How Rappers Fake their Streams

Fake streams in hip-hop are rampant. This is how it's being done.
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Link to my podcast: open.spotify.com/show/1PwiF7h...
________________________________________________________________________________________________
0:00 - The Russ Exposé
03:42 - The Source of The Numbers
05:13 - Russ Continues to Expose the Industry
7:32 - How Russ Built Leverage
09:24 - The Break in The Pattern
10:00 - Why Rappers Fake Streams
11:34 - Who's Funding This?
12:21 - The Smokescreen Companies
12:41 - How Rappers Fake Their Streams
13:16 - Why The Scam is Hidden
14:22 - Why It Always Backfires

[@victorsiwaphiwe1422]

"How many faking they streams? Getting they plays from machines" - J.Cole

[@mongezi_nxumalo]

A lot

[@ermacbigmac]

That includes J. Cole

[@me-cg2jo]

i could see behind the smoke and mirrors niggas ain’t really real as they seem💨

[@vince11harris]

@@ermacbigmacyou sure ?

[@lolboii8275]

How many people doubted you?

[@PuffinPass]

Not going to lie, not a fan of the mans music because it just isn't my style, but I got a ton of respect for him. He has been catching heat for years because he has been telling people to not sign to the industry and stay independent. He has been openly providing the blueprint for free to anyone who asks or pays attention but they all talk trash on him or ignore him...then complain about how their labels are screwing them on a 360 deal and inflating their cost recoupment numbers and deflating their actual sales numbers for payout. Decades of the industry screwing artists but nobody wants to take the risks or put in the work to actually force the change that needs to be made. Insanity is doing the same thing over and over but expecting different results.

[@jay-ov6vh]

Im a big russ fan but just for clarification he did eventually sign to a label, just under his conditions. Thats the key

[@PuffinPass]

@@jay-ov6vh True and that is what he was trying to teach people, get enough leverage by building your base to the point where you have the leverage to negotiate because they need you more than you need them. If I remember right he signed for distribution but is still independent otherwise, but I could be mistaken on that.

[@JusZard]

I felt the same way till I. Started listening to Russ music 🔥

[@whatwhothatthe]

man i completely agree w your whole statement besides the far cry quote, far cry lied to ya'll and hearing ppl say Vaas' lines on yt 10 years later is cringe af. based take tho no disrespect

[@PuffinPass]

@@whatwhothatthe what Far Cry quote?

[@DiamondDs504]

Cardi B's team is phenomenal when it comes to the stream jacking.

[@betchpuddin4545]

Cardi B is the queen of this

[@maljoe_7769]

Yep Payola

[@gabriellej7532]

Nicki been called her out since the beginning saying cardi uses payola. But no one wanted to listen…

[@misskim237]

Her summer jam lack of sales after downsizing exposed it and her lack of a tour after being out for this long confirms it.

[@Worldisfreak]

Bro cardi b play in the radio.. she will have big numbers ofc😂

[@gtg488w]

This is why I hate when ppl say numbers don’t lie. Everything on this earth is a damn lie. Like everything

[@domarq]

Your statement was simple, yet poignant....and ( unintentionally ) funny as hell!!

[@whereisanon8749]

The cake in portal was a lie too. This world is doomed…

[@thearkhightek]

I got rappers in my city buying views & streams but can barely get anyone at their shows. The worst part is they wanna charge you for a feature. The game is silly!

[@hgh2066]

A LOT of people won't listen to artists if they don't have a lot of views or plays so I don't blame artists for buying views & streams. & yea shame on them for wanting to get paid for their work lol.

[@Iknowyoumadnow]

​@@hgh2066....THAT MEANS YOU AIN'T GOT TALENT FOO

[@thearkhightek]

@hgh2066 Yes, A LOT of people won't listen to an artist unless EVERYONE else is doing it. Sheeply-minded, to say the least. Buying fake streams & buying Bots only feeds the ego. If vanity is your only goal, then I guess the fake it til you make it is a good mantra to live by.

[@thearkhightek]

@hgh2066 paying an artist is the not the issue. Paying an unproven artist with fake views & no real fan base is. Where is the ROI on that? What is the purpose of a feature to you? The end result only money driven?

