Russ: Music Game is Not What It Looks Like, "Popping" Artists Are Broke

VladTV recently sat down with New Jersey rapper and singer Russ, who has made waves with his single, "What They Want." VladTV's Mereb Gebremariam and Russ discuss the up-and-comer's disillusionment with the music industry now that he has seen how it works from the inside. Russ admits that he felt mislead by the hip hop media, and that he wouldn't want to meet some of his music idols because he'd likely be let down. According to Russ, "Learning about the music industry is like finding out Superman has a stunt double."

[@sonofmariana4970]

Russ just mixed,mastered,engineered and produced this whole interview by himself😂

[@barberjourney3698]

You feel me

[@barberjourney3698]

Triple platinum double gold by myself you feel me

[@sonofmariana4970]

@@barberjourney3698 😂😂😂

[@nodeceitinmyspirit5884]

On God I mean on black Jesus

[@AdityaGanti]

My man 😂😂😂😂

[@MikeM16]

He almost sold out a 20k arena in Portugal, recently. PORTUGAL BRUH. Most of yall cant even tell me where portugal is on the map. This dude is doin numbers. Even more now.

[@lilcrisjan]

Hahahahahaha shit this is real

[@jasonchu4400]

how tf you get fanbases overseas? being that independent? wtf is he doing?

[@markusray319]

Jason Chu I think he does the marketing himself...

[@jasonchu4400]

@@markusray319 with social media? i barely even heard of this guy?

[@goated6146]

@@jasonchu4400 Russ has been popping since I was like 16 and I'm damn near 20 now u need to get out more bro, we used to get high as a motherfucker to that willy wonka junt. Dudes kinda corny but his musics been poppin.

[@beatbone96]

This dude is a money maker, he doesn't have to split his earnings with labels, producers, mix/master-engineers.

[@shawnwarner5561]

Which is smart but he's really not in that 2percent he talking bout

[@screamrad218]

But, he's smart for keeping all his earnings. He isn't getting pimped out of his money like most rappers.

[@707nicky9]

Save Good Music his label Columbia records get 50% off all his income that’s musically related

[@sethbrolsma516]

He’s signed to Columbia, but he writes, produces, engineers, mixes, and masters his music. So he’s mainly invoicing himself. Plus, he’s getting paid from the first record sold.

[@everydaydre1185]

@@sethbrolsma516 then hes frontin

[@crashtheproducer9737]

Russ: *shows confidence like an artist should* Comments: His ego is too big! He need to have social anxiety and doubt himself!

[@jaysky5814]

You never know how hard he worked to get there and what he went thru

[@NickZachOhara]

.

[@mr_kontroversy]

Like an artist should? Says who?

[@mr_kontroversy]

MoonRunner Island that’s the natural law of the world?

[@mr_kontroversy]

MoonRunner Island this what google says about natural law so I’m confused. natural law is "a precept, or general rule, found out by reason, by which a man is forbidden to do that which is destructive of his life, or takes away the means of preserving the same

[@iLLestTv]

Russ been working my nigga, I remember when I first heard this nigga on Rap Nation. Make his own beats an all, salute 👌🏽

[@DocKaosBeats]

iLLest Tv Damn here yo ass go every time I go to a video you in the damn comments section

[@Areacode51]

iLLest Tv everytime I'm on vlad video,you on vlad video ,doing all the commenting while eating up all the cereal

[@iLLestTv]

Areacode51 Friday 😂😂

[@faheemal-amin9418]

iLLest Tv facts

[@HToWnRePPiiN]

I remember him from SwagyTracks. SwagyTracks is where Logic got heard about from as well.

[@davidplybon1105]

Interviewer: what is your fav movie?Russ: yeah i do 2000 tickets by myself.

[@jeffdkid]

David Plybon lmao W

[@jeffdkid]

Interviewer: what's your favorite color? Russ: I started from the basement, produced my own shit, sold out venues without a label, no promoters

[@OfficialWillJetts]

so underrated... this nigga a corn ball

[@tmasiah]

David Plybon he wish he had support

[@700VILLAGELYFE]

Then what happens when people stop showing up I wanna hear his answers after that lmao

[@kingbear2458]

I knew it was about to get real when he pulled out his container full of toothpicks 😂

[@curtismccoy9363]

Yooooo.....FACTS. Whats really good😂😂😂😭😂😂

[@showmethem5ney]

He's lame as fuck for tht😂😂

[@rocketmissionfilms1419]

Lmao i thought the same thing, oh shit not the container!

[@davecharette2812]

😂

[@user-os6fr2ix4h]

Zinzo Dlavana 😂😂 nigga really pulled out a toothpick

[@shadshad2972]

2,000 tickets Sold at $25 A piece comes out to 50,000 a show. Sounds like good money to me

[@eric.eternal]

Split dozens of ways for all the different people who help make the show even happen. So it isnt shit, ultimately.

[@ericsmithner3392]

That’s per show. I’d say it’s more then a decent check to do what you love to do.

[@sonnyspliff]

Sounds like excellent money. I've done shows where I got $25 and I was ecstatic!

[@shorty1471]

He did the Staples Centre by himself which is crazy. He makes well over 150k a show easy

[@musicjunkiesstudio]

Ackurett who said he gets a cut from vip?

[@manicbeats9356]

Vlad had a sex change lol?

