This Guy Made MILLIONS Beating the Record Labels

Instagram: / spencercornelia1
Russ is a recording artist from Atlanta who has figured out the music industry. Once an artist struggling to make ends meet, he is now one of the highest paid hip hop artists in the world. All because he bet on himself and stayed independent, focusing on complete ownership.
The music business is all about leverage. In my videos on why your favorite musicians are broke, I detail the contracts that new artists sign that leave them earning significantly less money than they were led to believe. Major record labels succeed by signing artists with little leverage into deals that allow the label to earn multiples on their initial investment if the artist blows up.
I may have talked about why your favorite artists are broke. Well, Russ doesn’t fit that description at all. Major record labels hate Russ because he’s been providing the blueprint to stay independent and make millions for a few years now. Sadly, many people are turned off by his tone and aggressive attitude to overlook the gems he drops.
Russ is outspoken, arrogant, and loves to call out the fake B.S. in the music industry whenever he can. He rubs some people the wrong way and may not even make music you like. But I think he’s hands down one of the most enjoyable interviews to listen to regarding the music industry.
Russ will always have my respect. The ability for someone to make 11 albums, only attain 1,000 followers, and still pursue a career making music is a level of confidence that I can appreciate from afar. Imagine having so much conviction in your ability to reach your dreams that you don’t quit and try a different path after releasing 11 projects. He released more music than some artists do in their entire careers before his TuneCore ever started paying the bills.
Russ is the antithesis to the music industry. Long known for trapping artists into bad deals, Russ has created the best deal ever within the music industry: complete ownership. There is no advance money that needs to be paid back, there is no royalty split that leaves an artist years away from seeing money from streams, there is no section in a contract detailing how he will only be keeping 50% of his touring money. He keeps all of it. 100%. Complete ownership.
I think one of the reasons why I enjoyed listening to Russ in interviews so much is because I can relate so much to his come up. I spent five years making over one hundred videos on KZbin with no views or income and less than 1,000 followers. Russ made songs, I made videos. We both believed in ourselves to keep making product even when the market hadn’t caught on. I wrote, produced, and made all of my KZbin videos and own 100% of the media. The entire income comes to my bank account. Complete ownership.
Once Russ started to blow, he did sign a distribution deal to Columbia Records. But here’s the difference. At that point, he had a large fanbase spending money on his product. He had a large fanbase streaming his music. He was making more money than he could ever spend. Most importantly, he had the leverage. He could walk from a deal if they didn’t accept his terms. It turns out, they did.
Unfortunately, all new artists aren’t in position to make 11 albums before making any money. Most new artists need to pay the bills and want to pursue music full time. So they sign the deal. And some blow up, most don’t.
If you’ve been paying attention at all, Russ has been providing the blueprint for being one of the most financially successful artists in the industry today. And he did it his way. Love him or hate him, he’s been preaching complete ownership for many years. If new artists begin following the Russ model, we may see deals start to favor artists more. Until then, Russ is going to keep sharing the blueprint with anyone who will listen.
Resources used:
Forbes: • Russ: How I Maintained...
Russ: • Russ On The Music Indu...
• Russ On The Industry B...
VladTV: • Russ Says Artists are ...
Pull Up Joe Budden: • Pull Up Season 2 Episo...
• Russ On Why He's Hated...
Big Boy TV: • Russ on 'Shake The Sno...
Steve Stoute: • Steve Stoute and Russ ...
Vlad TV: • Russ: Music Game is No...
Tags:
Russ,how the music industry works,how the music industry works documentary,how the music business works,how the music industry screws over artists,music industry,music business,record labels,record label,how to get a record deal,record deal,360 deal,360 contract,how does the music business work,how to learn the music business,music business 101,music business explained,music business tips,360 contract deal,360 contracts music industry,russ rapper,hip hop

[@rodrickchiwundura2588]

He's really trying to put people on game and the industry hates him for it

[@ThatFitchGuy]

He knows his shit for sure.

what i wanna is how do people find these artists?

[@1_Lando]

@gid people need to stop being so emotional and take the info they need and apply it

[@swankm9821]

@@1_Lando It's not always what you're saying but sometimes how you're saying. True wisdom is knowing that both matter.

[@kiddiessecretecorner1msubs523]

Dude needs special protection for all these interviews

[@Bmproductions1]

That random person who likes this will be come a millionaire one day

[@SDSYRT]

shut up.. you have to sell your soul to get millions... just be happy to make 40k a year..

[@juulmusicofficialpage]

me lol

[@e.t.9868]

@@SDSYRT Good enough for me since I'm an atheist and don't believe in souls so ya.

[@lajmoneyyoung]

I AM

[@raimondainsar4519]

@@e.t.9868 but you belive in this superstition? ,, Say left go right

[@josephnalieth9064]

Conspiracy: All of the 'Russ is trash' memes were paid advertising by the industry to try and thwart his following.

