Tag: RUSS

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Independent Artist Russ’ Studio On-The-Go

Russ Steven Taylor

Rapper and singer, Russ, has taken his creativity to another level to capture inspiration. The independent artist has a fully portable studio kit from his suitcase that he uses in hotel rooms. This is how he creates music on the go, including hits like Psycho Pt. 2. Russ is known for his success and breaking the barriers of being solo, especially after the announcement of his own independent label “DIEMON” earlier this year.

The Process

He explained how he sets up the studio on-the-go in a hotel room on TikTok. The hitmaker gave nice tips to DIY artists such as turning the air off to rid the vent noise and gave a quick step-by-step tutorial. Russ’ suitcase includes the audio interface, microphone, pop filter, and headphones to make some of his best music. He goes on to explain how simple the set-up is and that you only need one plug as well as his laptop.

@russAlso turn the air off to eliminate the vent noise. This is the exact setup for how I made psycho pt 2, aint nobody takin my baby, me you, begging you and a couple others♬ Psycho, Pt. 2 – Russ

Russ’ Verse On Ab-Soul’s New Album

“The other reason why I bring the Neumann {microphone} is very easy set-up. This is it, there’s no power supply, there’s no weird thing that’s gotta hold up the mic,” Russ further describes in the video. The songwriter then points at his hotel bed, where he sits to make some of our favorites. He even drops a fun fact that he recorded his verse on “Go Off,” also featuring Big Sean on the Ab-Soul album coming out next week, with his studio on-the-go in Rio.

What’s next?

Furthermore, the indie artist recently teased his new project. Russ responded to fans on Twitter inquiring about his follow-up after last year’s Chomp 2. The New Jersey native said his fans can look forward to an “ambitious” lineup of guests artist and producers for his next project.

CHOMP 2 SPOTIFY

Spotify

Written by Vhannah | Instagram: vhannahmontana

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Lil Pump Criticizes Russ For Canceling European Tour

Image Source: Getty Images
Image Source: Getty Images

These two artists have never really gotten along at any point in their careers. On August 29th, Russ shared a message with fans online about canceling his upcoming European tour. “I have to cancel the European tour,” he expressed before continuing to explain that his mental health is the root of the decision. In a video that Lil Pump posted, the young Florida rapper relentlessly criticized Russ. He said, “How about you f*cking deal with it and stop being a f*cking pussy?!” Watch Lil Pump’s full video dissing another successful platinum-selling peer:

 

More About The Russ Tour & Cancellation

It’s a very hefty decision when an artist decides to cancel something as expensive as touring. The last-minute decision comes with an honest & human reason from Russ. The Billboard charting artist reveals that his mental health is severely suffering right now. According to Russ himself, “I could make up excuses so that I don’t lose money but the reality is mentally I feel like sh*t.” The Journey Is Everything tour features tons of global shows across Asia, South America, New Zealand, etc. Unfortunately, Europe won’t be a part of this global experience anymore. Read the full Russ breakdown below:

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by RUSS (@russ)

 

Is Lil Pump Trying To Make A Comeback?

Whether you agree with Lil Pump or not, do you wonder why Lil Pump even cares this much? The two don’t have a great relationship at all, but a lot of their issues existed way before the 2020s. Some speculate that Pump’s video could just be a promotional stunt done to fuel a comeback. He did release a new single last Friday, August 26th, titled I’m Back. Do you think the new record will be enough to fully revive the rapper’s career?

 

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Written by: Oryah Brown | Instagram: @oryah.wav

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Russ & Bugus Start New Artist-Friendly Record Label ‘DIEMON’

Image Source: WireImage
GULF SHORES, AL - MAY 19: Russ performs during the 2017 Hangout Music Festival at Hangout Beach on May 19, 2017 in Gulf Shores, Alabama. (Photo by Tim Mosenfelder/WireImage)

Russ and Bugus have teamed up to start a new record label called DIEMON, named after their 2010 collective. The label is focused on the intention of being beneficial & transparent with its roster of talent. Russ is known for being very vocal about artists’ rights & the shady business of record labels. The label name DIEMON is an acronym for the phrase “Do It Everyday Music or Nothing”. The duo have been friends for years & are excited to partner up on this joint venture. Check out Russ’ Instagram here.