[@rudigerderudder5430]

@@hgh2066😂😂😂

[@minfamous5841]

If you understand streaming numbers on even the most basic level. 42k truly independent is CRAZY. He literally has no to lie over an additional 10k streams. Salute to bro

[@tha_westguy]

Thing is the 10k that wasn't counted was from physical CDs that he sold

[@LootPackShop]

yeah those were $15 sales from actual wallets not 10,000 streams ($40)

[@DukesMusic84]

Russ is a very brave man. Tom Petty did the same exposing the industry for unfair record prices in the early 80s. They tried to kill him but he dodged it and held on 30 more years. That's TUFF

[@mikael557]

Fr it's crazy how fast they're willing to get someone wacked for exposing their secrets. Greed is too crazy

[@user-sx4qu4dz9z]

@@mikael557Fax imagine if he was in the streets. Could get touched SO much easier and people wouldn’t bat an eye

[@WhineyOne]

Im the one that tagged you on twitter about this. Im glad you covered this. Im so tired of the monopoly billboard has on the music industry. The rule changes to suit them anytime they want. Something needs to be done.

[@mikael557]

Yeah fr. Not to digress too much, but that's every big-big corporation in America. They just buy their competitors to have a monopoly and control the market. There is no soul in corporate America at all

[@rudestlittlesoundwave642]

Thank you for tagging him. I saw it as well and automatically thought he'd cover it. Especially with what is going on with Paint The Town Red.

[@victorlarssoncondori1458]

@@rudestlittlesoundwave642what was going on with that song?

[@ConservativeBlack]

That’s why counting streams as sales can never compare to going into a store and buying a physical copy.

[@benperez8291]

But who does that now? I feel like CDs in general are just not the same market anymore

[@jackmac919]

I do PR, billboards, marketing for music and other businesses. This video is accurate, faking streams can make you money but not real fans.

[@macfou144]

U need authentic streams ? Russ boost his streams too

[@TheSentry603]

proof?@@macfou144

[@Niggalodeon323]

@@macfou144 you’re ret*rded. now be quiet & let the adults talk 🤦🏽‍♂️

[@kbmariontv1736]

@@macfou144 but even if he does, real people show up to his shows and buy his shit.

[@jontellie]

@@macfou144source?

[@vladimirmendoza2645]

“Taking shortcuts could have your whole career cut short” -Russ

[@johnnysocket76]

This is probably one of the reasons certain rappers hate Russ. Exposure is the best disinfectant.

[@djyua9157]

Sunlight is the best disinfectant

[@Choppygobrrr]

This is far from why he’s hated. It’s actually due to what he’s pulled on Lil Peep in 2017 and SmokePurpp in 2018

[@gabriellej7532]

@@Choppygobrrr no df it’s not lmao

[@Choppygobrrr]

@@gabriellej7532 yes it is dumbass lmao. Look it up; Russ never got the hate he did till he called Lil Peep a dumbass on Complex the day after he died.

[@SaintRoix]

I think he just come across as corny to most.. but bro has a great ear for music and knows how to make a solid song and im not even a fan of Russ

[@Kobi]

I know russ got mad haters but him dedicating his music to putting out one song a week for years and years and staying indy is insane work ethic, crazy track record and creative process, he knows signed artists can't call bs cause they gonna get blackballed from growing. I always respected russ and this is another W for being real, idk how people don't see how labels hurt artists in the long run but its obvious. You get a check to get a chain and some whips then you gotta meet a quota like ion get it fr

[@5OO_Benz]

And he can rap rap too, most of the time it's just people hating

[@TheEncouragementKid]

f f f f FAAAX!!

[@wrldonwill]

Russ do have a punchable face, but you can't knock the hustle.

[@betchpuddin4545]

Cardi B is the queen of this

[@ZHXNEL]

It could be because he’s not mixy and he’s stays in his lane… cause Tory was independent too and they still got him.

[@jmbeats3308]

Streaming numbers are deceiving, they can be manipulated and make some look a lot bigger than what they actually are. I don't know Russ as well as other people, but revealing stuff like this is why I respect him.