[@VexDat]

Manic Beats lmao

[@nicebars]

He usually uses a voice-changing device, but he spilled milk on it this morning so he had to go without it

[@dmfleeting]

always hate when that happens

[@manicbeats9356]

niknatural lol

[@donrozay3888]

Manic Beats 😂😂😂

[@RJAY2K]

Rappers like him have more fans that are in it for the lyrics

[@keithsimpson6386]

RJayy 2K lmaoooo shouldnt that be what the music is about, your fans should like you for your lyrics and your sound if you're in the rap game

[@RJAY2K]

You know exactly what I mean.

[@laflame4469]

Chris Tre exactly. I'm not trying to stand around at a poetry jam Im trying to actually vibe

[@laflame4469]

Nathan Smith bruh stop tying out essays

[@kjhustleguy3673]

RJayy 2K it's not about lyrics at least not done here in atlanta

[@scopemaverick8733]

That’s because it’s like my Pops told me, there’s the music industry and the music business. Most artists are just in the industry.

[@gamalsankara1388]

Thats real.

[@batmanandrobin250]

You father sounds like a good man

[@QuabmasM]

Plus when youre Independent you dont have to divide that money with 2,000 people working for the Label.

[@screamrad218]

Fucking truth!!! Being Independent means you keep all that money to yourself. That means greedy ass music executives cant touch it.

[@RawLikeThat]

QuabmasM y’all sound dumb as hell. Yeah he’s independent, yeah he’s keeping all the money. But he’s also burning through all his money right back reinvesting into himself. This shit is all money, the machine will never fall. That’s the difference

[@Radbiker33357]

triplesixloc not to be condescending or rude but I’m curious as to what u mean by using that money to reinvest? Only example I can think of is advertisements but he does most of that through social media. What do U mean by that exactly?

[@RawLikeThat]

Radbiker33357 nothing is free my guy, marketing, travel, operating expenses, paying his employees, promotion etc. As an independent artist, literally every move he makes is coming out of his pocket.

[@Radbiker33357]

triplesixloc okay that’s more understandable. I’m sure he’s making far more than what he’s reinvesting though. Most of what was listed is probably only a fraction of what he normally makes. But we don’t know his money situation so who’s to say what his money looks like lol

[@BallaHolic914]

10,000 real diehard fans is all you need to be forever paid for life . Real music artists know what it takes to be successful.

[@levongraymusic]

That’s what I’m saying

[@themagicalmilkshake]

@S7at Blakk sounds incorrect. What’s your math behind that?

[@YCTR]

@@themagicalmilkshakediehard fan will spend 100 a year on gig tickets and merch . So 10,000 of those you good

[@homestudio_cl]

@@themagicalmilkshake 1000 thousand people who pay a $100 for whatever you release. Hard-core fanbase. One ticket tour, they buy your album, they buy your merch. In 1 year if 1000 buy your stuff. You're making $100.000 if you have 500 fans in 20 countries or 1000 fans in 10 countries which you can do shows in (book promoter, get to meet djs, club owners, etc... + that money is coming out of your own pocket if you're independent. You pay for your hotel, food, etc... Do the shows get the bag and come back home. That's it. Get a real fan base to do it for life until you die and you'll be living the life of your dreams

[@fae8315]

If you hate on his confidence its because you are not confident with yourself PERIOD.

[@zotweheels]

wat

[@leilanioferrall9409]

its my confident opinion that russ' music is mad average. he has talent and does numbers but that doesnt equate to great music. especially with the fact that nothing he is doimg is impacting the culture. he presents himself as an angry teenager mad that nobody gives him enough attention. if he came with a spirit of helping artists get outta shitty deals, maybe people would embrace him some more. true hip hop heads neverrrrrrr bring up fuckin russ.

[@Dunkacino]

That's an absolute. Russ is just annoying, there's a reason he gets shat on for being cocky. Most rap artists are cocky and don't get this kind of shit. Clearly there's a good reason.

[@leotvuitton6327]

Deadass like I really fw him now cuz he keep it real

[@LLVstacks]

Facts

[@nicholasratapu8500]

You can tell he was a fan of nipsey the way hes taking his route

[@iain835]

On God!. You realize Nipsey mentioned him on his truck Hunnit

[@uriahisrael7170]

He telling it like it is and people think he’s coming off as cocky because the game is portrayed to be something that it isn’t

[@thecatevans]

Ya and it’s the same game where we applaud ego and cockiness - haters be haters

[@BudIce32oz]

He's saying some real shit, but who the fuck is this guy? How's he selling anything out, I bet 95% of people watching this have no clue who TF he is. This dude wouldn't even pack the karoke bar in my city.

[@WWeRockFan1001]

Cire YACHTY AND CARTI AND THEM CAN ONLY......SELL OUT 500 SEATS......ITS PPL LIKE HIM AND LOGIC WHO ARE BARLEY IN THE MEDIA......ARE SELLIN OUT ARENAS....THEY DON'T NEED TO BE ON AKADEMICKS PAGE TO BE RELEVANT😂😂

[@qbnj806]

Cire LOL

[@JOEYVKRUEGER]

I learned of him in the summer he had one good song but he's underground tho and just now starting to flourish check him out before you count him out bro

[@ShotsMerkzAll]

Just because you don't know who someone is doesn't mean they aren't famous or succesful.

