Kashon "Bussa" Jones

By Jordyn Enrile

Highlighting local talent would hurt us if we didn’t look at the bright city of New York for inspiration. The birthplace of rap and hip hop is bustling with faces that are emerging in all types of art styles. This cultural forge of identities is for our other spotlight artist, Bussa.

A dynamic force is reshaping the fields of fashion, photography, entrepreneurship, and philanthropy in the streets of the Bronx. Introducing Kashon Jones, also known as Bussa, an incredibly gifted artist from Uptown, White Plains Road, to be specific. 

Bussa's artistic journey started with a deep curiosity about the kaleidoscope of fashion, which included everything from colors and textures to custom clothing and fashionable footwear. At the beginning of his career, he wanted to pursue being a wardrobe stylist, but with unclear direction, he continued his search to find his niche. He entered the world of apparel design, seeing his designs as a way to express himself and also be a part of his community’s daily wardrobe. At this moment in his life, the seeds of Bussafitsbrand, LLC were planted.

When thinking back on his artistic journey, Bussa recognizes the critical role that people like Hugh Reid, his track and field coach, played in supporting his early artistic endeavors. Coach Hugh’s support and direction strengthened his commitment and gave him the conviction that creativity had no boundaries.

Bussa faced numerous challenges as a Black artist, and his identity was frequently misunderstood. He remained firm, rooted in integrity and a resolute work ethic. He defies preconceptions and rewrites stories, emerging as a ray of perseverance in a world full of obstacles. Being in the same room as another renowned Black artist inspired him and helped amplify his vision, with him commenting that, “I attended a Puma event in collaboration with fashion designer Dapper Dan. Capturing a photo of him and with him felt legendary.” 

Seeing the need for supporting that gap in the school system and readiness for higher education is what sprouted one of Bussa's greatest accomplishments, the release of his first book, "The Fundamentals Throughout College," which attests to both his creative talent and his dedication to uplifting the younger generation. When asked why this is one of his most notable achievements, he says, "This accomplishment is monumental to me, as there aren't many Black authors from Uptown that I know of. After earning my first degree and securing several essay-based scholarships, I felt inspired to brainstorm ways to give back to the younger generation by providing them with essential information to navigate their own educational journeys."

Motivated by a deep commitment to elevate marginalized points of view, Bussa offers aspiring artists priceless guidance. From fostering enthusiasm to accepting research, he emphasizes the value of resilience and confidence in navigating the turbulent landscape of the creative industry. “Write down all your ideas and do your research,” he expresses that as the first thing any budding artist should do. “Lastly, ensure you have a genuine passion for what you do. Whatever career path you choose, loving it will sustain you through both the ups and downs of your journey.”

With his sights set on the future, Bussa believes that 2024 will bring about a promising new chapter. As he approaches the release of his upcoming collection, he keeps pushing the frontier of originality and fervently and intentionally commemorates the sixth anniversary of Bussafitsbrand, LLC.

Kashon Jones is an influential figure in the creative landscape, introducing inventive and motivating elements into the industry's structure. He creates a lasting legacy for future generations by paving the road for a more diverse and dynamic artistic world with each brushstroke and design flourish.

If you would like to check out more of Bussa’s work and what he’s up to, click here to view his website and here for his IG! 

Jordyn is a dedicated college student pursuing a B.A. in Information Science. Her passion lies in the exploration of the world of words and stories. Jordyn aspires to find her place in the publishing world, where she hopes to bring stories to life, while also working towards a career as a children's school librarian, nurturing young minds to discover their own literary adventures. Her spirit animal, the octopus, reflects her appreciation for the diverse ways creativity can reach out in various directions, embracing the wonders of the world.