Big Bus started out as a manager and promoter for independent artists from Detroit. Showcasing the talent from the artists signed to his label House Of Cash, he released a compilation album that although promoted in many major cities didn’t sell as expected. The music business is like any other you have to stay persistent but unfortunately the artists didn’t share Big Bus’ optimism. So, in 2007, Bus recorded his own track and released his own music -- with a few bumps and bruises he has fought his way to the top of Detroit’s premier underground. Adopting the alias “Neighbourhood Hero” in his own right, the Detroit emcee is now signed to D-Tox Entertainment which is distributed by Koch/E1 Entertainment. This undisputed heavyweight is ready to take over!

I heard that you got into boxing at the age of 14 and that’s how you got the name Big Bus. Can you tell us about that?

When I was about 12, me and my family moved from Linwood to a place called Royal Oak Township. A few of the little homies that were in the neighbourhood was into boxing at the local recreation centre. So eventually, I became involved in it. There was a guy that thought I resembled Buster Douglas and that's where I got the name Big Bus.

Back in 2002, you started out managing and promoting artists for your own label House Of Cash, what made you want to start your own label?

I had a passion for music at an early age. I was working a job and hustling at the same time and once I felt like I had enough money to pursue it, I did it.

You managed Detroit artist Big Louch, from then started engineering and producing. In 2007, you recorded your very first track, which went on your mixtape Street Credibility Vol. 1. What was it that made you think, “I’m going to do this myself and become a rapper”?

At the time, I had felt like the rappers that I was pushing didn't share the same drive as I did and that was something that had developed over time.

What artists were you listening to when you were coming up in the game?

I continue to listen to everything -- I‘m a fan of good music. If the music is good, I'm listening to it and it doesn’t matter if it is local stuff or national stuff. But if I had to say a couple of dudes I mainly rocked with, it would probably be Rick Ross, Young Jeezy, Jay-Z, Lil Wayne, 50 Cent, and a few local rappers like Famous and Flame, Streetlord Juan, and K-Deezy.

How would you define your style?

Real music, street music -- I mean my style is like none other. I put a lot of passion into writing and recording songs. I have been called a universal rapper by many as my style could fit in anywhere: East Coast, West Coast, Midwest, Down South to overseas.            

Did you find it hard adapting from being a manager and promoter to now being a recording artist?

Not at all. The transition was a good one because I've learned some of the business side things and now it was time for me to work on my flow game. So over all, it was a good transition.

Who do you think has the hardest job and why: The manager, promoter or rapper?

That's a hard one! Before, I would have said the rapper but now I would have to say a promoter has the hardest job. The reason why I say that is because a promoter has to get the material to the people. I mean a promoter is always at work making sure that people are fully aware of the artists release dates and places of where the artist is performing. The promoter must also be able to find angles to get the people to get involved with the artist.

Since 2007, you’ve released many mixtapes, built a name for yourself in Detroit and now you’re signed to D-Tox Entertainment, how did that come about?

Koch/E1 Entertainment’s Midwest general manager had reached out to me after receiving some of my material through an e-mail blast. He then introduced me to Rob Allen, CEO of D-Tox Ent. Rob Allen saw my vision and understood me enough that he wanted to become my manager to help guiding my career through his record label. And I want to go on by adding he is the best manager a rap artist could have. The entire D-Tox family welcomed me right in without any problems at all -- we make a perfect team together. I’m very comfortable with my team.

What has the response been like to your single I Love The Way, which is now available?

The response has been great -- even though I haven't got used to performing it yet. The ladies go crazy when I do perform it. Some of the male audience shy away from that track, which is expected because it’s really a song for the ladies.

Will we see an album from Big Bus anytime soon?

The album Redemption is online and in stores right now. With it being distributed through Koch/E1 -- it’s in Best Buy, FYE, Amazon, iTunes, Napster, HMV, Tesco etc. So, all my homies aboard can get it as well.

What can be expected as far as collaborations and production?

On this project, it’s mainly just me with a few great Detroit local artists like Kid Vishis, Famous and Flame, Rev City, De Andrea Coker, R.A.W with beats produced by Detroit’s own K.I.D.D. It’s a great project and I strongly encourage anyone to go out and cop it.

What other projects have you got lined up for the rest of 2010?

Other than recording and continuing to do mixtapes and features on other artist’s albums. I’m looking to get involved in movies and doing some big boy modelling. I've been contacted by a few companies to model their big boy wear. Can't really give too much info about that but if everything goes right I will be getting my acting and modelling on too [laughs].

Have you been doing any shows out there and touring other states?

Yes, my manager been keeping me pretty busy with shows in and out of state. This has been an experience for me and a good one.

Tell us what a Big Bus show is like?

Very energetic! I care more about putting on a show rather then about just performing. My hype man D.C. and I, we’re always rehearsing to put on a better show for the people.

A few years down the line, do you think that you will start up another label or begin managing artists again?

Actually, I have a company already by the name of Motor City Mafia and I have 3 artists that I'm managing under that company: Young Blaze, Dirty Kurt, and K.B. So, just be on the look out for them.

Where can fans go and find out more about Big Bus?

My website is currently under construction but for now fans can follow me on twitter @bigbus313, www.facebook.com/bigbus313, www.myspace.com/bigbus313, and of course www.d-toxentertainment.com. There you can sign up to join our contact list to be notified with information such as tour dates and new projects.

- By Jai Boo