[@MrBabadis]

This is one of the reasons I am almost given up on my music ”career”. 3 years of publishing music without any ”good” results. It just feels it ain’t worth it. Too much ”fake it till you make it” in streams, finances, personas or in people in general. I gave 100% on the art itself and always bought ads on them. Gained a few followers here and there and only recently it felt like it’s nothing and this music thing ain’t going anywhere. Ofc it gave me joy and ofc I’ve learned a skill that is not that easy to do, but sometimes in life you have to look yourself in the mirror and ask is there something else worth pursuing. I’ve recently asked myself that question however, I wish to all artists the best of luck!

[@JuanMartinez-tr8ww]

I respect the hustle bro mad props for being honest with yourself but keep it going bro..

[@MrBabadis]

@@JuanMartinez-tr8ww thanks man, I appreciate it. I just want to speak my experience in hopes it helps someone to maybe understand we are all part of the influences and surroundings of our lifes and sometimes it's hard to read between the lines: "Are you pursuing yourself or someone elses?". It's a journey thou, so I'm aware that this might be a temporary break, so thanks again for the encouragement! Wish you all the best

[@h3cz_]

Rick Ross went 10 years dropping music without making it big. It took him 10 years to succeed. 3 years in & you're quitting? Kind of pathetic to give up now. You wasted all those 3 years for nothing. If I were in your shoes I would keep going.

[@johnfresno8494]

you’re just not good thats why you haven’t made it hang it up bruh

[@DaOldSchoolRapLova96]

Give it 5 more years bro. You got this. Yes, build other streams of income. Start another business or invest into properties. Music will never die within you. Keep it going bro

[@renegadetherapper]

As an indie artist, I ain’t concerned. The false idols will fall soon enough. I keep doin my thing and keeping my nose to the grind. I ain’t worried. Shit’s lowkey getting biblical tho with how many artists have been exposed this year. 😮

[@ashwinniamat8560]

Please keep doing it like that!!

[@CorderoStephens]

Sending you mad positive energy to you as you continue your indie journey! Keep going!

[@mikael557]

Keep at it. Don't let up. I'm a fan of literally a couple independent rappers for over 12 years now and it's amazing to see their hard work pay off and where they are now. It might be a slower grind, but it's organic and the real fans will always be real fans.

[@iaqh]

You ain't going to make it without a IabeI, even Russ was with Columbia records before, goodbye Red

[@ashwinniamat8560]

@@iaqh You can live conformtable without a label, i know people who do that and work in music. Joker.

[@am2382]

It's obvious when I see comments mentioning "authentic views" in a sentence.

[@the_fake_jere4]

lmao

[@JimmyCrackorn]

He's right. The gatekeeping is unreal. They've been doing it for decades, and they lock talented artists out with it at unreal rates. They certainly destroyed my career. I used to have over 10k fans. All gone, deals gone, plays gone, everything gone. They sabotaged my marketing, so I was always shadow banned across platforms. All my reach just disappeared, and legitimate plays were removed as fake even though they had corresponding comments. They even claimed some of my original music and got strikes against my channel. Back then, you get a strike, even if you prove the content was yours, the strike didn't come off for some people. I was one of those unlucky people, so I stopped uploading.

[@JacobChardBRA]

great video bro, its good explaination for people to open up their eyes to how the music industry really works.

[@rudestlittlesoundwave642]

That song Paint The Town Red is a prime example of boosting streams and hijacking any and every playlist on Spotify. The MOST inorganic No. 1 that I've seen this year. Russ is doing what Nicki did and got blackballed for it.

[@honourlulu5562]

💯💯💯

[@vladimirmendoza2645]

“Say what I feel, deal with whatever that comes with, cause you only hurting yourself when you’re biting your tongue” -Russ

[@TROYCETV]

Russ is a lot of things but he's definitely not a liar. Mad respect to him for his transparency

[@alternativetentacles1760]

Look at all the “small” artists with less album sales and less streams performing at the same or bigger venues as “popular” artists. People are noticing.

[@manifestgoddess]

I remember when nicki minaj call this out, when Travis Scott was selling merch bundles to boosted his sale numbers.

