Russ

Russ is an American rapper from Atlanta, Georgia, who began his journey into music at a very young age. With 11 mixtapes and 96 consecutive weekly singles released to SoundCloud under his belt, Russ has made a name for himself in the music industry. He is renowned for independently writing, producing, mixing, mastering, engineering, and recording his own music.

About Russ

Russell Vitale, known by his stage name Russ, was born on September 26, 1992, in Secaucus, New Jersey. He had a passion for music from a young age and began writing raps in his notebook when he was only seven years old. He started making beats at the age of 14 and produced for his friend Bugus, who was also an aspiring rapper. After gaining experience producing for his friend, Russ decided to pursue a career in music himself and began creating his own material while still in high school.

After graduating high school, Russ released his first mixtape in 2011. Over the next three years, he released 10 additional mixtapes. Despite receiving minimal attention, Russ' dedication to his craft did not falter. Instead, he decided to release a new song every week for a year, resulting in 96 consecutive weekly singles. Among the vast collection of music, two songs stood out: "What They Want" and "Losin Control," both of which have been certified 2x Platinum by the RIAA.

Russ' dedication to his craft has paid off, and he has since released three studio albums. In 2017, he released his debut album "There's Really A Wolf," which was certified platinum within a year of its release. The album spawned seven singles with gold certification or higher. In 2018, he released his sophomore project "ZOO," which enlisted external producers and featured artists. In 2020, he released his highly anticipated album "SHAKE THE SNOW GLOBE," which touches on themes of love, haters, and his wealth.

Russ is known for being an independent artist who produces, writes, and records his own music. In 2020, he signed away from Columbia Records to become fully independent. He announced his milestone on Instagram, sharing that he is now in control of his own music and career. In 2021, Russ continued to release music, culminating in his first independent album, "Chomp 2." The album features some of the rap game’s most talented lyricists and producers as part of the "CHOMP" series.

In 2022, Russ continued to see new successes. He started the year off with his golden single "HANDSOMER," which then turned into a remix through TikTok and charted in the top 40 of the Billboard Hot 100. Later that year, he followed up with a short EP titled "If Not Now, When?" The EP combines emotional melodies with reflective and braggadocious bars.

Russ prides himself on being a self-taught musician who produces, writes, and records his music independently. He has gained a vast following and garnered millions of monthly listeners on Spotify. With his unique sound and well-crafted lyrics, Russ is undoubtedly one of the most exciting and influential artists in today's rap industry.

Russ's Music Style

Russ's music style is primarily rap, and he often combines it with other genres such as R&B and hip-hop. Many of his songs focus on themes of love, heartbreak, and personal growth. Russ is known for his relatable lyrics and his ability to connect with his listeners emotionally.

What sets Russ apart from other rappers is that he is entirely self-taught when it comes to creating music. He produces, writes, and records all of his music independently. Russ is one of the few artists who can genuinely call himself a one-man band. His DIY approach has garnered him a massive following of fans who resonate with his independent spirit and personal struggles that he shares through his music.

Influence and Legacy

Russ's influence on the rap industry cannot be overstated. His DIY approach to making music has inspired countless other artists, demonstrating that it is possible to achieve success without a record label's backing. Russ's music and style have resonated with a vast audience who enjoys his relatable lyrics and unique sound.

Russ has also been outspoken about issues of mental health and the importance of pursuing one's goals despite obstacles. In interviews, he has shared that he struggled with anxiety and depression in the past, and making music has been therapeutic for him. By sharing his struggles with mental health, Russ has been a source of inspiration for those going through similar struggles.

In terms of his legacy, Russ's influence on the industry has already been felt. With multiple platinum and gold-certified albums, Russ is undoubtedly one of the most successful and influential rappers of our time. His music style and DIY approach to making music have inspired countless other artists, and his honesty about personal struggles has helped to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health.

Wrapping Up

Russ is a remarkable artist known for his unique style and DIY approach to creating music. With millions of fans worldwide, Russ's influence on the rap industry is felt far and wide. With three studio albums under his belt, Russ is undoubtedly one of the most successful artists of our time. He has inspired countless other artists with his innovative approach to making music, and his honesty about personal struggles has been a source of inspiration to many.