Steve Stoute and Russ discuss Independence at

INDEPENDENCE: A Conversation with Steve Stoute and Russ
During the conversation, Steve Stoute and Russ discussed Russ' journey, his process releasing music, how he got his first show, making $1,000,000 a week, and how if Drake was to go Independent he'd shut down the music industry.
SELECTCon was a two-day digital conference presented by UnitedMasters bringing together industry experts, artists, creatives and brands to share insights with the independent creative community. Packed with fireside chats, panels, workshops, upfronts, performances, and more, the conference will feature Timbaland, Russ, Tobe Nwigwe, Royce Da 5'9, Director X, Bryan Michael Cox & Johnta Austin, Cam Kirk, Reel Goats, and brands such as Instagram, NBA, ESPN, Cash App, Earn Your Leisure, and JPMorgan Chase & Co.
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[@martinesho7816]

Russ is like that magician that reveals all his tricks.....I wouldn’t be where I’m at in my career if it wasn’t for Russ

[@soap6633]

Facts of the century

[@jp32123]

ur able to sustain urself with music and moves surrounding music, so imagine how much money the ones who have even 1 million monthly listeners on spotify have

[@YOUNGNGRATEFUL]

You are nowhere lmao

[@jp32123]

@@YOUNGNGRATEFUL "some people rap (wrap) but never blow like hetero sexuals" - J Cole

[@TheRealDizzo1k]

@@YOUNGNGRATEFUL I’m cryin 😂

[@VinJay95]

Russ stays dropping gems. Huge inspiration for all independent artists 🙏

[@megaajone1]

Facts man

[@thehitbrainiac]

Truth

[@oh_itshiro7185]

Anyone smoking weed is altering their mind, that is sorcery, Forbidden in The Bible Anyone masturbating or looking at another person with intent to have sex with them is lusting, that is sin and will hold you back from your plans. Anyone who is not praying to God is like a wave being tossed around by the sea, never having an objective or place to rest. Through Jesus Christ only will you see Eternal Life, anyone who tries to get in another way will not make it to Heaven.

[@cristianorozco6226]

I wish my dad was rich so I could start an llc or corporation at age 17 and then claim im self made ... hahahah

[@thetruthsayer8347]

@@oh_itshiro7185 where in the Bible did it mention smoking weed and masturbation ?

[@kouroshthings]

You can feel the whole hate on russ thing fading away,cuz people are staring to listen to what he has to say,and they can’t deny the fact that russ is a freaking genius

[@marvinsepulveda4395]

Not necessarily a genius but just smart enuff to have a good lawyer behind him. Dude, when Ure making money u need 2 things a GREAT LAWYER N ACCOUNTANT THE FORMER BEING THE MAIN PIECE! But yea he was smart to get himself teamed up

[@julioarcaiko]

I’m he’s definitely a very smart dude. I do respect the hell out of him and am a personal fan, but I understand why people hate him. He’s got a chip on his shoulder and he’s mouthy. Doesn’t matter though, he’s great and self made.

[@treyvonrichard3620]

well not as good as drake

[@kouroshthings]

Tendo kanyike big fax😂

[@kouroshthings]

De lo Interno al Todo people don’t like it when your confidence is high af

[@brainheartofficial]

Seriously Russ is the king 👑 He encouraged me to go independently without a label and the results are amazing

[@devilsadvocate9011]

Was waiting on this to drop. I already know Russ boutta drop gems. I appreciate y’all doing this for young artists.

[@dadlife9790]

Steve ain't slick. He signed a lot of artist to bad contracts. He's a business man trying to stay ahead of the curve.

[@thebuzzinc2757]

That’s what I’m saying lol if you “can do it all by yourself” what’s the point in using this service? The only exclusive thing is having your music possibly played during NBA games. The majority of people watching live nba games don’t have the same music preference as the typical young dude who likes rap/hip hop, if your music is catering to the mainstream/pop crowd then it may be worth it idk

[@GutsmanLoL]

The Buzz Inc serious question, how else do you currently get your music on Apple Music, Spotify etc without a distribution service such as United masters, distrokid, tunecore, cdbaby etc ?