[@bradleyhernandez1170]

Mercy bundles imo isn’t an issue the issue being is that independent artists like Russ can’t do that unless you are behind a major label which is stupid imo

[@SQUiMTAROT]

Frickin sick vid homie. Every time you post I feel like there is REAL advice for artists. Learned so much from your videos, always a pleasure 🙏🌹

[@N0bodyn01]

Mad respect for Russ for this. It’s not about being bitter. He is right. The industry would LOVE this guy if he had signed. Self made, self producing, self mixing, basically the first to do that since Kanye, and even Kanye had help. Handsome dude. Appeals to women. If he would have signed. Him and drake woulda had a collab album by now, and center stage. AND dude is talented. He would be the great white hope for those who still keep race in it. But he kept it to his own. And the propaganda started. And people bought into it. People he is even trying to protect and warn against the beast of the industry. Bruh is talented and works hard. Always has. I met his main hommie Bugus back in 2011, when I was in Gwinnet(NORTH Atlanta for people who don’t know.) going to school for audio engineering. and he shows me a music video, all self mad of “his lil hommie Russ” and it was this dude, baby face, short hair cut, teenager who you could tell was putting his all into his craft. I knew bro was going places. I appreciate what he is doing for real art. Real independent art. The music industry is a parasite(by definition). Shout to to Russ bro. The hate is either bought without pay, racism, or just trendy.

[@voices1156]

Genuinely never heard a Russ song in my life

[@tribaljukebox1773]

@@voices1156this just proves that comment Industry hates russ

[@XxSTACKxX]

@@tribaljukebox1773he did make some bad comments towards rappers that had a crazy fan base.

[@XxSTACKxX]

Russ could pass as a different race. Just saying.

[@evanalmighty5554]

@@tribaljukebox1773I only know 2 of Russ’s songs, and I like them. It’s more mainstream.

[@RIGHTxTRIGGERx]

The definition of the term “industry plant” just became legitimized even more than it was before

[@adamivy]

Great video as usual man. So many people are attracted to the fake trophies they buy themselves over having a legit long term career.

[@OverTheEdgeBooks]

This might be the best video you ever posted, u exposed mad shi in this one - Great work!

[@greendro6410]

Everybody should know this by now.

[@MrBGP006]

The same way how Jay-Z faked streams on Tidal and faked Beyoncé’s stream. I remember that was exposed years ago

[@thetunkmaster]

@MrBGP006 Send a link that has proof of what you say, thanks in advance.

[@queenofnyc5584]

@@thetunkmasterwym send a link this came out years ago, you live under a rock? go look it up yourself.

[@ariesmry]

Google works.

[@thetunkmaster]

@@ariesmry I'm trying to get it straight from the horse, Google is opinionated just like haters are.

[@mikael557]

I believe it because that Magna Carta album was pure dog doodoo

[@kylewhite8795]

I really appreciate your videos bro. Sometimes you'll say things that will have me like "nah he's trippin" but I appreciate that you're honest and will always stay true to you.

[@myulzi]

No wonder Cardi B hasn’t went on tour after all these years, all her streams and followers are fake to make her look poppin

[@Bubbles-qh7ez]

That’s why she is scared to drop. They pumped her debut with fake streams and radio

[@godwinoladele2347]

You're right!

[@bf2853]

no it's way too expensive to tour, even little simz cancelled her tour because she doesn't have the money to back it up financially

[@godwinoladele2347]

@@bf2853 you're right

[@unodiaa]

@BeforeTheyWereMainstreammusic videos nowaydays don’t do aswell as they used too but i get what u mean

[@AikiraBeats]

It’s interesting to see how fast these most recent artist have been fleeting. Like have the labels not notice that their overhead going in the negative because people are starting to wake up and realize that these so called rappers are pushed down their throats. Something’s gotta give, and it’s always the artist before the label.

[@brinxwrld9200]

When Nicki said this people called her bitter.

[@meca3836]

Russ is such a whistleblower 😂😂😂😂 god damn

[@BethelAkinmade]

This was a really informative vid, great job Blacky!

[@danny_4498]

6ix9ine told us 3 years ago and nobody cared

[@Dollakas]

I be so in tune with your commentary & editing style. That I forget to comment You're an Awesome Artist

[@shemiahbobbitt130]

Nicki and cole been telling us since 2018

[@LilCCorleone]

Shout out to the indies doing real numbers 🙌🏽

[@buukwerm2232]

All my numbers real...real small...