[@DranFresh]

russ sold out european and us tours

[@erickmtpittman]

For those who don't know who this is, He gotta song called "What they want" has 33 million views right now. And get played alot on the radio out here in memphis.

[@supri45]

Marquis Pittman and that's about it, the only song people know about. bet it's the only song you know about. I been hearing this dude way before the "Russ Wave"

[@sarahrobinson8882]

Marquis Pittman

[@Oldsul]

i've fucked with russ for a minute, they play What They Want so uch on the radio here i can't stand that song. wish they'd give ANY of his others airtime

[@veryrare6552]

Marquis Pittman but he does it all produce his own beat which are fire. sings. and raps learn to listen to real valuable music dude.. come on now

[@mtr7575]

Marquis Pittman Russ actually is pretty dope to be honest he I fucks with his flow and sound

[@karenizaguirre1278]

I love his music, and I truly understand his cockiness or confidence. When you worked hard, and no one has ever helped you or didn't even look at you because you were a nobody, then out of no where your hard work starts to starts to pay off, FUCK YES YOU WILL BE THAT CONFIDENT.

[@jjf5042]

You’re sexy

[@walid9701]

Russ is like a school kid that found out that he doesn't need algebra in Life and freakin out about it. I guess u can relate to that to.

[@zahkareerene687]

faxxxxx

[@mdunovideos]

Lol

[@BDAILEY702]

Never heard this guy music but he is telling the truth. To sell those numbers is VERY HARD. I'm a artist and can totally relate to what he is talking about. Definetely have to have a strong fan base to sell that amount. Good for him!

[@Thehubb20]

Exactly STRONG FAN BASE

[@rashputin1]

Cuz ur not connected goofy

[@kushdave2227]

Kid became woke just to become a slave to his own ego...

[@Replicode]

True words damn

[@thecosmicblueautie]

Kush Dave It happens.

[@moballardful]

Woooow. You get KZbin comment of the day. Huge W for you.

[@futuretrunks6430]

.....How so?

[@kawasakininja1033]

I'd also like to know how so

[@LondonsPointOfView1]

It's true lol, I've been to Drake & Cole's shows. And they sell out ARENAS (20k). But that's because they've established a LOYAL fan base of all demographics that F with them heavy. Basically what Russ said, if you have a core fan base then you're good. And he was clearly subbing Future, Migos, Thugga etc. because they get mass radio play but aren't certain to sell out a venue tour on their own. These are "club rappers", who make music for the turn up. Not rappers who you pay to watch alone, especially when the music is usually very superficial, baseless and generic af.

[@realpasqualecioffi]

PillCosby ToYou perfect so what...its music man...just music...you listen to it feel gods energy thru it and go about you life arent you!?

[@mwase7782]

Real Bitch youre talking nonsense.. future & migos?? those are legit superstars. they have their core fan bases as well..

[@desislade1878]

True

[@fredoinhisbag]

tawanda mwase Future may or may not have a core. But Migos definitely don’t.

[@spacelyman9482]

Alfred Green, Jr. True probably future but IDK about migos.

[@starrwilliams0127]

THIS INTERVIEWER IS SLOW RUSS IS BASICALLY DISCUSSING HOW THE MUSIC INDUSTRY IS ALL SMOKE IN MIRRORS!!!

[@alfred-kabatiemmanuel7153]

It's actually better this way, cos if it was Vlad, he wouldn't have allowed him to really talk, cos Vlad talks over his guests

[@shyvalor3544]

Russ is very prideful. His stance is very toe crushing more so the toe stepping. The truth should be sweet and seasoned with salt not salty and seasoned with a dab of sugar.

[@MB-nb7yq]

J Cole actually said that in a song. “I can see behind the smoke in mirrors, people ain’t really big as they seem”

[@joyandpeacefullaughter5307]

@@shyvalor3544 Wtf is prideful? Y'all love lies, obviously. This man worked his butt off, built his following by himself and he still has more fans than your favorite rapper making noise on tv about their sold-out shows. It's all smoke and mirrors.

[@conduitofthegospeldarrellb9154]

Russ is genuinely one of the most honest and hard working artists out there. Deserves all the acclaim, fame and success that comes to him

[@IceColdRaspberryTea]

Zip up his pants when your done

[@WallTrapMedia]

He's not talking about nothing new that most people over 30 who are rap heads don't know about. Q-Tip said it best, "Industry rule #4080, record company people are shady!" Yeah you see the bad bitches, the millions of followers, the Audi's, the BMW's, the Ferrari's, the mansions, the jewelry,etc...But for 95% of rappers it's all marketing and nothing owned. Like he said only a few artists really sell records today. Cole, Kendrick, Drake, etc...That's about it. Only a few have real solid fan bases. For example, if Young Thug has YSL shirts on his page are you REALLY going to buy that? Can he really sell out Phillips Arena by himself? The only way most of these rappers eat is the local shows they do and features but everything has to be recouped and you still have to pay the DJ, the producer, the road manager, the manager, the stylists, the weed man, the lean man, the xanax man, the laywer,etc...EVEN if you are getting indie money. And if you're signed to a major 9/10 you're signed to a 360 deal which is the worst!

[@mytime4687]

I see why people like Jay-z, 50 cent, etc became businessmen outside the music to find a way to keep money in their pocket.