[@dnp7556]

Russ said when he was a meme, he was making bank cos everyone knew who he was

[@Gainsforlife]

Plot twist: Russ paid for that meme campaign himself

[@JustSub]

​@Anthony Salerno I doubt anyone bought the memes, but I like his music and mad respect for being a solo artists

[@jarry8150]

Russ posted this comment to his insta haha

[@anishpatel3118]

Russ posted this lmao

[@divaprincess98]

This is why, as flawed as KZbin, Spotify, Pandora, and SoundCloud are, I admire the fact that they’re giving young artists the tools to be successful independent from predatory record companies.

[@dennisdobrovolsky9810]

Spotify is saving the music industry almost single-handedly. Wake up people come on 😂

[@LildawgBigbite]

@@dennisdobrovolsky9810 saving? You mean destroying right? Please tell me that was a mis-type

[@sauweepnelson7747]

@@LildawgBigbite how destroying

[@MichaelWashingtonAE]

As a performing/recording musician and music educator for the last 26 years, I have to say that Spotify and streaming under all of the streaming pay out rates since the beginning is now helping us. It's actually hurting musicians and composers/songwriters. We make parts of parts of a part of a penny per every 1000 streams if, IF... we are 100% I dependent and we do all the work on promo/marketing and publishing and own all rights. If you're with a label, you get even a smaller piece of the pie. We would make more selling 300 album downloads/vinyl LP's/CDs than having 3,000,000 streams of 1 song.... It's hurting us. Do you have any idea how much studio time costs?! How much it costs for engineers to record, the cost for mixing expeculially if you're diversifying with streaming, medium quality digital downloads and hi quality (flac) and vinyl?!

[@thisisaviva]

Love this video, I preach independence everyday!!! It’s been just under 3 years since my first release and now I’ve just passed 2 billion streams across DSPs all independently, I’ve met with every major label in North America and swear I’ll never sign my masters away. Believe in yourself and don’t give away your art for free. I’m from Australia and I guarantee you I earn more than just about any Australia artist but I’m relatively unknown to the mainstream, but what matters to me is having sustaining career and owning all of my art!!! Russ’s way is the future 🙌🏼💛🔥

[@shahilgupta8176]

You have such awesome songs. I love them so much. ❤

[@rrxcccx5657]

I just wanna know how do u release your songs in Spotify etc without a label record please answer me

[@stannisbarracuda5693]

gonna check out your music

[@rrxcccx5657]

@@harmacy4252 I have heard that distrokid stole money from people without they feel

[@sthoughtsarchive2791]

You have a sick artstyle tbh

[@TheWinterShadow]

Prince was someone who pushed ownership long before most people today.

[@TheHuskyK9]

Good for him and glad that his message is being pushed harder than ever today

[@YannickMakesmusic123]

Support independent artists and sub to my channel please 🙌🏿💯 1 click of a button and its free. Spread love.

[@periseanbaltimore4064]

100% correct

[@TheRaissarenee]

Facts he isn’t doing anything new

[@asheru9254]

After the label screwed him up

[@hansonel]

I truly believe independent artists are the future of the music industry despite how difficult it is to make it. Love how Russ is calling out the fakes within the industry (rap and pop)

[@klikitzsmith8416]

The'll be fked soon, first they lost sales because of napster so the started turning to taxing artists tours. When artists wake up and realise they can write produce and colab all by computer lables will be obselete. Theyll be the ambulance chasers of the music world.

[@Iron-Bridge]

They need to learn the system and the tech and the background logistics. But that's too much hard work for the average sheep. The ones that win that mental struggle and have actual talent win at the game.

[@YannickMakesmusic123]

Support independent artists and sub to my channel please 🙌🏿💯 1 click of a button and its free. Spread love.

[@Chrisfury_]

He’s not Independent

[@kukit10k]

Support and listen to local artist , check my channel out (literally cost nothing if you already on here) just a click away , thanks 🙏🏽

[@johntorri9172]

He reminds me a lot of how Nipsey Hussle went about creating "leverage" and then owning his masters before labels. Great Video!

[@GreenHypnotic]

He was influenced by him, he said it a few times

[@rks5457]

For sure. Mac Miller too.

[@theherbpuffer]

There's a lot of great successful independent artists out there... Kota the Friend, Curren$y, Larry June, Dom Kennedy, Money Man, Le$, Mick Jenkins, Saba, Joey Badass, Earl Sweatshirt, etc.

[@nickepic1863]

Label will never sign you if they don't get at least 50% of the rights.

[@camillesmickle]

King Von too

[@DonnyJ]

Russ is my spirit animal. I adopted his release model and have already seen huge progress in just over a year. It works but the only catch is, it's ruthless consistency. You gotta be really driven to go for it. Goodluck to all artists out there!

[@romanvice]

LMAO you said Russ is your spirit animal. Cheers, and good luck to you as well.

[@ajayburra6958]

Can someone help me understand, what is the release model? When he said single albums every week is that single every week?

[@romanvice]

@@ajayburra6958 he released a single online every week. This was back when he was mostly on soundcloud.com

[@ajayburra6958]

@@romanvice - Neat. Thanks.

