LargeUp: How did you get to the point of looking more towards the roots? Of course, Tippy I-Grade would be a great resource for that…
BussPipe: Well, for years Tippy and I had this in our hearts to do, ’bout 10 or so, and with us being in separate places it was rough. You know when artists come together it is a powerful thing. As far as the other artists on the album, we are all friends. To have people in the studio that you can vibe with is an amazing thing. When Ras Batch, Niyo [Niyorah] and I were all in the studio at the same time with a proper riddim sparking, it was a great feeling, with something great coming out of it.
LargeUp: The song “VI Nice” has really taken on a life of its own. First off, the youth have drawn to it making it their VI anthem. I heard there were “VI Nice” presentations in the majority of schools here in the Territory.
BussPipe: Certain things come around at the right time and sometimes they don’t and the message is lost. When it comes to the youth, providing them with someone to look up to in a positive light is important to me. There will be songs for the ladies because that is part of love and life, but a big part of my platform is to provide inspiration. The song came about at a perfect time, when they were looking for it. It makes me humble greatly to know that the community is listening and receptive to my words. When the youth can sing the whole song while understanding the message, it provides me the inspiration I need to keep going. It is a blessed exchange. To hear four and five year olds singing the song word for word means this music will live on for more generations. That is how true music lives, and I am thankful to be in this position.