[@SDoGx54]

Nipsey Hussle aint even that big nd he sold cds 100 a piece fym, i do believe some of these fuckboy rappers do get a least a good chunk of change, not because they good but because their is a lot of sheep and ignorant people actually willing to pay. Most bitches would drink the cum from young thugs dick straight out a fuckin bottle just cause "omggg its young thuuuug" status or rep = money regardless. Most of the population is sheep. They accept media and what it promotes

[@rigorigz7207]

This is facts ! Clean break down

[@mayfalltribe4747]

Chilanta nigga cole, drake, and kendrick are false prophets, snitches, sellouts, fake gangsters, and devil worshipping bullshitters.

[@BigiCF]

Thats why Montana says 'this rappers sold their soul for a loan', everyone who is artist that is not signed and dont want to be signed they must know somthing, i dont know maybe some illuminati shit

[@koryquan6643]

It's 2019 and I come back to this video every time I hear a rapper say he "doing it big" or "bought a jet" when in reality they are struggling. Vlad, get this man back on again bc he preaching the Gospel.

[@ZaRule007]

Interviewer: You dont have to name names Also Interviewer: Anybody specific you wanna name

[@taewrld2k314]

Kid YvnG 🤣

[@leboblack]

I was like “ whaaaatt “

[@fymobrolo]

He sayin some real shit but who is he talking about? Because A lot of these rappers actually are gettin bread and sellin out shows

[@rickyroman6174]

rolando frias he probably means all the new rappers that are flexing on social media aren't as rich as you think and aren't doing as well as you may think

[@jsaav4599]

He named the big three. Those guys are undeniably making millions. The others need a cosign from the top three.

[@edwardsekyere9130]

Ricky Roman all these new rappers make more money than him for sure

[@alldayHK]

J S no. youre not listening. if this man makes 100k a month on his own catalog without having to split it with the label, he makes more than them - off the simple fact that he's not obligated or owing anyone. a rapper can generate 500k in a year and owe the label 450k most times.

[@ezkoeps]

Other rappers sell out shows because they have labels behind them. They take care of everything from production to promotion and ticket sales

[@Alfred_English]

Listen when he talks he slowly starts working himself into an angry fit by the end of every question

[@ginsuma1402]

Probably has psychosis....KRS One said it best..."you have to be crazy to be a rapper"....all of us have mental health issues weather we want to admit it or not...a lot of rappers are bi-polar, depressed or delusional....We talk to ourselves just like crazy people when alone writing...we mumble flows on some rain man shit (Jay Z)....We have mental health issues and rapping is our outlet.

[@khuri93]

LOL

[@frankmatthews9246]

facts

[@Rory695]

got a chip on his shoulder

[@metaversal]

facts. hilarious facts.

[@curtismccoy9363]

RUSS is actually exposing these rappers....smh😤

[@everydaydre1185]

You foolin

[@starrwilliams0127]

JUST FOUND OUT ABOUT THIS GUY AND I LOVE HOW HE’S NOT AFRAID TO SPEAK THE TRUTH!!!

[@djdinero88]

The chick interviewing him is weak. Can't stand interviewers that sound like they don't know what questions to ask, or don't understand what someone was saying. She seemed lost all around

[@Patrick-de8qg]

3:09 is cringeworthy. the stutter, and then she says "you don't have to name names, but is there anyone specific..." lol

[@gregholmes-brown5628]

He gets my respect because he's self made. Writes, raps, and produces his own shit. That's rare these days

[@canguneri8355]

no it's not lot of artists raps and produces

[@karimtawfik2965]

@@canguneri8355 no not alot

[@lilkloud]

Didn’t know he was from jersey ..... ok now I’m not offended by anything he says it’s just a jersey thing

[@ekalmightyglizzy1198]

Honestly

[@matthewespinosa7682]

He from there but grew up in Atlanta fa a bit. Ik wut high school he went to used to live a few miles away

[@hellboy8932]

He was born in jersey but his parents and him moved out as soon as he was born

[@sheilaXOTWOD]

😂

[@12codyishere]

Whats your favorite color? Russ: 2000 tickets by my self. Whats your next album title? Russ: 2000 tickets by my self. If you were to start a record company what would you name it? Russ: 2000 tickets by my self.

[@LoveNLightPodcast518]

😂😂 this shit made me literally laugh out loud omg

[@santo9032]

HAHAHA ME TOO LITERALLY LAUGHED OUT LOUD

[@MsT-xm8xz]

💀💀💀😂😂😂

[@mrlogic7196]

This guy happy he got a fan base who doesn’t actually listen to hip hop past Eminem Joyner and NF!! 😂😂hilarious

[@GigaTyrone1]

That's actually a fire album title tho😂

[@jamiemoore1989]

looking like a white big sean

[@TheSensibleShooter]

J M W

[@tylerclark7817]

jaylen hollingsworth he's Italian bruh he's white

[@SP-mf9sh]

He looks indian

[@kelvinpichardo6498]

L

[@realtruth1448]

ur mom gay lol anyone with pale skin has white origins

[@hy84888]

Tht toothpick shit had me laughing I was so sure he was pulling out a pre rolled joint or wood 😂

[@user-bg6ln9mm5c]

Chief keef for president 2032 What toothpick he have cause he always have one in his mouth?

[@yimmythegreek1]

Reporter: what is 2+2? Russ: 2,000 tickets

[@ryanlashton]

Why does his attitude remind me of the former WWE wrestler, CM Punk?