[@Quaquadaqu]

Russ is trash

[@elireshaud]

No advance money no royalty split no section in contract detailing keeping only 50% - completely 100% ownership - planned and manifested. It can happen to you and it will. Believe

[@slicetee3985]

🍺🍹🍸🥃🥤🤙

[@mudnocchio]

💯🙌🏾⏳

[@veganvocalist4782]

That’s the ONLY way to keep your art for real 🙌🏽

[@TheGuniverse2k]

🙌🙌🙌

[@iamgreatness6649]

thanks luv

[@ahriik]

Anyone else wanna see Spencer do an interview with Russ?

[@dennislacroix9962]

Great idea

[@JonnySelProductions]

Yes!

[@RealSergiob466]

Yes

[@thegreat517]

Who is therennnbj

[@jacobhensleymusic]

Yes! This has to happen soon 💪

[@exyl_sounds]

the fax in this were straighter than burj khalifa. Stay independent

[@ireadysucks3026]

yo flute gang

[@beautifulcaramelman]

📠

[@ireadysucks3026]

@Three Stacks what

[@zacharypack770]

Fax? You mean facts? A fax is a communication sent through an electric code that allows a machine to print out the encryption. Stop, stop trying to change language

[@zacharypack770]

@@beautifulcaramelman no one cares, yet you felt compelled to respond, showing, you do in fact care. Predictable.

[@GG_Booboo]

A lot of these artists don’t have a good budget plan (and are illiterate in terms of financial management), are surrounded by yes people hence the brokenness, bankruptcy

[@itsme-ih2cx]

what about cardi b

[@YannickMakesmusic123]

Support independent artists and sub to my channel please 🙌🏿💯 1 click of a button and its free. Spread love.

[@unoaofficial]

Xt55ffyg 7 hhacaaxu 7 h),8y(

[@yourlandladysson6395]

Yes true. They even spend b4 they get. The record label give them all sorts of goodies to make sure they drown in debt

[@casucasueq4479]

Bling bling.

[@MattBangsWood]

Who's here from Russ' stories?

[@prod.bycadence6792]

Im looking for a pop smoke type sample

[@Weber1987]

@Anglitu TechTM or they could just Go to their own profile and... Tap Settings. Tap Account. Tap Request Verification. Fill in the application form. Your legal name. Your “known as” or working name (if applicable) ... Tap Send. Why the fuck they need you to do shit for em....who are you supposed to be 🤣 👎

[@northfork7201]

Is this a trend 🤔 😳

[@solarblaze7958]

North Fork nope i guess its for learning

[@OpTubeShorts]

@@YannickMakesmusic123 not this. Don't self promote pls

[@paulsabbath1]

He describe stockholm syndrome without knowing whats is stockholm syndrome!

[@borisn.1346]

💯. I love Russ, he's doing it his way and navigating the industry in a shrewd way.

[@full-timepog6844]

I mean the syndrome existed before the word was created.

[@kaputasri]

@dread true i think it was coined after a bank robbery/hostage situation in stockholm.

[@user-xb6dk4zl7l]

He has probably heard of it before and didn't know the term or maybe he wanted to put it in layman terms for the viewers.

[@mackeejack6731]

he explained it well enough. no one gives a fuck that you learned about it freshman year of college

[@martinking4615]

I'm very impressed ...at 22 he already put out 11 projects

[@jg1692]

@Pete bruh u didn’t listen to it yet

[@IIOctaneII]

@@jg1692 no

[@YoungGrizzly]

Probably the most important thing about his story is his support structure. To be able to tour then come back home means he had a strong foundation to launch from. That is extremely important. I'm glad he spoke about it.

[@TheGuniverse2k]

Very key🎯🎯🎯

[@JNJ1014]

His family didn't have money though, he had a home to come to after touring bc he was paying his family's rent.

[@nathanmgumba1752]

@@JNJ1014 a strong foundation doesn’t mean a rich family bro

[@mikedoyle7300]

Probably a trust fund kid. How did he support himself.?

[@felipepareja6085]

Might not like Russ music but he is a goat for this and has my respect

[@WilsonLee123]

Not too many people have the hustle to produce so much work AND the business savvy. Good on Russ.

[@YannickMakesmusic123]

Support independent artists and sub to my channel please 🙌🏿💯 1 click of a button and its free. Spread love. !

[@kukit10k]

Support and listen to local artist , check my channel out (literally cost nothing if you already on here) just a click away , thanks 🙏🏽

[@Azr721]

Short answer: Because he didn't sell his soul.

[@Lhoyte1]

Oh brother 🙄

[@nomoregoodlife1255]

8:26 RUSS didn't need the "safety net" of a new deal because he has a loving family with both "parents". A solid family structure provides stability. Only when we feel safe and comfortable in the moment can we clearly think about the future. I f/w RUSS on this toppic too just wanted to clarify that point

[@marcakkuskickinwing6450]

you obvi dont listen to russ...

[@nomoregoodlife1255]

@@marcakkuskickinwing6450 its amazing how much you know about me from reading a few words under a youtube comment. How will i die marc the wise oracle of the web 🔮😱 ✨

[@marcakkuskickinwing6450]

​@@nomoregoodlife1255 parkstone drive

[@nomoregoodlife1255]

@@marcakkuskickinwing6450 lets make a promise to one-another not to give up ♥

[@YannickMakesmusic123]

Support independent artists and sub to my channel please 🙌🏿💯 1 click of a button and its free. Spread love.

