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

[@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!

[@realromanvice]

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?

[@realromanvice]

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

[@ajayburra6958]

@@realromanvice - Neat. Thanks.

[@Quaquadaqu]

Russ is trash

[@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

[@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.

[@Suzie-April]

King Von too

[@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.?

[@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

[@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

[@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

[@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 🙏🏽

[@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

[@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 🙏🏽

[@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.

[@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 🙏🏽

[@Dancerboyjr]

Thanks!

[@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?

[@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.

[@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.

[@ericdavidwallace]

This is the best video on KZbin thank God for us. I hope to be the next one. I have tried for five years as an independent artist with no luck but I know my time is coming soon. Soon as I get one hit I’ll be on my way I shot over 800 videos from my KZbin channel and release three albums all by myself.

[@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.

[@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 💪

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@desiotaku8890]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@ksway8471]

Thank you for putting me onto Russ

[@vladimirmendoza2645]

whats your favorite album so far?

[@MasonWav]

You’re about to reach your 100,000 subs🙌 Love the content, man. Very informative.

[@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 🥰

[@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.

[@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

[@felipepareja6085]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@TheRealEZDuzzit]

Dope drop fam... I've been working on this for years and Russ is definitely one that gave me hope back, and he does all of what I do... Time to go harder!

[@Mike_Hunt-k7c]

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

[@FredWheezy]

This video is actually very helpful....learned some new stuff

[@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

[@ShadesofJason]

I have no idea how I found your channel but I’ve been binging these videos

[@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.

[@revtv2497]

Hell I'm coming up on 2 years running this channel with little to no views, but the hustle is real man.

[@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.

[@dgreenleaf07]

I just saw him in concert @ the beginning of October and this dude blew my mind on the things he was saying throughout. He might have arrogance but he loves his fans and the support and words he shared was so different than anything I’ve seen from anyone. I haven’t been to hundreds of concerts but I’ve been to my fair share and for all different genres and his vibe was so chill and welcoming even though the show was hype as hell

[@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.

[@Pensacola2]

Respect for your grind brother

[@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?

[@orestis8819]

If u are an independent artist and u don't like Russ I don't know what u rly doing. This man speaks truth.

[@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

[@zionherbert]

Thank you because of you I got to know Russ few months ago and I came back to say thank you.

[@Hitemrightandleft]

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

[@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

[@athi-enkosimapukata1478]

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

[@unstoppableExodia]

He’s right , leverage is supremely important in business negotiations. When you’re in a position of needing the other party more than they need you they can dictate the terms and get you to agree a deal that benefits them at your expense

[@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!

[@MikeBrown-mf8ty]

I liked this one. This was the first one that wasn’t just a complete scam but an actual good business model. Loved this one. Appreciate the insight.

[@renaissauce228]

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

[@FuadArtist]

I love Russ. As an artist myself, I can really relate to that delusional level of confidence. If you want to make it, you need that. You have to believe in yourself first 🔥

[@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

[@beatsbyarthurray]

This showed up in my recommended and now I'm a subscriber. Well done sir.

[@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

[@steveclemente5351]

Spencer keep the good work up we need you !

[@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

[@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

[@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

[@mc4105]

Russ music hits you like no other artist. The first song I discovered was begging you right after my breakup.

[@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!

[@joelstatosky1817]

Much respect to Russ and his will to just keep going. I'm a car enthusiast and throughout the years you see many people come and go in the business because they quit. I remember when people where saying "90's Japanese cars are gonna blow up in value just wait", but it took years and years for people to even make $2,000 profit. Now those who stayed in the game have made possibly $30,000+ on a car they payed $8,000 for. To be fair that was somewhat gambling however all the math checked out as well as the demand. The lesson I learned is that you have to persevere to the end of your goals, quitting is not an option when you want financial freedom

[@MattyMilligan]

Tai Lopez: Knowledge Russ: Leverage

[@mrrohitjadhav470]

Tai lopez is scam Watch his curb video

[@barrymoore9287]

U and rus alone kept me from quiting just know that bro this video changed my life 100

[@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....

[@TSO101]

I did this. In 2020, taking Russ’s advice/lead, I released 1 song a week, EVERY week for the entire year. Prior to me doing this, I’ve released 14 full projects over the last 10yrs. Im still going to continue to make and release music. I believe in the music. My name is T’so.

[@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

[@Dswade808]

This is gem of a video

[@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?

[@pamelasuozzi]

This is very inspiring :)

[@Azr721]

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

[@Lhoyte1]

Oh brother 🙄

[@Elevatedchild]

Your channel inspire me to be greater spencer🇯🇲🌻

[@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... 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@dredgewalker]

Labels without the artist is like a package without the content.

[@GoodxJ]

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

[@TheRealSandman]

Russ honestly upgraded my mindset, business & music so much since listening to 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!

[@theaviary238]

I needed this video. Thank you.

[@ShayDButta]

"Complete ownership" very important 👏

[@faraichakarisa]

I've learned a lot from your channel. All I can say is thanks for the effort you put in.

[@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 💯

[@brainbowfright666]

Thanks for making this. Most major labels are basically in the business of DEBT SLAVERY. Any company that would give an 18 year old kid a million dollars that they have to pay back is evil.

[@gmarie3053]

Laughs in student loans

[@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.

[@TommyWaaves]

Russ saw the video, had to come check it out. Good context and info

[@lifepodscast]

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

[@brianimmaculate1398]

Thank You gives me hope as an artist from UK this is great content!

[@superoriginalname]

haven't even listened to his music and he's already my favorite artist

[@reignisraw]

Great informative video. Keep telling other artists trust your gut and stay independent. Definitely work on marketing yourself and of course always improve on the quality of your music.

[@sinaloawolf4686]

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

[@rollendollar3428]

I've been independent all the way i pray for blessings and never give up