 

The Philosophy Of DIEMON

Russ & Bugus are mainly trying to empower the artists on their roster & keep things simple for everyone involved. In a conversation with Variety, Russ shared, “Everyone owns their masters; everyone owns their publishing. We don’t eat on your merch or your tours, and everything’s a profit split deal.” In addition to the news that artists will have more ownership, Bugus added, “We don’t want to have to chase you around and beg you to come to the studio. We want the kind of artist that we need to pull out of the studio and be like, ‘All right bro, you’ve done five songs tonight, take a break.” In short, it definitely seems like both Russ & Bugus are planning to maintain a laidback & positive relationship with DIEMON artists.

 

The Future Of The Label

Overall, everything sounds like it will go smoothly & will be revolutionary for modern-day artists. So far, they’ve signed their first artist, La Russell from Vallejo, California. Russ truly believes in La Russell’s career, “If you look at what he’s doing with his music, he’s putting out a bunch of content all the time — dropping albums here, dropping songs there. With him I was like, ‘Man, do whatever you wanna do. Whenever you need me, hit me.” If you’re an artist, would you sign to this new record label?

 

Written by: Oryah Brown | Instagram: @oryah.wav

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Russ, “What Are Yall” Track Review

Russ, "What Are Yall" Track Review
Russ, "What Are Yall" Track Review. Image source: Youtube.

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

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#FMSpotlight: NAMI – ‘Demos For Drake’ (Listen)

NAMI DEMOS FOR DRAKE
NAMI DEMOS FOR DRAKE

NAMI effortlessly embodies Drizzy’s musical styling in his latest mixtape, Demos For Drake. The “6 God” rapper happens to be the muse for NAMI’s EP as well. 

Yet, still, listeners can decode NAMI’s beats from any other musician. The platinum producer integrates a myriad of smooth transitions. Case in point, his ability to weave around genres catches the attention of music enthusiasts worldwide. 

The mixtape is packed with transparent lyrics aimed at his competitor and love interests. Moreover, he speaks about turning his dream into a reality and his views on dating. The beats go off calmly, pulling admiration from trap, gospel, R&B, hip-hop, and even electro. Not to mention, he carries a sultry vocal pattern and clear-cut flow throughout the project. 

The first song, “SOMEBODY LYING,” is directed toward those who talked down on him. Once upon a time, certain people told him he wouldn’t make it. And now that he has, NAMI is taunting them for their negativity. 

He spits, “Not even surprised that your disks all goin’ floppy (No)/Buyin’ up your numbers and still you could never top me (No)/You buyin’ up her diamonds but here she is tryna top me/I’m immune to dirty work, God is my antibody.” 

On “EASY,” NAMI tells a lover that it’s best to part ways. He simply has no time for drama. But, no matter his efforts, his partner finds faults in it. He concludes that the spark between them has died. 

He delivers, “Baby, this shit feel way too empty/I need something a lil’ less healthy, I can’t love ya/I stack commas, you stack drama/I sent you gifts, and you sent back problems.”

“WHO LIED” follows suit in terms of the message. NAMI declares that he’s not looking to settle down. And if so, he’s going to do it with someone who possesses the same standards and loyalty. After this lady finds out the truth, she turns cold. NAMI only wanted temporary fun while his love interest wanted a ring. 

He spits, “Yeah, really went and blocked me, why you so salty? (Yeah) /I can’t stay around, so please don’t wait around/Thought it was gon’ be a couple rendez-vous/Bringin’ you around and showed you all the views.”

The latter of both songs comes to light in “NOBU.” This time around, he wears his heart on his sleeves. Moreso, he insists that this anonymous chick come by. But, though he enjoys her company, he still stands firmly on not dating. 

He says, “I’m not really here for all you fantasies/Shocking me with all of the audacity, yeah (Shock)/Think you hold me down, oh, what a tragedy.”

Finally, “DABS, HANDSHAKES, & HUGS” and “WHAT DO WE HAVE HERE?” find NAMI basking in his success. In short, he puts egoistical rappers in their place. 

One notable excerpt comes from “WHAT DO WE HAVE HERE.” He raps, “Funny how I never sleep, following all my dreams/Sun rose, wrote the song, made this beat/Most nights I sharpen the sword off the critiques/Makes me wonder how they find time to take a peak/Certain actions push me to really sit and reflect.” 

Two years ago, Nami uprooted himself from Santiago, Cape Verde, to LA to pursue a career in music. At the age of 19, he has earned the title of the first Platinum producer out of Cape Verde. He has an expansive list of significant cuts under his belt, including Ariana Grande, RUSS, Bryson Tiller, YBN Cordae, Earthgang, Amine, and many more.

Listen to DEMOS BY DRAKE by NAMI below: