his qualifications, he shifted focus to his music and started what he terms "the real BZB era." He procured equipment and set up a studio. Since then, he has been pushing his music continuously. He shared that although he has been through some tough times, these events have strengthened him as a professional, a father, and a role model.
BZB was very open when he shared that he has a support system. He counts his journey as fulfilling. He also shared that he appreciated everything that goes with it. He said he has lots more great music coming.
BZB conveyed that his fans are what keep him going because they often send messages asking if he plans for new music releases. He loves that his fans keep him on his toes! He describes himself as a simple person who 'keeps it real.'
BZB has lost a few close friends he holds dear to his heart. Buku was a childhood friend, Kylo was a bandmate, and Petty God was a fellow rapper. These talented persons, who we have lost, all impacted BZB and the wider Virgin Islands. BZB’s song, “Closure,” was dedicated to Kylo.
Motivations
When BZB started to get serious about music, he wanted people to hear his voice. He would work hard to develop the craziest punch lines that he thought people wanted to hear. However, as he matured, he shifted his focus to writing about real-life scenarios, as reflected in "See Yuh" and "Closure."
His original dream career was to be a basketball scout. He was able to attend university and attain a degree and benefited from internships at events. Those experiences have also inspired him and aided him in becoming disciplined. After he achieved his qualifications, he shifted focus to his music and started what he terms "the real BZB era." He procured equipment and set up a studio. Since then, he has been pushing his music continuously. He shared that although he has been through some tough times, these events have strengthened him as a professional, a father, and a role model.
BZB was very open when he shared that he has a support system. He counts his journey as fulfilling. He also shared that he appreciated everything that goes with it. He said he has lots more great music coming.
BZB conveyed that his fans are what keep him going because they often send messages asking if he plans for new music releases. He loves that his fans keep him on his toes! He describes himself as a simple person who 'keeps it real.'
BZB’s Favorite Tracks by BZB
BZB won the "People’s Choice Award" and the Soca Monarch title during the 2020 Crucian Christmas Festival for "Wuk Together," which was produced by Swanks. He recalled performing this song during the Soca Monarch competition dressed in construction gear with dancers who dramatized fixing a pothole. Funnily, shortly after that performance, BZB worked for a short stint as a construction worker. He also won the Soca Monarch title for "Handcuffer," a song he performed dressed as a police officer.
Artists He Enjoys Listening To
BZB enjoys listening to Lil Durk because this artists uses melodies in his raps. He also enjoys music from Nipsey Hussle because he feels a connection to his music. He described Nipsey Hussle as a 'purpose rapper' because he "did things for a reason."
Encouragement to Other Artists
I usually ask the artists what advice they have for the youth. BZB offered these words of wisdom generally during our conversation. I was impressed when he said that for every 100 fans, you have ten haters. He added, "Don’t focus on the haters – choose to show the love to the 100! Focus on the love!"
Thankful Thoughts
He was very humble as he expressed gratitude for the support from fans in St. Croix, St. Thomas, and Tortola and from his followers in the United States. Upcoming events include gigs in St. Thomas, Miami Karnival Invasion in October 2022, and his upcoming birthday bash in Orlando.
He applauded his fans in the British Virgin Islands for always embracing him whether he performed with The Stylee Band or by himself. He conveyed one experience when he visited the British Virgin Islands and attended an event that featured The Stylee Band. He said that Kylo called him on stage to join in the performance.
New Music
BZB promised some new carnival music coming and encouraged his fans to look out for the new tracks.
- Rap: His favorite Hip Hop song is "Street Convo." It was released in 2020 on his most recent album, "Secure the Bly."
- Calypso/Soca: His favorite soca/calypso track is "Wuk Together," a 2020 release.
BZB won the "People’s Choice Award" and the Soca Monarch title during the 2020 Crucian Christmas Festival for "Wuk Together," which was produced by Swanks. He recalled performing this song during the Soca Monarch competition dressed in construction gear with dancers who dramatized fixing a pothole. Funnily, shortly after that performance, BZB worked for a short stint as a construction worker. He also won the Soca Monarch title for "Handcuffer," a song he performed dressed as a police officer.
Artists He Enjoys Listening To
BZB enjoys listening to Lil Durk because this artists uses melodies in his raps. He also enjoys music from Nipsey Hussle because he feels a connection to his music. He described Nipsey Hussle as a 'purpose rapper' because he "did things for a reason."
Encouragement to Other Artists
I usually ask the artists what advice they have for the youth. BZB offered these words of wisdom generally during our conversation. I was impressed when he said that for every 100 fans, you have ten haters. He added, "Don’t focus on the haters – choose to show the love to the 100! Focus on the love!"
Thankful Thoughts
He was very humble as he expressed gratitude for the support from fans in St. Croix, St. Thomas, and Tortola and from his followers in the United States. Upcoming events include gigs in St. Thomas, Miami Karnival Invasion in October 2022, and his upcoming birthday bash in Orlando.
He applauded his fans in the British Virgin Islands for always embracing him whether he performed with The Stylee Band or by himself. He conveyed one experience when he visited the British Virgin Islands and attended an event that featured The Stylee Band. He said that Kylo called him on stage to join in the performance.
New Music
BZB promised some new carnival music coming and encouraged his fans to look out for the new tracks.
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