[@Urian94]

In his song “What They Want”, a lot of the lyrics was basically the description of his reality. It talked about what he’s been saying.

[@jamildally]

MIX MASTERED ENGINEERED WRITTEN BY RUSS.

[@vladimirmendoza2645]

you're damn right

[@thatbrilliantguy9375]

And Produced by Russ

[@sthoughtsarchive2791]

Lmao

[@Kingjohan_]

I do the same with my brother 👍🏾

[@darshanh1689]

And performed 🥰

[@oxwah]

Not my kind of music, but I have a lot of respect for Russ. He succeeded because he believed in his talent, understood the industry, and found the ideal distribution method to get the most exposure. A lot of musicians, regardless of genre, see that initial $$$ contract, blow through it, and end up captive to their contracts.

[@ColinsCity]

i have been releasing music for 10 years and within the last 3 years i have started to see success, with this year being my most successful. Russ does have a right to be arrogant because he spent so much time on his own believing in himself and making it happen for himself while being ignored by mainstream .

[@SpeedyUsher]

He makes painfully average music. Who the hell is he to front on anyone? He's not that good.

[@ColinsCity]

@@SpeedyUsher I haven't heard any of his music but I do know that the industry and mainstream always ignore independent artists unless the artist makes music that deem independent

[@YannickMakesmusic123]

Support independent artists and sub to my channel please 🙌🏿💯 1 click of a button and its free. Spread love.

[@fokyu1188]

@@SpeedyUsher tbh if you actually listen to his music then you would know that he doesn’t make average music

[@SpeedyUsher]

@@fokyu1188 I DID actually listen to his music. What are you talking about?

[@AdityaTripathi]

Preach! I've started on the independent route quite recently, yes I think about signing to labels sometimes but then I realize that I have no requirement of one, I live with my parente, my bills aren't high. Being from India, mainstream is a very important part but making connections can get you there. Got nationally featured a few days ago on the radio with my third release, anyone can do it as long as you believe in yourself. You got this! Keep grinding!

[@vikramvm783]

Hii... I'm really interested in music.. Please send me your insta id.. I would like to contact you

[@ziparis]

VERY few people are willing (or able) to put that kind of work in.

[@StaceyFoxx]

This is it!

[@ziparis]

@A B Well, yes - in the UK a lot of bands go on welfare. Sting famously did so. And I'm guessing Russ's priority was his music rather than starting a family... and frankly, I've met a lot of people who aren't willing to go through severe hardships in order to break through - not everyone can handle that.

[@Gainsforlife]

Even those who go to school and take out student loans for music I see it they graduate and give up. They graduate and slow down

[@ziparis]

@@Gainsforlife It can be really hard to keep going if you don't see any tangible results.

[@YannickMakesmusic123]

Support independent artists and sub to my channel please 🙌🏿💯 1 click of a button and its free. Spread love.

[@BNCWRLD]

It’s crazy how I was growing up and everyone was blackballing Ross, like if you were supposed to hate the man for no apparent reason... If the industry can’t control you then they try to destroy you! Stay save may God bless you all!

[@princeothello4153]

A music revolutionary. More power to him. Music labels screw over those who have a passion to make music.

[@mudnocchio]

@@YannickMakesmusic123 stay gold, any day now ⏳🙌🏾💯

[@YannickMakesmusic123]

@@mudnocchio ✊🏾✊🏾✊🏾 thanks man. Everyone gotta eat.

[@soap6633]

I love how over 10 years of no label and gaining leverage he didn’t even fully sign completely he partnered*** that’s very impressive and you gotta give respect.

[@Em22-wtf]

Ryan Upchurch did it totally independent and even met with a big label just to expose their bs and tell them to fk off 😉😂 Upchurch has been doing it forever and telling his fans how, WITHOUT the industry. It just sucks that none of these new artists listen to these guys.

[@Em22-wtf]

Ryan Upchurch did it totally independent and even met with a big label just to expose their bs and tell them to fk off 😉😂 Upchurch has been doing it forever and telling his fans how, WITHOUT the industry. It just sucks that none of these new artists listen to these guys.

[@webdevessentials]

Even if someone is not making songs but still is an artist or passionate about something, this is the way to go. Have proof of what you are all about

[@Itsboyprince]

True

[@michiejewel5989]

True

[@chrisofnottingham]

Back in the 80's you needed a label because it cost a lot of money to record and press vinyl and then you needed distribution to get it into shops and contacts to get radio play and there were no other options other than being a local pub band. But today with digital media all of the production and marketing is easily within your power. So it kind of amazes me that labels still get away with it.

[@bellaschwabe6789]

Félix Gallardo had warrants dating back to 1976 idk why they started the show in 1980. Don Neto/Mentor was trafficking heroin by 1973. Rafa was growing weed in 1972 Félix Gallardo tenía órdenes judiciales que se remontaban a 1976, sin saber por qué comenzaron el programa en 1980. Don Neto traficaba heroína en 1973. Rafa cultivaba marihuana en 1972.

