Russ: 'SANTIAGO', Manifestation, & "The Alchemist" | Apple Music

Russ is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, and producer. He gained significant popularity through his self-produced music and his presence on various online platforms. His newest album ‘SANTIAGO' dives into the work he’s put in to heal various parts of himself and his past.
Russ sits down with Zane Lowe to have an honest conversation about overcoming his inner critic while writing this album and going through therapy at the same time. Russ reveals the process of making the album, which was a communal experience with some of his favorite collaborators. He also discusses the influence of Paulo Coelho's "The Alchemist" on this project, specifically on the closing track "The Wind."
Listen to Russ on Apple Music: https:/apple.co/RussZLYT
0:00 - Feeling Responsible for His Family's Wellbeing
8:13 - Seeking Validation From the Industry
14:43 - Recording Album During Therapy Sessions
22:41 - Being Independent out of Necessity
32:33 - The Competitiveness of Hip Hop
37:16 - Masking Insecurities with Alcohol
46:10 - The Meaning Behind 'SANTIAGO'
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#Russ #Interview #AppleMusic

[@bevarela3583]

Can't express how much I admire Russ

[@Undergroundsound716]

Same

[@shae00]

i can't express how much i agree with you 😂🤤

[@THEWRLDSFAVOURITE]

Me2

[@denisehammond8733]

Same

[@LateBloomerMedia]

"I've been withholdin', I really feel like explodin' People pokin', provokin', I'm suffocating, I'm chokin' The feeling that no one gets it, I just try to suppress it I really need to express it, I really should reinvest it"

[@MeganSutton-em2os]

I can feel in my soul that this album is going to help so many people overcome their inner demons. Thank you, Russ🙏

[@BlackSheepDillz]

❤

[@EnnyLovesRio]

Russ’s growth has been amazing to watch. He’s such an inspiration! I don’t think he understands how much he impacts his fans’ lives on a daily. Russ as a person and as an artist has saved my life when I was going through my darkest times. This album couldn’t have come at a better time❤ I’m finally in a better place, ready to work on myself.

[@Cedricsx]

Russ was always a big inspo for my own craft and my own life. I'm hyped he's getting the recognition he deserves.

[@solariatrecords]

Same

[@JORDANMAC815]

Russ inspired me to read The Alchemist and is an amazing book. Very excited for this album

[@rocklee619]

Zane's genuine love for music makes these conversations so pure. When he interviewed Damon Albarn, Cudi, and other artist... you can just tell he really cares, which in turn helps the conversation flow so freely. Shout out to Zane and Russ for this conversation, I'm going to listen to the album now. Thank you!! 🙏💜

[@ZrianFilms]

A lot of respect seeing this man develop the past 10 years

[@kenny8315]

By far his most cohesive and conceptual album. And the transitions omg just great man.

[@JovonGotJuice]

“When you shame yourself into victory you win and still feel like you lost” 💯

[@Junemoonbaby]

Hearing him say his mom can’t listen to Sept. 16, ugh 🥺🥺 As someone with divorced parents and someone who is afraid to share creative work with family ….. I admire his strength and bravery so much.

[@laylahfloris3073]

I love you boy is one of the most honest tracks ever made, people who came from dysfunctional households i.e most of us feel seen on that track and understood

[@samanthagutierrez8344]

Russ need a whole pod cast I love his way of thinking

[@John.Monroe]

This album has already infiltrated my dreams and I can feel it helping me grow. It’s uncomfortable but it’s necessary

[@gregorysmith3209]

You got it 💪🏾💯

[@joshuajohnson5693]

Same bruh. Same.

[@joshuajohnson5693]

I’m literally just waiting for this interview to end so I can self reflect while listening to the album again. Going to work out while doing it.

[@JFLO455]

Get it brother

[@lesliemarvin160]

The opening about fixing everyone.... Brought tears to my eyes..heavy is the crown that she wears. God I felt that.

[@henrytell3933]

Santiago Album of the Year.

