Marrero, Louisiana Rapper Bustdown: The Forgotten Pioneer of Rap

In the sprawling timeline of New Orleans hip-hop, one name that deserves more recognition is John Bickham Jr., better known as Bustdown. Hailing from Marrero, Louisiana, Bustdown helped lay the foundation for the city’s raw, unapologetic rap scene long before it became a national powerhouse. Though he may not be as widely remembered as some of his successors, Bustdown’s impact on Southern rap—and New Orleans culture in particular—is undeniable.

Bustdown burst onto the scene with an energy that was unfiltered, explicit, and undeniably captivating. His breakout track, the infamous “Nasty Bi*,”** produced by Ice Mike, was an eight-minute underground hit that became a street anthem across New Orleans and beyond. The song’s provocative lyrics and bold delivery earned comparisons to West Coast rap legend Too $hort, but Bustdown added his own Southern twist that was rooted in the slang, stories, and style of Marrero and New Orleans.

That single set the tone for his 1991 debut album, also titled “Nasty Bi**,”* released under Luther Campbell’s (aka Uncle Luke) Effect Records. Tracks like “Putcha Bally’s On” and “Pi*n Razor Blades”** showcased Bustdown's storytelling chops and deep understanding of his environment. He was gritty, graphic, and unafraid to speak the truth of street life—and that made him stand out in the early days of Southern hip-hop.

Bustdown’s influence extended far beyond his solo catalog. He was part of a budding network of artists shaping the South’s identity in hip-hop. He collaborated with names like Poison Clan, Luke, and Devious, proving he could hold his own in any setting, from bass-heavy club tracks to hardcore lyrical exercises.

However, industry politics weren’t always in his favor. A dispute over money with Luke Records forced him to part ways with the label, a decision that put his career on a slower trajectory. Still, the music spoke for itself—Bustdown remained a street favorite, even if he didn't get the industry push he deserved.

In one of his rare interviews, Bustdown gave credit to early inspirations like Gregory D and The Sugarhill Gang, citing them as the spark that lit his fire to rap. He spoke with pride about how “Nasty Bi**”* was created and what it meant to him—and his fans.

Bustdown’s reflections also serve as a lesson for future generations of artists: the importance of understanding the business side of music, protecting intellectual property, and demanding fair compensation. One of his current missions is to ensure that artists like himself, especially from the early rap era, get the recognition and royalties they deserve. This includes addressing the uncredited remake of “Nasty Bi*”** by the late Gangsta Boo.

In recent years, Bustdown has been working on a documentary to highlight his contributions to the New Orleans hip-hop scene and tell his story in his own words. He’s also leveraging social media to reconnect with fans and document his journey in real-time.

Bustdown’s career may have faced hurdles, but his voice—raw, authentic, and fearless—helped pave the way for the New Orleans rap explosion that would come later. His sound was the soundtrack of the streets before bounce music took over the clubs and well before mainstream labels came calling.

In a world where pioneers are often overlooked, Bustdown remains a powerful reminder of where New Orleans rap began, and his legacy continues to echo in the voices of every local rapper who dares to be bold, real, and unapologetic.

Bustdown isn’t just a footnote in New Orleans rap history—he’s one of its cornerstones.