[@leyenda6149]

These vids are SO ENTERTAINING & INFORMATIVE. I'm addicted to this channel

[@ThatFitchGuy]

The music industry ones are so interesting. Didn't realise how messed up it really was.

[@ThatFitchGuy]

@@YannickMakesmusic123 this ain't it.

[@kukit10k]

Support and listen to local artist , check my channel out (literally cost nothing if you already on here) just a click away , thanks 🙏🏽

[@theherbpuffer]

Interview Kota the Friend, he did the same thing. He would drop like a song a week or upload one of his 'lyrics to go'. After a few years and a couple albums later, he's finally starting to catch the buzz he deserves.

[@KeithRobTV]

Sometimes all we need is a basement and a small support group that believes us. That alone is enough to have headspace n be productive

[@KeithRobTV]

@Austin Findley Same!

[@dripgawd27]

facts!

[@Hitemrightandleft]

The fact i never heard of him says enough about the influence labels have

[@FriendofDorothy]

Inspiring narrative? Perhaps, but for every savvy super-hustler like this guy there are thousands who are just wasting their time and money on a dream that will not ever pan out. That's show biz, as they say... enter at your own risk.

[@ChadRockwell]

The difference with people who are successful and those who are not is usually patience. Sure, luck, talent and connections all play a roll but the people who are dedicated to their craft usually make it in some form or another. At the very least paying the bills. Too many people see and want the lifestyle, those people give up when results don't come right away. The people who value what they are doing who have patience don't care if it takes a year, 10 years, 20 years 🤷‍♂️ Its a business, plenty of people arent successful in building one but those who are usually failed a few other things before finally getting it right

[@YannickMakesmusic123]

Support independent artists and sub to my channel please 🙌🏿💯 1 click of a button and its free. Spread love.

[@dewd4479]

Just look into who Russ' pops is

[@SAINTxSZN]

@@ChadRockwell They don't give up they just aren't good enough

[@connor9613]

As much as I dislike Russ as a person... I must respect the path he's paved for independent artists

[@garyisrael5193]

Ya know whatever you don't like about another person you dislike about yourself or feel you lack that....

[@garyisrael5193]

@coosee :v Your welcome anytime. Might I also suggest therapy? I hear it it works wonders

[@dopetokeman3171]

I’ve never really been a fan of his music but this dude really know how the game works and he shouts it from the roof top for anyone to hear it. That’s commendable.

[@athi-enkosimapukata1478]

I respect his spirit, his hard work, ambition and dedication!!!🔥

[@successwithstacee9290]

Every musical artist should know what they are getting in to up front before signing a deal.

[@minoa1049]

if you are broke and someone offers you a deal saying "drake got this deal" it seems hard for most people to control their excitement. But people like Russ help cool people off. But if i may be honest, it's only a few mil, plus the idea that things you don't need will make you happy is bs. Instead of people complaining how labels get most of the money, i'd rather see people happy with a few hundred k a year and be passionate about spreading good music, that's the goal isn't it?

[@YannickMakesmusic123]

Support independent artists and sub to my channel please 🙌🏿💯 1 click of a button and its free. Spread love.

[@Renzii]

Can somebody give me an example of a deal that record labels make?

[@illvillain7139]

@@Renzii checkout "Beef pt 1" 50 Cent talked about a deal in which he received 💰 but had to pay certain people & was only left w/a couple of hundred dollars.

[@Iujjdjcbjrujgsm]

My dad always told me that before signing something i better fucking read and know what i am signing for

[@brad2812]

Much respect to Russ. Never knew all of this. Very intelligent dude. Tom Macdonald is another one that’s fully independent and blowing up the charts. He hates record labels etc. definitely have so much respect for both of them and anyone putting in the work to succeed and not selling out signing their soul away

[@Mike_Hunt-k7c]

Russ is my man!!! He beat the system and has made millions! You can't hate the man, only respect!

[@PandemikProductions]

I love how he's trying to put money in the pockets of the people who actually DESERVE IT

[@haitianchick5091]

Did KZbin really put a 50 min ad on this video? 🤦🏽‍♀️🤦🏽‍♀️

[@johnmax7991]

are you joking or you got a 50 minute ad?

[@haitianchick5091]

@@johnmax7991 no joke, I had to do a double take & the next one was 40 mins 😑

[@johnmax7991]

@@haitianchick5091 wow that's ridiculous

[@haitianchick5091]

@@johnmax7991 beyond ridiculous

[@vladimirmendoza2645]

i have adblocker so i wouldn't know....

[@charlottebyrd4967]

It’s the same way in the publishing industry. I’m an indie author and it took me a few years to scale up to $100k a year profit but i have sold over 1 million books and hit seven figures a year in profit last year. I publish between 10-12 books a year, almost one a month. I do my own translations and run all of my own Facebook, Amazon, Bookbub ads. It’s a hustle but I get 70% split from Amazon and other stores. A good publishing contract is $100k advance for 3 books and now most people get $5k advance. Publishers publish 1 book a year and all writers who aren’t independent (and not James Patterson etc) have to have full time jobs doing something else. It has been a grind for the last 5 years but I love it. I love to write and there are a ton of people just like me who are indies. I’m not sure what kind of deal I’d have to get to sign a contract but it would have to be pretty amazing because I have so much leverage and I know how much my books sell and how much I’m worth.