[@adventureswithloshernandez9556]

These Zane Lowe interviews some of the best in the industry. Especially the Mac Miller one🔥🔥🔥

[@candicebown2018]

Russ has been my favorite artist for a very long time but it’s always been because of more than the music. From day 1 he’s given all of us pure Russ the PERSON in whatever stage of life he was in right then. I’m proud to be a Russ supporter and this is just one more reason why. Thank you Zane for the platform and always thank you Russ for just being.

[@PhotosByJovan__]

real talk

[@PinkLove7749]

Completely agree❤

[@GoodxJ]

Thank you Russ! I have been releasing a song a week this whole entire year now. You are the most impactful artist for Mindset. 🧘‍♂️ Appreciate the constant inspiration sir!!! Santiago!!!! 🙏🏻🥂💪🐪 RUSSpect! 💎

[@woahdaniel]

“I had a talk with my mom she said what if you’re the one you’ve been waiting for” Crazy to see how much Russ has evolved over the years. I’m happy for him

[@specs.5006]

Zanes’ natural knack to converse rather than “interview” is the reason he’s revered in this world. Russ has been a big inspiration on not only mine & others’ craft but in their lives. I remember always getting laughed at for liking Russ but he’s light years ahead of his peers & has incredible insight on how to navigate tribulations within yourself. I turned a friend from a Russ “hater” who followed the crowd and disliked him for no reason, to a fan that appreciates the path he’s created. Gem after Gem on this one. Can’t wait for the album tonight. 💎

[@Joseph_McMahon]

Best musician out right now

[@legendaryme253]

"High-key the best out, y'all gotta respect the name" - Russ on Faith

[@elijahpayne1822]

Russ taught me how to have a unremovable stain of self confidence and just inspires me to go even harder towards my dreams, Thanks Russ!

[@rafaelbotelho]

Haven't watched the full thing yet and it's already one of the best interviews I've seen/heard in years. Zane is the best at what he does. Can't wait for Santiago!

[@PhotosByJovan__]

Deep interview, Russ is and has been the realest even when he wasn't as self aware as he is now. Looking forward to hearing this new body of work and taking in where he is in life now. Well done Russ on all you've done so far. Inspirational stuff !

[@myccap1937]

Take from an experience only the wisdom that's in it. Did a nearly a decade locked up at 30yrs, before that controlled by drugs, before that controlling abusive boyfriend, before that controlling abusive father... So when I finally got off paper .. shoulda been so happy.. but I was crying .. sad inside... Like having to dig deep and understand why? Because I didn't know who I was.. self discovery .. reflection.. identity... Flaws and goals... It's a process and Russ has been leading the way. A perfectionist myself .. Russ hits home on sooo many levels... And can't explain how amazing his light has been in my life... Both for myself and being able to share his music to say things I could never find the words for.... Thank you ❣️

[@genuinelygenesiss]

It’s refreshing to hear someone be so human. I know his vulnerability inspires others to explore their own mental health and traumas. Grateful for Russ’ strength to fight through the darkness and shine through.

[@Yalun]

genuinely sooo amazing man! love this!💪🏽🙌🏽❤️‍🔥💯💯💯

[@haleyhurd1222]

So excited for this album!

[@joshuajarrett7720]

Needed this interview today ngl

[@jinxed7JA]

This interview is truly amazing.

[@aziara369]

I get emotional realizing the undeniable fact that Russ truly resonates with being an alchemist. Not necessarily only towards The Alchemist as a book but being an alchemist himself. Life experiences turned into life nurturing vision. I recognize this man deepy 🤍

[@silvermoney2023]

I read the book and the album made sense

[@Billyonaire__]

22:17 - dark motivation vs light motivation damn well said 26:11 - damn what place to be 36:14 - really good mindset and reflection well said 37:41 - deep 50:36 - sheesh What a guy, can't wait to listen!