[@knbreacts7463]

Cardi B this is for you

[@beaberrylious]

Doja cat as well

[@FionaJayy]

​@@beaberryliousexactly 💯

[@MrMoose-bl7jv]

Russ is a different breed in the game but you cant deny that he knows his shit and takes the genre serious.

[@DOUBLEJOE850]

While I’m not the biggest Russ fan, he still got my respect for what he does

[@NaeNae0420]

This is why Russ is one of my favorite artists. Not only does his music have quality to it, but he’s stayed true to himself and his craft no matter how much money they offered him & knows his worth.

[@BIGCHIEFR.]

A russ fan? Y'all mfs like arby's lovers you never see one but they're there

[@itstroy4145]

@@BIGCHIEFR. it all depends on where you live, in my area, theres plenty of russ fans out here

[@ProdByKxko]

​@@BIGCHIEFR. ts like a mythical discovery

[@NaeNae0420]

@@BIGCHIEFR. is it weird that I enjoy the chicken sandwiches from Arby’s too? 😳🫣

[@brytonmunro5270]

@@BIGCHIEFR.you, like every other individual on the planet, live in your personal bubble. Your reach is incredibly small. Hence why you think someone incredibly popular, isn’t.

[@ghoulishgreens]

Props on him. The hero we needed with the way the industry is headed

[@Choppygobrrr]

A hero isn’t someone who plays victim after dissing Peep the day after he died

[@ghoulishgreens]

@@Choppygobrrr uhhh. Russ was spitting facts 🤧 maybe too soon after peeps death but I meean…

[@Choppygobrrr]

@@ghoulishgreens Not really. He was wrong because he took it too far at the wrong time, and he legit played victim over it by getting 7 bodyguards to jump SmokePurpp for calling him out. I swear this is one of the other problems in rap; some of y’all who wanna act like you’re “real” just because you listen to a cornball, but you’re actually just out here glorifying bitch made males like Russ who are too pussy to fight his own battles that HE started. So that’s not a hero, that’s a pussy. No real hero gets others to fight their battles that they start with the deceased. A real hero fights EVIL 1v1 and with honour, and calling Russ a hero is like calling Two-Face or Black Mask from Batman heroes. Good luck with that shitty mindset.

[@ShivamYadav-hn8pz]

not after the day he died more like a week after peep's death @@Choppygobrrr

[@Choppygobrrr]

@@ShivamYadav-hn8pz nah it was the day after. Peep died on November 15, 2017 and the vid from complex was upload on November 16, 2017

[@AfricanCryptoWarlord]

Dude, super informative. thank you. All the best with your YT Channel!

[@dattebayo6466]

Amazing video, appreciate you making it RS.

[@exzisd]

Tbh I don’t like Russ music but I respect his hustle.

[@CryptoNewbin]

Very good episode, Blacky 🔥🔥

[@skylerdann5712]

Im only like a 3rd the way through so far but I gotta say man this is a pretty good video 🤷🏻‍♂️👍 very good production and the commentary is factual and to the point but also casual and very consumable. Just the right amount of in depth and explanation to everything without being too vague or overcomplicated. A good job explaining the industry in a simplified universally understandable way. Good job man keep up the good work. You're doing great work at these type of videos. I think videos like this are a great competition to traditional news style reporting. It feels more personal and more binge-able.. I think this style is the future for a lot of news media coverage and a comprehensive cataloging of a whole story vs single events. It's great having the whole story all put together so neat and informative like this with the casual personal touch 👍💯

[@SassyOnline]

Just a reminder like Russ doesn't have to do this. He's making his money, he's spreading his message in his music, he could just keep quiet and continue making his bag but he's choosing to explain all of this to us.

[@traplover6357]

Russ exposing that merch bundles only count for label artists is the real exposé

[@Bla_blah99]

You’re too damn good at these videos 😂

[@BIGMITCHUGK]

U put this video together very well, Bro!! I’d never fake anything!!

[@frankiesinn3557]

I know one of the companies you're talking about, they also have private lists of artists who KNOW the streams are fake and have NDA's around it.

[@MistriiiMusic]

Which company is that?