[@ksway8471]

Thank you for putting me onto Russ

[@vladimirmendoza2645]

whats your favorite album so far?

[@jonahrangel2013]

Damn I didn’t even know this definitely makes me like him more

[@vkain100]

Leverage is something I wish I had whenever I find myself looking for a new job.

[@GK222_]

You'd think that our thousands of dollars of education would give us that right. But it doesn't. This world is twisted

[@Kat.Evangeline]

Well there is certainly something disgusting about Billie Elish's success. My daughter said she was an Industry plant.

[@anomaly2422]

Ive always f** with Russ, he’s unique and always putting good consistent songs & he gets hate 😂 like why tho also Russ is on his own meaning he’s confident and doesn’t need nobody’s shit

[@michaeldavis2039]

@Jose Godinez you just answered your own question dude! Russ is on his own meaning, is confident and doesn't take sh*t from anyone. He can demand his own terms and the industry cannot own him....that's why they hate him.

[@MrYugideck]

Russ isnt an angel. He ist aggressive and rude. Look up some more details. I started disliking him when I found out he jumped a podcast host that critizized him.

[@anomaly2422]

@@MrYugideck ur acting like celebrity haven’t done that too stop riding the bandwagon hate

[@marvelman8996]

@@MrYugideck maybe the podcast host deserved it lol

[@1_Lando]

@@MrYugideck grow a pair

[@GoodxJ]

I've always RUSSpected Russ since the beginning! Truly a legendary artist.

[@khalilmuhammad6823]

Tech Nine & Hopsin laid the blueprint for making it independently.

[@KeithRobTV]

Hopsin had investors tho so he still had some help

[@Blackowl44]

@@KeithRobTV you can still be independent with investors you can’t even start a business without any start up capital etc

[@Blackowl44]

@@KeithRobTV Russ ain’t do it alone either

[@eeski7517]

Nah, Master P, Too short, JT THE BIGGA FIGGA, and E-40 been did that.

[@ShotsMerkzAll]

Who invested in Hopsin?

[@MadeJaLook]

RUUUSSSSS I put videos on Myspace and made youtube what it is, I created this for RUSS ME I DID - "Soulja Boy"

[@ROJORMG]

I LOVE Russ. You DON'T have to like his music. He's incredible. I drop a song every week & I will continue to becuase I have an unhealthy obsession, love and passion for music. I didn't know just how much he had to do it before he blew up. Thank you for this video it's going to keep me going! To every independant artist, doing that real hustle. LETS WORK, LETS FLIP OFF THE INDUSTRY WHILE WE AT IT XD

[@spencershipley4349]

Not a fan of his music, but I'm a big fan of how he did it all his way. His business knowledge is incredible

[@leyenda6149]

Plz consider doing a piece on the wave of artists that peaked a few years back: Drake, Rihanna, Nikki, some smaller ones. What were their record deals like. Has anyone hot by 360 deals walked away in the black after the limelight fades?

[@rojanrayamajhi6610]

90%rappers go broke because of the bad deal

[@rickeybernard8156]

Russ is a man I respect highly. How can you not after hearing his story?

[@SAINTxSZN]

Lots people hate on innocent people you might even be one of those haters

[@JeffreyMarr]

Tried getting into Russ music, and it's not for me. But I love the man. He actually has an audiobook that's great and discusses his mindset. Fantastic addition to my library

[@larrytron1992]

I've been involved in various music scenes in the UK and I've seen countless musicians trying to break into the oversaturated industry and trying everything under the sun to become popular just the people they see on TV. The sad thing is they're so focused on trying to be the next Ed Sheeran or Adele that they don't focus on what's important: their music and skills. It breaks my heart when you realise they're only after the jetset lifestyle, money and respect but have virtually no understanding what really goes on behind the scenes or what it truly takes to get to the top. They don't like hearing that they are essentially an investment to those record labels and they NEED TO produce a positive return otherwise there will be consequences. The desperation for fame, wealth and respect causes people to resort to desperate measures just so they get as close as they can to that "dream".

[@xsteveconwayx]

That’s why I love bands like NOFX and The Vandals. Not only did they never sign to a major label, but they started their own indie labels and gave other bands a chance to make a living in the music industry without fucking them over. From what I understand, most of the album sales go to the musicians.

[@belladimanno]

So true

[@markymars]

The guy is just passionate bout his shit he knows he’s worth💪🏾

[@MattyMilligan]

Tai Lopez: Knowledge Russ: Leverage

[@mrrohitjadhav470]

Tai lopez is scam Watch his curb video

[@li3htning825]

This might be a dumb question but how is he making money when he’s not signed to a deal. Is it off KZbin views? Is it from Spotify streams? I am asking because I want to know how it’s possible to do this.

[@SpeedyUsher]

Unless he's doing virtual shows or something else outside of music, he's starving just most artists.