[@100slicknick]

Can’t wait to listen to the album at midnight. Russ is the 🐐

[@JacksonSchrenk]

Really loving the evolution, thanks for sharing

[@montrealer9]

RUSS - what a legend

[@cecechery]

the ATL Santiago golden ticket event was insane. i can't wait to listen to the album again, on vinyl. who knew $12 could change your life lmao

[@epicrust]

Russ has been my inspiration for years

[@MellowMusic1]

Amazing self awareness🧘🏽‍♂️🙏🏽🔥

[@TheRealSandman]

Finding Russ as an artist was such a blessing. His mindset, teachings, music & philosophies have trained me so much into the artist I am now. I'll meet him one day & tell him how much he's inspired me to stick with my visions, be myself & always be seeking improvement in yourself & being honest with who you are as a person.

[@thinkuthink]

This is a beautiful interview! Well done y'all both of y'all✨

[@aprilpena9634]

Such a beautiful soul ❤️

[@RampageYI]

Love his interview.

[@marctoy436]

Love this dude. Just reminiscing today with a friend on a concert I went to in San Antonio TX. Russ you killed it,and you still are. Keep it up my dude.

[@enorck]

Great conversation! I feel lucky to be alive for this!

[@BlackSheepDillz]

The verse on “The Wind” I feel like it just speaks to my soul man. Esp at this point in my life. Thank you Russ

[@alexandraliv1694]

The definition of inspirational, there’s nobody else in this game like Russ. Thank you bro for being so real and leading by example

[@shallyway]

Russ is incredible. Such an inspiration

[@RsnCheered]

Been a fan of russ for many years now, I remember hearing the growth in his first album, then the insight From the release of his book, and now I can hear/see that he has developed a quiet confidence instead of feeling the need to mask confidence. Can’t wait to hear the music, appreciate the conversation 🙏

[@TheAlejandroAlfonso]

WOW. THIS CAME ON UNINTENTIONALLY AND IM SO GLAD IT DID. THIS WILL RESONATE WITH SO MANY PEOPLE. Just a beautiful creation and expression.

[@londonlobata]

This is a great conversation, I can’t wait to hear the album.

[@estefanyhenriquez9925]

Russ had grown so much!!! You can truly tell he learned from all the pain he has been thru...

[@Sprinklez024]

This interview delivered right on time and I knew this album is going to be life changing Thanks Russ you always right on time I’m growing with you just in a different lane 🙏🏾💚✨

[@artistikfn6213]

Can’t wait to hear this album. Ordered two hand signed autographed CD’s also!! Shout out to Russ fr 🫡

[@-Enrick100M]

So refreshing ! Russ never disappoints !

[@DianaDelMar]

So good! ✨

[@cassandraworthy6603]

Phenomenal interview ❤

[@DerrickStratton-dasedesigns]

I HUGELY respect bro for this album.. The vulnerability and honesty if you really LISTEN to the bars.. madd respect

[@whosjakedaniels]

Russ helped me find myself as an artist without even knowing who I am at all. Now i get to do this full time every day. Watching him grow so much and still remain one of the best in the game is so amazing. Russ fan for life 🙏🖤

[@MeBeast-wm5fg]

This is great conversation, thank you

[@siphobesa]

Can't wait for this album

[@crypthor2008]

what an absolutely amazing conversation!!!!

[@ThisJustinG]

Russ has been an inspiration for so many and he continues to. This interview was amazing

[@FierySpiritMaury]

I'm proud of Russ man, he's a inspiration for me as an upcoming hip hop artist out of New Jersey

[@JakeGoodmanMD]

Been a huge fan of Russ for at least eight years now, watching his evolution has been such a joy. He dreamt it and he built it.

[@ChiefYounger]

gotta love russ man

[@noelpadilla7805]

I find it extremely interesting how he made such melodious hooks, songs and everything BESIDE the verses which I'm sure everyone agrees can speak for themselves

[@camilamilenacandidodasilva2930]

love this ❤

[@brendagaleana9654]

Been such a fan since he first started its so amazing seeing how far he has come!!! Love you Russ ❤

[@mamaA6]

The amount of Love, Respect, and Passion I have for Russ is unbelievable! I'll always be a day ONE! Such a genuine, authentic, soul! He doesn't let anyone ruin his shine! This album brings me back to the first time I ever heard him! Literally does just pull you in 🔥😘

[@Conversationswithesther]

This album is really helping me through a tough time

[@OnlyZips]

Such a powerful interview this discussion resonated with me in a major way.