[@frankiesinn3557]

@@MistriiiMusic Cant Say

[@n3wt]

fake comments are the worse all those emojis and fake name s

[@AllWeDoisWork]

Thank you Blacky!!!

[@cblanchhiphop]

Dope video - always wondered about this

[@ruthjuliana9222]

nicki minaj talked about the same thing. billboard plays with particular artists numbers while lets other artists fake their ways to the top.

[@richarddominooo]

Very hypocritical of Russ when he literally purchased fake streams for "Are You Entertainted" LMAO. The video got 20 million views in a couple days, and then stopped getting views all of a sudden, with the like/comment ratio not matching the view count. The video still has around 20 million views to this day.

[@macfou144]

Yes he is full of shit

[@aapb_5K]

Very informative content, thank you. You are also a very goof storyteller 👍🏼

[@majormadethebeat4339]

Well put together

[@dayday8087]

Summrs was mad at his label cause they put fake stream on his SoundCloud album. He made a story post about it a while back

[@v4lleyg1rl13]

Yea I remember that

[@KOKOW0RLD]

Love him or hate him, Russ is really on his shit when it comes to industry games.

[@BianicEpicVideos]

Man ... this was a great video

[@nate_thegreat313]

Love him or hate him you can’t deny Russ has been putting in consistent work for a minute

[@jdottdeestv8149]

Blacky, you're right :) nail on the head as always (mostly always). It's sad, but even when artists incorporate it into their work, these 'fans' still don't realise. Also, it's blatant, always has been.

[@slimtonthegreen]

The point is for us not to only watch and join forces with people like Russ, cause we got more power than we actually think, I love the leadership he’s displaying

[@kemmyoluwo4732]

Not surprised. No wonder the media is the same. Once I’ve heard streaming farms I’m like 👀👀👀👀☕️☕️☕️☕️☕️

[@jkxclusive295]

"Take off them fabricated streams and them microwave memes, it's a real world outside (take that shit off)". - Kendrick

[@tonyparker3316]

Tbh, I had no idea who this guy was until watching this video. I will say he's smart. Lss, I wanted to be an Entertainment Lawyer, that was my dream job. It was my dream job until I started working in the industry. I saw so many people getting f-ed over to the point that ditched going to law school at all. I'm still in the industry, just another compactly. My advice to any artists out there that may be reading this: Always, Always Own Your Masters! No matter how good the money looks, never give them up. I wish Russ good luck in the future and to keep fighting for what's right. ✌🏾

[@EzekiahJames]

You have to overstand, sometimes the calling is bigger than our own lives.

[@Marcustrh]

Thing is Russ is not wrong wasnt like 4 months ago Atlantic got caught faking streams for there Artist on KZbin?

[@ZINCNUMBA30]

I hate fake streams with a passion fr, there's no since of accomplishment and you won't even get paid cause sites know what's users are real and which ones are bots so there really is no reason in boting plays nd views

[@ambersmith8420]

he’s always been one to speak out on things in the industry being corrupt and about himself being self made and basically being a one man show since he does all aspects of his songs himself. the fact that any label, company, anyone in the industry would think he would stay quiet is foolish. he don’t care who’s against him, he’s not backing down

[@zucumberzeez]

10:31 It's sad how I figured you were talking about Trippie Redd before I even looked him up to see if he canceled his tour. I'm a huge Trippie fan, but he's been fumbling hard recently.

[@_XZVN]

Yo Blacky you been really goin in lately damnnnnnnn

[@sebastianringlstetter6103]

Great video!

[@Vats144]

I can’t help but feel like Ice Spice is the perfect example of this. I genuinely cannot name ONE person that I know that actually enjoys her music. I’m sure they exist, but statistically given how big she’s gotten (and how fast) what are the odds that I can’t name one person that streams her stuff? It’s like she’s just being forced on everyone and the machine is working overtime to get her where she is.

[@alexandrubleu1384]

i know many people

[@Jekzah]

prime example is BLP kosher. . Industry plants

[@ibuyshortllc]

@6ix9ine already exposed this gooof

[@jimmynodean]

as a DJ this is a lie. Gen Z loves her

[@pan6529]

@@jimmynodean fr

[@TheDarkRaptor]

Russ needs more respect.