[@AkhilNova]

Hey Spencer, also recommend checking out his book "Get Out of Your Way". A short and digestable read. Love the videos, man. You give us youtubers inspiration to keep going. I found you when you dropped that "Why your favorite artist is broke" video and just like Russ, i think that was your break out moment on this platform.

[@cwhitc]

The south has been independent since 1986, this dude just followed the blueprint. Big ups to Russ but he didn’t start anything.

[@ArtemisUnderscoreJ]

Exactly. Lol Master P immediately comes to mind.

[@GeoZero]

Great video. Never heard of Russ until now. And though it's not my go to music that he creates, he has a great down to earth real attitude. He's definitely a real inspiration that we can all learn from . Way to go Russ... keep dropping them gems. All the best.

[@matinajazmine]

The most disappointing are the artists who buy streams its annoying

[@justinhenryrebel]

Labels do it for every artist they sign to get them hot and the perception. I’ve been around those streaming farms.

[@matinajazmine]

@@justinhenryrebel its sad

[@dejesus360]

Didn't Macklemore do this before Russ? Macklemore put out the song "Jimmy Iovine" talking about his experience with labels. He became big without a major label...

[@vladimirmendoza2645]

if that's all he did then that's nowhere near what Russ did and has done. it literally had to be a fucking miracle for Russ too blow up and keep people coming back to listen to "one song albums" before he started putting out full length studio albums again

[@dejesus360]

I've personally never heard of Russ, but much respect to him. It's an accomplishment to do what he did. I hope more artists go the route of skipping label contracts!

[@KemicalKiddMUSIC]

Macklemore isnt the first and if he was (but he isnt) no one really says it compared to Russ. Theres other independent artist that got big on their own in the past like Hopsin or tech9 and if you wanna go OG then Ludacris and DJ Jazzy Jeff. So, Macklemore def not the first.

[@Gainsforlife]

Subtract 30 points for mentioning Macklemore

[@devaughnsalter7379]

@Tyrone jacobs jr Ludacris was around before he got signed...hence the name of his first album.

[@hoodyk7342]

Dude still didnt have to work a job and pay his bills though, he lived at his mommys house untill he was 27 lol

[@JonnySelProductions]

First time I've ever heard of Russ, and he's already an inspiration to me. Mad props to him getting to where he is now.

[@Omanjisinkala]

thats dope i dropped 114 songs this year alone with close to know growth but i believe i will be big in the music business

[@DavidTrumbly]

Russ doesn't understand tax brackets lmao. But overall decent content here.

[@ThatFitchGuy]

I thought that too... but his hearts in the right place.

[@flyingsnake3737]

What is it that he doesnt understand about tax brackets ? Someone that makes 700k a year is potentially being taxed at almost a 50 percent rate depending on the circumstances. In the State of California for example, someone with that amount of income would take around 363k after deductions. So that puts you on a "50 percent tax bracket" plainly speaking.

[@xsteveconwayx]

For people not understanding how tax brackets work, if you make $1mil, they don’t tax the full $1mil at 50%. They tax the first $30,000 at 20%, the amount from $30,001 to $50,000 at 30%, $50,001 to $80,000 at 40%, etc. I’m using arbitrary numbers. They don’t tax the entire amount at a single tax rate. You end up being taxed less than if you were taxed 50% on the entire $1 mil. Yes, you would be in a higher tax bracket, but only for the money made over the previous tax bracket. I hope that wasn’t too confusing.

[@larryyuk3261]

@@xsteveconwayx it is confusing

[@SAINTxSZN]

@@xsteveconwayx If they taxed 50% that's just taking half your money...that's a lot no matter how much you're making

[@m-1796]

Rich the factor and tech n9ne been independent for over 30 years.they been showing the route.

[@sinaloawolf4686]

I've been watching Russ's videos across SM and he's got balls. My kinda vibe

[@bradycrosby1705]

Russ is just saying the same thing many other artists have said previous to him and then pretending it’s something revolutionary and game-changing when in reality rappers been knowing they’re exploited. This is just fake intellectualism, and that’s a lot of people’s problem with Russ

[@bjornbaker5998]

I’ve heard of his takes more than his music

[@thisisfucked8665]

Its unfortunate because ive barely been discovered by anyone for a few years and it definitely makes you feel like the music industry is only lead by the mainstream boring artists who release the same "hit" year around. and yeah a few artists get discovered here and there but never break commercial success.

[@macks8132]

preach!

[@hannesproductions4302]

Do a collab with Graham Stephen. He just moved to Vegas.

[@Angel-qi4py]

8:26 what Russ says is sooooo true. everyone has 3 minutes of time to listen to a song, but when someone releases an hour album it gets boring after like 6 songs in that you start skimming through the songs. so it’s hard to figure out the better songs from the worse in an entire album. releasing 1 song a week you figure out if you like it, if you like it you have the week to listen to a new song you like then next week comes another, if you don’t like the song you can just wait for next week and hope it’s better, which gets your hopes up for his new song.

[@Nessgui]

Absolutely in love with your music industry videos, hope we'll see more ! One on Nipsey Hussle would be great for his independance in music, his different business ventures and his social entrepreneur mindset.