[@metalecalec]

This man has inspired so many and should only be listed as one of the goats. 🔥🔥

[@shanebaileycreates]

Great interview and conversation

[@WiseSoldierValerio]

Relatable podcast. Thank you Russ. Thank you Apple.

[@TEFXL]

Dope interview and appreciate the vulnerability thru music. That's how we tap into greatness 🙌🏽 ✊🏽

[@gregorysmith3209]

What an outstandingly enlightening interview. This is excellence.

[@sicklecellwithdr.o]

Great interview. It definitely gives alot of context and has me excited to dive deep into the new album!

[@jeffpierce8940]

What an incredible interview. Im absolutely speechless

[@Yashua7]

Great interview. 👑

[@nayelliortiz1180]

Beautiful to watch the growth in you over the years. Thank you for always sharing your story with so many 🤍

[@lille-mary1517]

Liking the vibe that comes off of this man all the way from Sweden right now. Hope his album does great things for him and inspires, comforts and entertains listeners.

[@susancarolinee]

So stoked for this album and can’t wait to go see the short film premiere tomorrow. Great interview 🤯

[@shaynnalyons2633]

So proud to be a Russ fan since the beginning ❤

[@youngwiz]

The real man. Thank you Russ

[@Theelusivepodcast]

Two smart guys having an amazing conversation. I think Russ hasn't been interviewed by someone as smart as him which is why in this interview he is not talking as much as he always does. He and Zane are just sharing their thoughts and views back and forth bouncing off each other.

[@alaskachase6744]

Inspiring truly.🤞🏼 since the beginning.

[@Yellow930]

I highly respect this man as an artist and a person …His character and awareness are something this generation in music so desperately need. He’s humble.💯He is absolutely a beautiful soul.

[@Ebbflowtherapeutics]

Sit in it. Your feelings are valid and natural. Humans mask so we don’t stand out. But feeling your feelings is key when being your authentic self. Glad you did this interview nervous 🤗 killed it

[@AshBashSneakers]

The album is incredible.. Russ is undeniable

[@jimmyskoog]

Always hyped for new Russ music and I know this album is going to be special. But the INTERVIEWS though…? That’s what I’m looking forward to the most. 🔥

[@im_slimshawtytr]

haven't heard the album yet but after watching this i can tell it a great album 🔥🔥

[@cole.alexander]

Russ in an inspiration. For better, or for worse, russ is how I started music.

[@pxlicy]

Can’t wait! 🔥👏🏻

[@genesisbermudez8756]

Es que eres tan Hermoso Russ!😍 how much I can relate at the moment. It really has always been you! Love the self love, self growth head space your in. So lovely seeing you tapped in. You getting there boo. Mastering it one day at a time 💕 It’s another for the win. 💜🥰 on repeat babyy love you!! Thank you and your amazing crew for coming through 🙏💪🏽

[@theKCnetwork]

mannn the growth of this man has been incredible to witness and this album like the rest of his music is absolutely speaking to me in a time I really need it.

[@AgentKoJak]

💯 one thing I like about Russ is he isn't afraid of new sounds, his approach towards this got him in a bag

[@soulpurpose2013]

RUSS, YOU ARE SUCH A HUGE INSPIRATION BECAUSE WE ARE ALL AT DIFFERENT STAGES IN OUR LIFES BUT TO GET TO THIS STAGE IT TAKES UP A LOT OF HUMBLENESS TO RECOGNIZE. ONLY IN THESE CASES IS WHERE YOU GET TO FORGIVE THAT INNER CHILD AND LOVE YOURSELF AND OTHERS. THANK YOU FOR BEING SO HONEST AND HUMBLE.

[@lufimsc]

how not to love him 🥲

[@youngorangee]

My music is taking off and I will be on here for an interview soon. Manifesting it right now!

[@divinely999]

From day 1 this man has been the most integral artist of our time… if not ever. So much respect and love. ❤