Russ’s new “What Are Y’all” single raises raises a question. In an era full of opinions and slander, it causes one to wonder who/what is coining the bar of success? From social media posts/comments to the thousands of podcasts, everyone has beliefs, opinions, assumptions, or critiques about someone/something else.
Some entertainment figures have not responded most amiably, causing a skewed perception of the individual in disgrace. Well, ladies and gentlemen, Russ is one of them.
A few weeks ago, Russ released the “What Are Y’all” single, remaining critical of the highly opinionated, in an artsy form. The song content ranges from giving advice to those pursuing their dreams to Russ reminding the fans and other artists of his accolades; before simply asking, “What Are Y’all?”
The always insightful Russ drops gems throughout the bass drum sample, such as:
“Yeah, used to think my takeoff time was a delayed departure
Trust the journey; if you rush, it gon’ make harder
You can lose your place when try to flip the pages farther
700,000 for an hour, that’s the latest offer”
Russ also holds nothing back on the track, rapping about other artists’ careers being on life support. He then inclines despite going up against the industry with his newfound independence.
“Overlooking me doesn’t change shit
I’m the modern-day Prince, face it
I’m free, look at me, look how easy I breathe
Your career’s on life support, it’s clear you need the machine
I rage against it, killing it in the name of independence”
The ATL-based rapper also mentions his accomplishments as he raps:
“Sometimes I feel like, “f**k ’em all
Cause if a Forbes list cash king, six times platinum
Twenty plaques in, arenas packed in, isn’t a star then, what are y’all?”
Who Needs Reminding From Russ?
This subtle reminder is sometimes needed. Not just within this genre but generally in life. There are always those who are hypercritical of your decisions and/or accomplishments. Yet, they also haven’t accomplished even half of what you have done.
Some artists have done a quarter of what Russ has done yet maintain relevancy with antics and a social media buzz. If asked, most would consider Russ an R&B artist due to the success of those types of singles.
Will this song be a club hit? Hell no! Will it receive radio play? Probably also not! Despite that, the track merely asks an understated question, “What Are Yall” from a talented yet, unfortunately, also not so famous artist.
Written by Dante’ Daniel