[@plat6461]

Don't ever compare this lame ass russ fo to the best in the world cm punk ☝ Goofy ass

[@wastedimperium777]

I get it too

[@leerjet8784]

🤣

[@jedimindjs]

this Niggah 10 years deep into making music how y'all saying he don't know what he talking bout ? he has the right to be confident in himself he better then 90% of these "artist" that all you hear on tbe radio now adays.

[@alecjohnston6074]

Jose M I think it's more about how he portrayed himself in this interview. There's confident and then there's cocky and condescending

[@kherldeguerwite1196]

this dude cocky just look AT HOW MUCH he keeps saying that he sold 2000 tickets

[@ClaeFace]

Jose M Russ is just cocky. There's a difference between confidence and cockiness. And not only is Russ not as good as a lot of artists, but he acts like he's infinitely better.

[@samc4235]

You're not understanding why he is saying that, it's not to brag if you listen closely

[@ClaeFace]

I think there are much better ways to say what he's saying in a much less pretentious manner. But the way he's explaining himself tells alot about his character.

[@HipHopBeatSource]

Never heard of homie but I'm bout to go check for him. He was speaking facts about these broke rappers.

[@taylormiller9694]

HipHopBeatSource most of his songs are really good check his soundcloud

[@embee1973]

Respect to Russ. This is real talk. He is not being bitter or cocky. He has an ACTUAL fan base. That takes work. Talk that real talk sir...let the disillusioned Mandem talk. Bless.

[@ShevStaxBeats]

“Russ, do you like chicken or steak? I can sell 2000 tickets by myself!!”

[@supremeclientele83]

Yup, he's right. Just looking at Tyler The Creator, Action Bronson, Machine Gun Kelly's fan base alone or even Yelawolf. Those guys one wouldn't say they're 'popping' on the mainstream but their fan bases are crazy and loyal. They're actually doing much better than mumble rappers who make a hit song then struggle to continue or keep people hooked

[@marsrover5898]

I've never heard of this man before until now, but he is speaking nothing but FACTS. A lot of the XXL freshmen ain't selling out shows like that and they STRUGGLE to sell out 2000-seat shows, respect to this man.

[@kjhustleguy3673]

Mars Rover they struggle to sell 100 tickets

[@VLLAN-tt9on]

KJ hustle guy slim jesus

[@RaiRaiBrown]

Mars Rover Yeah I get what he's saying hopefully he lasts, he's a real dude. I just found put about him a few months ago. Whomever promotes him does a good job because everything is taking off quickly for him.

[@6xArth]

RaiRaiBrown Quickly? This dude's been working his way to the top for a real long time. I can't say I've been a fan since day one due to the fact that I've been listening to the dude for about a year but some research later and I found out about his work.

[@wg3671]

The point of the xxl freshmen list is for them to be........freshman.... just getting into the game

[@Geegeegents]

wait... Santa Clause isn't real? thx Russ, thx a lot...

[@NewGibraltarPictures]

😂😂😂😂🎅🏽🎅🏽🎅🏽🤶

[@killmyhope]

Wdym, santa is real 😂

[@Jay-eg9mv]

Russ has immense self respect and esteem which is not the same as ego.

[@raymonds7492]

He seems to be crapping on smaller artists more that the labels tho.

[@amberlyatencio955]

Funny how she talks about meeting and artist, that you really look up to and you meet them and they aren't about their fans, nor genuine. I met Russ and I shook his hand, wasn't many people around, then I tried to let him know how much of an inspiration to me. He seen two groupies and totally ignored me, but I guess that's what happens when you don't throw yourself at an artist sexually lol.

[@amberlyatencio955]

The experience really turned me off but I still support him. Been listening to Russ for 4 years now. He caught me with Willie Wonka, and gypsy; which is my go-to songs. Big ups on your success Russ Vitale! Hahah. 😊

[@isaiah6627]

go see Witt Lowry. he wouldn’t do that to you, promise.

[@mr.rightnow4868]

Ur a groupie shut up

[@Bigkahkistan]

lmaoooo that's some funny shit. he's still just a male at the end of the day

[@gmoneyyoo4103]

Mr. Right Now hahaha

[@michaele2802]

I like Russ and his music and all but he's gotta chill with the ego...

[@youndlc9666]

Michael E he's not being cocky he's speaking facts

[@mekatones]

Michael E he's real.

[@alturd540]

Brendan Young L

[@OfficialWillJetts]

he not speaking facts cause he not speaking on anything we don't already know ... but im an artist myself so i understand

[@age-ben4910]

+Michael E Nigga talking like he Kanye or something...I just learned about Russ but at least Kanye got accolades, experience, and notoriety to talk his own shit!

[@micahasher7600]

Reporter: So i’d Like to ask y- Russ: 2000 tickets, in your town!

[@sylviagoodman7642]

Makes sense I was really excited about Disneyland and then we went behind the scenes and I was really disappointed it's really sad

[@Mac04ish]

Virgo Rose ignorance is bliss

[@glitterboxglitterbox1939]

Virgo Rose but why though? What about it that’s sad though?

[@kingkessef6040]

I never even heard of him but I paused this video to check him out and God damn...he's got almost 100 MILLION views on one song on his Vevo channel. He's killin' it and he's got a real good sound.