[@dadlife9790]

@@GutsmanLoL complete an application with the iTunes store and upload your music

[@karatekidx5000]

@@dadlife9790 Right- cut.every.middle.person.out!

[@thetruthsayer8347]

Lol what is a good contract? How much do you give an artist who brings nothing else but potential to the table?

[@Darnell209]

Came mostly to hear Steve but I respect Russ as an artist and businessman. Good convo to listen in on. Preciate it

[@WeAlreadyRich111]

russ is a real genius ... he built levrage got a deal got exposure then left the deal .... the smartest in the game.

[@Mo91100]

He’s not a genius. He just does what makes sense and he’s educated on the business side of music so he won’t be taken advantage of.

[@theprime95]

ultradeadd thats not true. most of these kids are in terrible 360 deals and don’t even own their masters which is why they fizzle out and go broke.

[@rockstartonyx]

Literally

[@activeactivo]

Like slim thug

[@theprime95]

ultradeadd i agree with you, that’s the route that should be taken. but there’s a reason you can’t name many big artists that are independent

[@OmegaClassicRecords100]

It didn’t even feel like an hour. It went by really fast. That’s how I know the information was so pure and great. I don’t know anything about Russ but now I’m gonna follow him from here on out.

[@Samsonmanase]

Let that be a lesson to a lot of people thinking they will get on by one song. Be a hustler and keep grinding , Russ been one of my inspirations since Everyday Struggle interview

[@haluk1997]

It’s so fucking great to see two like minded people talk to each other S/o to JBP listeners, came here after listening to them talking abt this interview in the pod

[@QuicksandMindset]

It’s unbelievable how much game was given in this interview, FOR FREE!!!

[@benny5508]

there is no reason for this to have less than 10k views in 2 days. This is something every artist should be watching

[@thetruthsayer8347]

Nobody will care if you are not good, bro. You actually have to be good at this music sh!t

[@drxod]

Russ a genius, always learn something new from his interviews.

[@acharich]

🔥💎🔥

[@K3ANDZ]

This was by faarrrr more informative than the 100s of music marketing videos I've ever watched in YT. Thank you! 💯💯🔥🔥

[@danielvulgoice]

These are the type of conversation we need

[@directedbyjoe]

THE BEST -- the ones who are here today are the real ones

[@Alexander-vt3zh]

So many gems of wisdom in this video. Thank you so much! I’m inspired. Loved the JAY-Z stories btw, top 5!

[@ezduzzit_]

This the best game I’ve got from an artist in .... EVER. Thank you Russ . 🐐

[@newdvsn]

There’s not enough comments or views on this video. The industry of music business is changing in front of our eyes and my artist Shaun Creates will be part of the new era of historic rap artist.

[@barcehttr9556]

It just came out bro give it time

[@newdvsn]

Barce HTTR95 lots of people sleep on the business portion and aren’t educating themselves!

[@Toneload11]

respect not acting like your already there and not making any money. but real actual hard work and show how much it takes. because of this, he become rich and keep his money without attitude,. respect for rus

[@bangerhouseproductions]

Watching this interview in the studio .I stop recording just listen and now I’m 45 mins In and stuck .Great information!!!

[@GrinerB]

Steve is right about Drake.. the industry has to all conspire together and OVER pay Drake for a new deal to save the industry itself.. because he and the next 25 artist under him truly don’t need labels.. and once they all realize that, it’s over. If I was Drake I’d walk into the label and quantify exactly what I’d make and say triple it or I’m out.. and imma tell all my friends how to move.. go independent and let rocnation essentially do the administrative and legal stuff the labels do for a fee, not a percentage forever.

[@Brandon-kx6oq]

He will will disappear randomly....

