Richard Stephen Shaw, better known by his stage name Bushwick Bill, entered the world on December 1, 1966, in the vibrant city of Kingston, Jamaica. His father, a merchant marine, and his mother, a dedicated maid, instilled in him the values of hard work and determination from a young age.
Despite his best efforts, Bushwick Bill's academic journey was marked by challenges. He dropped out of high school, and his reading abilities were limited to a fourth-grade level. His freshman year in high school was particularly difficult, with a majority of his courses resulting in failure.
What sets Bushwick Bill apart from others is his unique physical characteristic - he is a dwarf. His stature, often associated with actors like Billy Barty and Herve Villechaize, has never held him back from pursuing his passions.
The inspiration for his stage name, Bushwick Bill, stems from the Brooklyn district where he resided. This iconic moniker has become synonymous with his music and artistic identity.