[@mariahyohannes]

Those songs have that have high views are when he was signed to Columbia still

[@alexusnikolette6507]

he's worked so hard for YEARS & got no where but now, he's actually gettin somewhere. he may sound cocky but he's such a humble person if you actually listen to his music & get to know him, you'll see that & it's true, he's sold out shit by HIMSELF. mad proud of him man.

[@bellaschwabe6789]

The best career advice that I learned is don’t ever attach your-self to a PERSON, a place, a company, an organization or a project. Only attach your-self to your mission in life and PURPOSE. That’s how you keep your power and keep your peace!

[@keystone6561]

He says the simplest shit And acts like it’s craziest thing ever that no one knows and angers himself into salty rant every time he talks about it. It’s like he hasn’t been living in reality until a few years ago

[@Jass-ub5zf]

Yeah simple shit, the media doesn't tell you... think about it fam, you still fallin for shit styll.... shame fam

[@joemorrison4143]

Your a stupid fuck who obviously didn't watch the video cause what he said was true the industry is evil dumbfuck

[@MrAtown3057]

He was naive to believe the shit he saw on t.v then got his heart broke when he discovered what a lot people already knew..then wanna sit there like he exposing shit.

[@ericsmithner3392]

It is the craziest ever to go from a basement making videos without a soul knowing you exist to now having the opportunity to showcase his expression thru music. And live out his dream.

[@d.bjr.6696]

The reason u think it’s simple is because ur not experiencing wht he’s talkin bout

[@urasenseii]

Damn.....and here I am trying my best to get into the music industry......man I'm still gone be broke????

[@urasenseii]

I'm stupid for trying?

[@octm1]

Fy - Sound no just be smart with your moves

[@deviantanomaly]

Then you are doing music for the wrong reason

[@fraves9372]

same boat FY. never give up fam. make smart moves and invest in yourself.

[@octm1]

Ayyeee Tism exactly

[@laflame4469]

Congrats on his success but he ain't gonna make it far if he doesn't humble himself

[@lozicrazy]

LA FLAME he has been working for 10 years producing and doing everything himself. He got the right to

[@laflame4469]

xtracked That's his fault if it took him 10 years. Bragging about selling out 3k shows looks so lame, he really isnt as big as he makes himself seem.

[@TheOnlySaiz]

its not his fault thats what you don't understand. it takes time to build an actual fan base like how he was talking about. Logic and G eazy took around 10 years but once they got it going they blew up. rappers like lil yachty or uzi look like they're huge success but in reality they can't go to africa and sell out like he did

[@laflame4469]

Saiz C5 Like I said before, it's your own fault if it takes you 10 years. His shit isn't even all that in my opinion and it sounds generic. Dude really brags about selling out a 3k concert lmao.

[@lozicrazy]

Saiz C5 no point in arguing

[@officialjrmaine5153]

Watching this in 2021 hits different...nigga was years before his time

[@raymondcarter8915]

This dude is 5'5, you can tell hes been figthing this fight his hole life. He learned early on hes going to need to be this way to make it.

[@rapcitylife]

This guy is a Pure Artist!

[@CountryRapKing]

This street team will make you tuck your chain in! The best sales and promotion team in Entertainment and music. Don't believe me just WATCH kzbin.info/www/bejne/jGimp5dpgpdkeas

[@bersx6977]

pure crybaby

[@everest6288]

woody lmao fr

[@maurorodriguez284]

definition of an artist that aint a sell out.

[@Ninosfunnyshorts]

He’s absolutely right it’s hard for artist to fill an arena BY THEMSELVES usually when artist go on tour they got some other artist with them to get some of their fan base to come

[@ma3xy643]

I do really respect this guy, he is one of my role model. Feel like he's so fed up with ppl casting stones at him.

[@Curling_Rack]

Drake said that...alot of them are milky

[@ceesKe12]

2% of us is rich & the rest is milky

[@acquahman23]

Jeff 2% rich and the rest of them milk it

[@002brooklyn]

What song

[@acquahman23]

002brooklyn 2 birds 1 stone

[@Jsmoove8k]

Funny thing is Drakes influnece in Russ music is there... lightskin knowledge lol

[@Thrillmania]

This nigga Russ hurt😂😂

[@kchannel5317]

Please stay as the magical hip hop unicorn son. This is what artist need to do. Stay in the music, get the fuck out the clout and the drama. Produce the music you love and people will show up for shows, this man is living proof. I love going to his shows.

[@khalil2c]

Wait... Santa isn’t real 😢😢

[@somethingdifferent4u247]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@DontSleepOnEm]

Sorry fam 😞💔🎅

[@RG-sh4cp]

He is humble and confident! I listen to him speak the truth. Great singer! This person is very humble! You can hear it in his lyrics. He is just natural in what he speaks.

[@Sbrabson04]

This interview was not an accurate portrait of his humbleness. He sounds fragile.

[@_Elessbee]

I respect Russ for opening up and actually talking about what goes on in the industry. That takes a lot of guts to speak so openly about what's going on. Most artists wouldn't touch the subject due to the fact of self-destructing their career. Russ sounds, already, well educated in what he needs to do to progress in this industry. At the end of the day, not only is he a successful artist but also a smart business man. I dig him. I'm looking forward to hear his future music as he experiences growth and popularity! Keep up the good work dude! p.s. his music is fuego

[@bekkigray970]

💯🔥

[@yvngdeep5636]

Neva listen to him But i respect him now. 💯

[@miguelpoky2]

Russ the type of guy to tell a 4 year old that Santa claus isn't real. "Santa ain't even real yOU KNow wHA iM sAyiN. Santa Claus ain't comin to your town but, I betchu I can come to your town and sellout 2000 tickets."