[@ronroca4387]

Like @usher & @pharrell they are not smart enough to listen

[@LilEd115]

😂

[@bignutbussa3917]

Brandon 😂😂😂😂

[@acharich]

@@Brandon-kx6oq 💀💀💀💀💀

[@blessmusicdaily]

This guy is my inspiration now to be an independent artist 🙏

[@DavidSmith-ed3xh]

Yo, so much game in this interview! Preciate you guys for helping us out.

[@lo-rem]

this is the second time i am watching this. This information is valuable af! thank you

[@Warroking]

Absolute gems and knowledge dropped 🔥 Here grinding from Argentina 🇦🇷

[@jsansimusic]

this is so fire... i can listen to russ talk for hours 🔥

[@italianG03]

Incredible interview. Absolutely love hearing the intricate details to his success and business model

[@youtubenatan]

This is absolutely amazing. I'm even more hyped up and inspired now to just keep dropping my music, no matter what...SBN

[@WORLDOFWINNING]

I love this type of content we all need to share this power its needed

[@Nala-xf6rz]

two great minds. This should be an amazing convo

[@reemy8245]

Russ is dope artist his music is fire king of melodies and lyrics and he has fantastic personality. Russ if you see this Middle East fans love you so much we can’t wait to see you on tour .

[@yaboyTYLE]

This is amazing I learned so much and I've been doing music for over 15 years. Shouts out to Steve Stout and Russ for the game

[@phillcurtis1]

Yall getting me emotional.... pure motivation

[@TraySamuels]

Here for the gems !

[@elmaikitofficial]

Big respect ✊ to Russ & y’all for doing a good interview.

[@BP-ff6yl]

It'll be a trip when these big artists really start moving on their own and takin their leverage back. It's boutta be wild

[@samsmusichub]

This interview is everything! I'm gonna reevaluate my music strategy.

[@nolimitbts5141]

Tremendous Inspiration. God Bless

[@aggumbi]

Stoute and Russ vibing so hard in this. love when they get to talkin about artists' catalogues in the last 15 minutes. And just dropping knowledge throughout- Heavy. Thank you both for everything you've done and continue to do.

[@LCREEDTV]

Best interview I've seen in a long time 🙌🏾

[@jahissa]

I just met Russ and never heard of him wow I am the newest follower..Just awesome Genius

[@MIQVERSERNBCOMPOSER]

I am incredibly impressed by Russ business savvy just as much as his talent. Dope!

[@Djbiginf]

Thanks you Steve Stout for providing this platform. Very informative

[@SamuelAJimenez]

Steve is slick bro. United masters contract is basically a label. They don’t call it that but it is. Read the fine print

[@mathlabel]

Expand

[@vopat891]

Yeah but it’s only 90/10 compare to other “labels@ where it’s 18/82

[@rockstartonyx]

Vo Pat exactly. This guy clearly doesn’t know what he’s talking about

[@vopat891]

Rockstar Tony right lol

[@ffffffffffffff43]

Wym

[@blazein210]

So many gems, take notes yall.

[@brucehathcockmusic]

Yo I just stumbled on this channel and I am like wow. I need this to know I can manifest to be the greatness I am. Thank you I will be watching this all tge time.

[@nickirizarry2918]

Man did his homework, did things his way through trial and error. Learned from his mistakes and adjusted. Powerful moves and self belief

[@BenHarrismusic]

So dope!! Thx y’all!!!! 💎 🙏🏽

[@donrome3835]

I trust UnitedMasters alot more than a major label, because you own your stuff 100% and get 100%

[@VilOzBec]

Thank you guys for all these gems

[@f4hmusic]

Highly entertaining and informative 👏 👍 truly inspired

[@aLr_boosh]

Always good to get some knowledge from Russ. Looking forward to what he's going to do now he free again.

[@Spezzedout]

Thank you for this game!