[@Choppygobrrr]

Nah. Just because he makes some good points doesn’t mean he’s a good person to respect or look up to. Anyone that disses the dead and can’t fight 1v1 by getting a bunch of bodyguards to jump a dead guys homie is some pussy shit .

[@jawvees2585]

Very important video thanks 🤝

[@uuuuuggggg]

@everyone its wonderful to see that you all knew and see what is going on in the biz. I started on this journey during the transition from disc to digital. finally everyone is catching up and see what is going on. As if you said this in 2013 etc you would have been lookin like someone who is just talkin. plus as most of you know they were doin the same with physical since this whole thing started. propped up fake etc but they have enough people that are genuine to play within the numbers and no one looks twice. washing also is a big part of the puzzle. big ups. 1/4 mil lets hope this vid gets 1 mil

[@sufi1360]

We need more videos on russ hes an indie god at this point

[@michaeljackson3612]

They wanna destroy artist like Russ cause they don’t want others following in his footsteps I salute him for fighting back I hope it goes well for him cause he is playing a dangerous game

[@treyouth2834]

It's also sad seeing smaller artist getting caught up in the chasing numbers game. They waste so much money trying to keep up an illusion, botted followers, botted plays, botted interactions. "Fake it til you make it" doesn't work with your artistry and when trying to building a community. These bigger label personalities are a perfect example of the smoke and mirrors.

[@papuchira]

Mango B 🥭 with the heat vid 🔥

[@user-dj9ns2rp3q]

This is why I idolized, appreciate, and adore Russ. He is just genuine and relatable with his music and the way he exposes the industry for changing the rules to benefit something or someone. I will always support this man whatever circumstances that may be coming to his life, whether personal or his career. KEEP EXPOSING THEM RUSS!

[@nyb3894]

Yea idolize is a bit much

[@dijon8500]

Yeah putting celebrities on a pedestal is a bit much, you know him from the surface not behind close doors.

[@GuessWhatHappened1]

Dude only did this because he was upset.

[@Treadondeez]

Lmao

[@Tru-Feel]

Quit worshiping celebrities

[@eccen3ricbeats86]

Look at what Russ said about burna boy. Burna a Nigerian artist is selling out arenas in the US meanwhile a lot of these artists with 3 times the amount of monthly Listeners in the US can’t

[@POPLSEV7]

Really interesting video💪💯👏good job👍👍

[@mhondreezziiee]

Thanks for the heads up

[@INikeAir]

LETS GOOOOOOO!!!! I love our generation. Breaking all these industry formats and not bending to their whim. Making it much safer and accessible for newer artists. I gotta give Russ props

[@Ishbikes]

Y’all generation are the ones that’s doing this BS the most

[@mandisizindela4407]

Nicki Minaj did call this out but people thought she was just bitter and jealous of cardi b

[@Unlockingparadoxes]

Believe in yourselves and each other and never give up on your dreams and aspirations and remember to be kind and uplifting to each other and open minded and genuine and respectful and humble. 💯❤️

[@MillyBillyVanilly]

Hey Blacky, Love the video as always. Are you going to talk about Diddy waiting 30 years and turning down a multimillion dollar contract to give his artist their Masters? I asked because I wonder if an artist Masters can lose value (esp since today’s music industry isn’t like what it use to be in the 80s, 90s, or 00s)? Also, if a lot of labels are expecting artists to come with their own major social media following and fabricating streams is having a Masters today worth it?

[@frankreyes7938]

What Russ said is exactly what I’ve been thinking. Look at KEY GLOCK doesn’t get attention from mainstream but man constantly drops fire music and his shows sell out comparing to these wack ass rappers.

[@mikael557]

Key Glock is legit! He said himself he doesn't fk with these other rappers. And they all know the realness.

[@Gice-Music]

Russ is the goat, if you make music like me his audiobook "it's all in your head" is a must listen and available free on youtube

[@nate_thegreat313]

Love that book, read it three times and got it signed by him 🙏🏾

[@noopy4085]

This is a great video

[@bblade77777]

Thanks for the info megamind

[@alsodokd1056]

Can you make a video about MIA, I think she is the female version of ye but no one talks about her..

[@archangel3909]

I see the vision 😅

[@josiahperez4078]

LMAO