[@Royaljb66]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@HowYouKnowDrew]

The music industry changed. You can't sell albums or Mixtapez. We all know downloading, pirating and streaming music completely change Artist's royalties. HOWEVER, artist have a better opportunity than they did 20-30 years ago in the industry with the help of social media and the internet. Only few of these "pippin" artist are actual entrepreneurs and will capitalized off their position. Whether it's making their own brand, clothes, shoes, cologne, product, ambassador or whatever. That's why there is not 1,000s of JayZs in the world and only 1 JayZ. What I mean by that is how many rap artist part own a NBA team like Jay Z? Artist need to quickly realize that when you have a bunch of eyes on you, it is time to capitalize off that before it's too late. I could drop a bunch of artist names who were hot and they are nobody's now but we all know who those artist are. Think of it like this. Can you guess why super bowl commercials cost so much money. Because of the millions of people watching those commercials. It's not about how many people are actually going to buy your product or service. It's about millions of people learning or finding out about your company/brand to begin with.

[@myupsidedown]

lmao stop acting like you know

[@bscott465]

Sooo... Marketing?

[@reddiamondthechosenone2813]

JAY Z OWNS LESS THAN ONE PERCENT OF THAT TEAM. ALL SMOKE AND MIRRORS

[@luigirox8]

WHOA HOL THE FUCK UP BRUH, You tellin me Santa not real??

[@RodgersXLVmvp]

I just clicked like 4 random parts of this whole interview , and it literally felt like it was all part of the same exact sentence ..

[@unclejj9600]

He is right i work at a venue and with artists some guys have people coming from out of town i dont know them but the kids come in droves i get a percentage of the volume and artists that are on the radio somtimes numbers ate low. For different reasons so i don't doubt him

[@yu3l839]

He really need to humble himself

[@trillomurk2233]

Yuel if you saw fake shit around claiming to do what you really have to do you'd feel some type of way too.

[@kjmsoulja]

It is what it is , EVERYONE KNEW THIS Like kendrick says bitch sit down and be humble Theres levels to it and hes showing he aint ready.

[@HomeVidEdd]

Trillo Murk No, I would just not let it effect how I commit myself and keep on working.

[@myleg9443]

1 year later and this cat is huge right now lmao

[@DBxDAB]

Yuel he is humble.

[@kurtpullen7806]

Yeah because all they want is a icy chain and a hot whip. Rather put my money into properties

[@bestbomb17]

Kurt Pullen that's not why they broke.... its cuz us niggas don't buy their music no more.... we got the internet

[@billystiletto]

Bragging about selling out 2,000 person venues? The way he talks about it you would think he's selling out Madison Square Garden. Really hope Russ can live up to his word.

[@bf2853]

That's exactly what he's saying. 2000 is really really GOOD. Most rappers are not seeing that. Unless your drake, jigga, beyonce, etc no one is selling out MSG and MSG is 18,000 people

[@BluRay8o4]

5:30 to 6:10 pay attention

[@illuminatigbeats1397]

BF2 2000 ppl a month x $20 tickets. Multiply that by let's say 8 months. That's a pretty penny. Now let's say he do 3 shows a month. He's GOOD.

[@koreandemon9649]

Go sell out Madison square garden.

[@martinsemail4814]

geo latham more like 5 dollars tickets

[@joannahargis1614]

He’s so real, I really like the fact he speaks the truth. Cuz I know most these artist just be playing the game

[@PPCCO.]

He's going to put himself into a Wale bubble soon if he keeps this up. The thing they don't tell you about telling the truth, is that there's a time and a place for it. The vlad TV market is a new outlet that could be added towards your fan base; a way for someone to find out what you represent as an artist. In 11 minutes you didn't speak once about why someone should listen to you, or what you represent as an artists. For 11 minutes straight (even when speaking the truth), you still managed to come off as someone unlikable. Consumers have more options than any other time in history to choose which medias they choose to consume; here's some advice, your delivery has to be as captivating as the subject matter or the message will never find it's place. This is the third time I've seen you do this on an interview; Good luck, you gotta get that chip off your shoulder and mature.

[@Bootysnorkler707]

If you don't know who Russ is by now your not a very big hip hop fan Only takes alittle digging anywhere KZbin, SoundCloud etc to find his music

[@Bootysnorkler707]

Especially Spotify

[@Bootysnorkler707]

Kage DC he didn't just come onto the seen I've been listening to him for a year and a half or whenever coming thru came out and he was underground but had a pretty solid following He's considered to be a hip hop artist and you could easily find him on any hip hop channel go look for yourself Just because he sings alittle in his hooks doesn't make him a pop artist drake does the same thing and he's no pop artist Pharrell makes pop music theirs a huge difference lol

[@strivingafterwind]

caleb ivey stop

[@jojo3033]

I dont dig in shit holes

[@kevinlester2609]

I listen to rappers.