[@Nahvsss]

U should talk about aftertheparty. He's independent and actually just puts music out, that's it. And it's working for him

[@bigripintheface7369]

Hi spencer, great video! I wanted to mention another artist that you should check out who recently got out of his contract with Warner Bros. and became independent again. His name is Phora!

[@jackryan716]

What if he's controlled opposition. What if this was all planned like he said but not what you think. What if the major record labels are behind his success. It's interesting that Kylie Jenner would play his music and give him that platform especially if he is not part of the cult. They need to show people rising up from the ashes. They have to show the illusion of success, everything is planned including success stories. Why? Because there needs to be an illusion that anyone can make it in the industry. Of course it's possible. But the barrier of entry is very difficult as regulations as well as companies that have a major stranglehold on that industry can prevent you from advancing further.

[@Em22-wtf]

Ya, but others have done it and openly talk about it. Ryan Upchurch is one of them.

[@Ivan_Lopez1]

Russ strategy is not new. Nipsey hussle was one if the First to master it. You should if did a video on nipsey instead. He make russ plan look like childs play

[@alwayscreatingio]

Russ has praised Nipsey a lot in the past, I think that’s how he first thought about being independent

[@jackeylynch]

Funny thing.. Why aren't artists structuring their deals like loans on purpose.. ? Or getting their deals to be collateral toward a bank loan for the same amount? That way you keep the tax man away.. if i have to recoup.. then it's a loan and should be a loan product.. you don't pay taxes on loans.. have a "fee" that is paid back on top of the loan... a fee that can be justified.. and gives the artist and the artist's team the ability to be more financially sound and know what's being paid back..

[@orlock20]

That might be why hip hop is so popular yet full of one and done acts on the Hot 100 now. The "artists" are often young, dumb and blitzed out on drugs. For instance, the labels give the act $50,000 in a contract that says the act owes the label $500,000. The act is so hyped over money they have never seen before that they don't bother telling anybody they can't read.

[@gobbiz1]

Super DOPE and relatable content. Hope people listen. Equity is the prime asset. Slow and lonely road but hands down the right way to do it. Russ figured out the game. Great job!

[@renaissauce228]

Hey Russ just shouted this video out on his story, he said it was fire! 🔥

[@standupp4755]

dudes get a little clout and lose they mind, we get it "rags" to riches

[@OutcoldFella]

Russ Speaks tha Fuckin "Truth" this is one of tha guys has awaken me about how tha music industry works he's very inspirational 💯

[@xsteveconwayx]

I’ve never heard of this guy, but I don’t listen to rap, so that’s no surprise. But man is that an interesting story. I want to learn more about this guy.

[@yeet9320]

Honestly I wouldn’t. He followed me on Instagram a while ago and I hit him up and he was just a complete dick towards me even though all I said was I liked on of his songs lmao

[@meee3891]

He sings to not just rap

[@yeet9320]

@Que_Rico well you ain’t wrong. I agree with your Logic

[@giannicarandang]

@@yeet9320 he never followed you stop capping and spreading false information you're a nobody he only follows 700 people

[@yeet9320]

@@giannicarandang it was on my old insta that got deactivated. I commented on one of his vids he posted. I think it was other side. He saw my comment, liked it and followed me. I hit him up after saying how good his music was and how I listen to his music all the time. He messaged back a fat minute later saying how these fans are annoying af and how he doesn't care about his fan base

[@weston7trillion]

"You signing to a label where they treat you like a slave" - Denzel Curry on PERCS | PERCZ

[@magentasound_]

Russ's music is so boring to me but I really appreciate this about him

[@ewanssoman6321]

Are you deaf

[@khalilmuhammad6823]

@@ewanssoman6321 People have different taste. I think Russ is trash too. You can not like the person's music, but still respect them.

[@ewanssoman6321]

@@khalilmuhammad6823 my fav rapper is canibus guy who can outrap any rapper on multiple levels.But I still rock Russ music just for the sick beats and hype songs .

[@sunny9051]

if he was a tad bit original and didn't put up a fascade which he is not .. he would have been more liked.. but dude probably makes more money so our argument is not really valid

[@SpeedyUsher]

@@YannickMakesmusic123 Face ass

[@ArunExplorer]

I never heard any song from this guy... This is the very first time I'm hearing his name... But still he got my utmost Respect for just the way he understands money and it's effects in long term... 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@jhallawesome]

*keeps talking about how russ made11albums before he blew up* Russ then talks about how people only listen to singles so he was going to make one song albums 😂

[@csmemarketing]

Now I understand why people hate (American) Russ. Now I like Russ even more. People are jealous when you're confident and when you have ability to execute moves to make your dream come true.

[@MultiSuiton]

they're mad cuz he made it on his own, without any help and he exposes these rappers that are popular but are dead broke

[@wtfdidijustwatch5053]

1:30 the term he’s looking for is “Stockholm syndrome”.

[@RichChanLikesTacos]

Russ is talented Even though i dont like all of his music its great I love independent artists as well, hopefully they get more spotlight as alot have been getting ive noticed 💀💜

[@MarieHolliday]

He is awake and no the power of his craft and he is aware the industry is demonic, and he was not willing to sell his soul for alleged fake world.