[@Treyco]

I like how it’s not edited just raw 💯

[@LedgeTheGreat]

Russ is really motivation for us independent artist that are just getting their foot on the gas

[@ashkowbeats5149]

Information is everything when it's pure. Thanks for the time and wisdom. Let's meet at the top 🥂

[@primeminister7885]

Motivation at it’s finest right here 🔌🗣

[@robertmoneymademusic4lifen929]

Great interview,thank you 💯🔥🔥🔥

[@KingGabriel913]

Needed this!

[@tnygmusic]

Dude F*ck Yes! 1hr of GOLD.

[@socanow]

Trini producer here really inspired by this one thanks boss

[@evygil]

Loving this!

[@pendrick]

This was a fire interview no cap

[@Sk8Bord_P]

russ keeps me going as an artist knowing consistency and hard work will pay off eventually thats all I need to know fr

[@shaiemnelson8564]

Bro if you not talented it’s over

[@BobbyWashingtonvlog]

I love this video... Russ and Steve thank you 🙏... I just added United Masters to my business... I already have The Orchard, Cd Baby and Distrokid.... I just dropped 3 singles this pass 2 week on United Masters. Hey Steve, look out for at least 1 single a week from me indefinitely... I’ve been indie since 1998 and sold 600 thousand albums cd 💿 from my trunk. Now I’m doing both Street Sales and now online marketing heavy

[@RyanCaliMusic]

Loved watching this🔥🔥🔥

[@niyab5649]

As far as the business of music Russ is one of the greatest minds that ever walked the planet hands down.This is not debatable

[@tevincollins2869]

He on his way definitely

[@VicRoseOfficial]

Lmao 😂 🤣 Damn I really enjoyed this interview! Thank you so much! I learned so much! 🙏🏼

[@justanotherviewerfan4229]

Dub state where I stay. Glad to hear about you talk about Washington and happy about it.

[@Juing327]

Gems everywhere knowledge dropper "RUSS"&Stout👏🏽📱😏

[@destinyreturns4885]

Loved your answer about your backup plan. That was golden.....

[@intellectualsista]

This was Amazing! Tell Stoute to holla at me man

[@kanggwopjones]

@stevestoute & @russ 💯💯💯 One of da greatest interview ever🔥🔥🔥🤧💪🏾

[@forevrmore9312]

GEMS ALL OVER THE FLOOR

[@CosalaX3]

Best FREE GAME IN THE WORLD by one man that is going to change everything with words.

[@ronroca4387]

We pay for it with our views and our time, sorry to get so deep but all social media is fighting for your attention

[@gangstaworldtv]

powerful video super informative thx for the game fellas

[@tonywash4250]

True topics, much respect

[@mayh3w811]

Thank you great video

[@venavy3518]

Watching in from Nepal 🇳🇵absolute gems in this video; Russ you be my main role model frfr 👑👏🏽 Amazing video Steve !

[@b_moneygo4515]

His story is inspiration 🙏🙏

[@AngelsExclusive]

Thank you

[@ABtheHERO]

Bro, Steve needs a mic, headphones, and camera without auto exposure settings. Bare minimum! This is too big a platform and too great of an interview to be using a webcam and built-in mic!

[@RandyRich01]

Straight up. But theres no over head.

[@acharich]

😅😅😅

[@JRClark]

Dope interview 🔥🔥

[@dwinmusic]

I needed this thanks

[@paul1389]

This info is so important

[@iEKNOWS_]

Great conversation with two innovators

[@artchatec]

I already know this is GOLD

[@ParkEastMusic]

Fire 🔥 interview

[@ParisLifeandCo]

Very insightful

[@mayjack7972]

Great Interview.

[@yung.sc0pe]

A voice for all of us

[@KennyCalypso]

Here to learn

[@DavidArmah.]

Powerful video right here man

[@dimitirisrivera4705]

BLESSINGS

[@free99records]

two Legends

[@TIFFJONES820]

Great interview I love Russ

[@mikeybarreneche]

That NAS album Promo is fucking genius

[@BazingaRhymes]

Great talk! 🔥🔥❤❤ Russ seemed to be dissapointed of sudden breaking if the conversation... :( I felt that thou. 👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾 😈👼🏾