[@tymashiyah574]

In regards to superman breakdown and the stunt double scenario....🔥💯🔥 Note : Remain faithful & true 4 Lyfe i ENCOURAGE YOU!!! 🔥 BIG FACTS BRETHREN 🔥

[@sagewhunder642]

I ❤ HIS TRUTH, PASSION & HIS CREATIVITY!!! I've ALWAYS liked him, but after this interview, I'M FEELIN HIM!!! 😘#HEYRUSS🤩

[@dominiquegipson2736]

people think he needs to humble himself when his work is all he knows. The dude is his own EVERYTHING. All he knows is his work and he's speaking on it. This isn't arogance this is disappointed he believed all the shit we did and he's out here busting his ass to find everything he believed was a lie. like an aspect of his life was stripped from it. I think he should be able to say a little this and that it's all good.

[@tayerss789]

Solo Af Spam this all over the comment section.

[@tayerss789]

Val Filmer That's all based on people's opinions 🤷‍♀️

[@SublyminalTV]

Val Filmer he actually does

[@causalityismygod2983]

Yeah he makes good music.

[@andreyunmusic]

Russ is a great entertainer. This is a provoking interview, and even if you dislike it he's getting a lot of people engaged just because of what he's saying and how he says it.

[@delinviahaley]

You know i haven't listened to any of his music and I have never heard of him. I found a clip here on youtube where he broke down the metrics within the music industry to describe how you can be financially successful. after seeing this video, i think imma check him out. There's something about him that is authentic.

[@sanflowersun5200]

I'm feel bad that I got to know Russ from tiktok! He's been around for a minute?👏🏾

[@Kavai19]

what exactly is wrong with a bunch of guys selling out a venue? he said if you can't sell out a venue you should retire? is that a joke? im sure there was a point in his life he wasn't poppin, he should let people do their shit and stop hating

[@JoeDirtisawsome]

Yeah I agree. There are plenty of famous rappers and singers that had small audiences in the beginning. I can't stand people like him

[@earlsanchez9375]

beep boop he said if 8 motherfuckers collectively cant sell out a venue then they should retire.

[@kaitiparis]

beep boop he was saying that these dudes think they're the shit and speak like they're the shit but can't sell tickets solely based on their performance, which he does. Before he blew up he worked hard as fuck to be noticed and didn't sell many tickets he even stated in one of his songs he did shows for free, but in the time he was doing that he wasn't talking like he was the shit because he knew people didn't know him yet. But he continued to do everything by himself because he didn't want anyone saying they gave him shit and now he's getting paid out the ass for all the hard work and fans he gained

[@735bruce]

Russ is dope he is better than 90% of the niggas you hear on the radio allday...I understand exactly what he is saying he is speaking truth...

[@LLVstacks]

At the end of the day those rappers that "aren't Poppin" still living better lives than us

[@cris0312]

Shouts out to MuchDank for making this REVELANT

[@Jairan78]

It's good to see a homosexual artist get his just due, good 4 him.

[@beachchair27]

Jairan78 bro all his songs is about females & living life . he different from most. take a listen before you judge

[@erickmtpittman]

diego calderon lmao!!

[@redrobin4406]

Lmao... put can't take a joke

[@getmajor]

Jairan78 that's why we're happy for you Jairan you deserve to live with out being scared of yourself anymore. Good job man your life matters don't let them discriminate you playa 💅🏽

[@lethalspecter]

Don't know if he's gay for sure but he sure does have some homosexual tendencies. To tell you the truth tho I don't really care and I don't wanna know what another man does in the bedroom.

[@Viva.Artistry]

Kind of sounds like my dad. He calls out all of our cousins and his friends on the bullshit they pull because he knows he's "clean". Nobody aint got nothin on him so he feels like he has the right to talk shit to their face lmfao

[@Blue-vd6bv]

Boombaporigionalrap Sa horny ass nigga

[@bigkeemy1]

Sounds like a dick. no disrespect

[@saadlard342]

Quasimoto 😂😂😂😂😂 shoot your shoot my man 👊🏽

[@JohnDoe-zw3xs]

I want him to be my father in law

[@micassosherrod32]

Yvonne jay lol

[@kaleighpatterson9275]

This interviewer was nottttt prepared for Russ lmao her pauses after his responses have me dying

[@biggvmuzik2418]

IMA NOBODY RIGHT NOW AS AN ARTIST BUT I STAY IN THE GYM AND OHH BOY DONI SEE THE FUCKERY!!!

[@HammyJamm]

He's gotta point. I went to a Lil Yachty concert and it was dead near empty lol But don't knock my dude Lil Boat!! aha He's a real humble dude just trying to make ends meet by doing none other than what he loves to do! It ain't easy, but someone's doin it! Salute!

[@wmurray003]

" I found that Superman bleeds...." ....hard ass quote

[@malcolmsxs]

Willie Murray im14andthisisdeep

[@hardcoreflowbomber]

Willie Murray kanye sayed that

[@ShadowLakeEnt]

He's one of the only rappers today who: Make their beats, write their lyrics, Mix and Master the song all on their own. He's a real artist in a generation of melody rappers. Not only has he been at it for 10 years but the amount of music he's done is on a lil wayne scale. He's going to keep getting bigger because of his foundation. Fuck outta here if you hating on him cuz he's cocky. He's saving music by being himself and doing it on his own.

[@robjr7370]

Keep doing your thing Russ. You the real deal. Love your music. Never was a puppet. Your inspiration man stay true stay you