Russ (rapper)

Last updated

Russ
Russ Vitale Live 2018 (cropped).jpg
Russ in 2018
Background information
Birth nameRussell James Vitale [1] [2]
Born (1992-09-26) September 26, 1992 (age 31)
Secaucus, New Jersey, U.S.
Origin Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.
Genres
Occupation(s)
  • Rapper
  • singer
  • songwriter
  • record producer
Discography Russ discography
Years active2007–present
Labels
Website russ.is

Russell James Vitale (born September 26, 1992), known mononymously as Russ, is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer. [3] [4] [5] After eleven self-released albums, Vitale signed with Columbia Records to release his twelfth studio album, There's Really a Wolf (2017). Met with critical and commercial success, the album received platinum certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) [6] and spawned his first Billboard Hot 100 entries—"What They Want" and "Losin Control." [7] His thirteenth and fourteenth albums, Zoo (2018) and Shake the Snow Globe (2020) both peaked at number four on the US Billboard 200; the latter spawned his highest-charting single, "Best on Earth" (featuring Bia). Outside of his solo career, he is part the Atlanta-based hip hop collective Diemon. [8] [9] [10] [11]

Contents

Early life

Russell James Vitale was born on September 26, 1992, in Secaucus, New Jersey. He is of Sicilian descent. [1] Vitale was born into an American family with Sicilian ancestry, which included him and three other siblings. [12] He lived in North Carolina and Kentucky in his childhood due to his father having to constantly relocate due to his career, before his family found a permanent home during his late teenage years in Atlanta, Georgia. [13] Vitale was taught to play guitar by his father, and over the years gradually learned how to play several instruments. [14] He started writing raps in his notebook at 7 years old. He started making beats when he was 14 and was initially producing with his friend Bugus. [15] [16] He recorded his first song at 18 years old and continued making beats and producing songs in the basement of Colm Dillane's KidSuper. [17] [18] [19]

Career

In 2011, Russ, alongside friend and fellow rapper Bugus, appeared on MTV after Bugus' song "El Jefe" gained traction. [15] After his short enrollment in Kennesaw State University, Russ co-founded his own collective and label, Diemon, with Bugus and others. [14] In a 2012 article on Jenesis Magazine, Russ was described as an in-house producer for Diemon. [20]

From December 2011 to August 2014, Russ released 11 albums and 87 singles consecutively; all free of charge. [1] Despite this, his music had not gained the attention that he wanted, so he began to release a song every week on SoundCloud for almost three years. [21] Two of these songs, "What They Want" and "Losin Control", eventually peaked at number 83 and number 62 on the US Billboard Hot 100, respectively. [22] [23] [7]

After signing a partnership with Columbia Records, Russ released his twelfth studio album, There's Really a Wolf , on May 5, 2017; it debuted at number 7 on the US Billboard 200 and number four on the US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums charts. [24] [25] [26] On April 18, 2018, the album was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for combined sales and album-equivalent units of over 1,000,000 units in the United States. [27] Prior to releasing his album, Russ announced on his Twitter account that he would be headlining his tour, The Wake Up Tour, from May 16 to August 5, 2017. [28]

Russ performing in 2017 Russvitaleconcert.png
Russ performing in 2017

Russ released his thirteenth studio album, Zoo , on September 7, 2018, which peaked at number 4 on the Billboard 200. [29] On November 12, 2019, Russ published his first book, It's All in Your Head. [30] On January 31, 2020, he released his fourteenth studio album, Shake the Snow Globe , on Russ My Way Inc. and Columbia Records. [31] It peaked at number 4 on the US Billboard 200. [32]

On June 30, 2020, Russ announced that he completed his deal with Columbia Records and is now an independent artist. [33] On November 17, 2020, he released an EP titled Chomp. It features guest appearances from Black Thought, Busta Rhymes, Benny the Butcher, and Ab-Soul, among others. [34]

On November 18, 2021, Russ announced a new EP, Chomp 2, as the sequel to last year’s Chomp. The project was released on December 8, 2021, under Russ My Way Inc.[ citation needed ]

Musical style and influences

Russ's early inspirations were G-Unit, 50 Cent, and Eminem. [18] [35] He produced beats for around six years before he attempted to record himself rapping. [36] Russ is known for his songs being produced, mixed, mastered, engineered, written, and performed by himself. [37] Most of his songs contain hip hop and R&B elements, while combining rapping and singing on the hook. His style has been described by Uproxx as a "raspy, hardbody rap flow, and lilting, almost drunken singing voice". [38]

Controversy

On September 11, 2017, after a show, Russ tweeted a picture depicting him in a shirt with writing on it that said: "How much xans and lean do you have to do before you realize you're a fucking loser". [39] The tweet caused controversy, and led to numerous responses from other music artists. Late Chicago rapper Fredo Santana responded to the tweet, stating: "Until I can stop thinking bout my dead homies an the trauma I been thru in my life that's when I'll stop". [39]

Following the controversy, the phrase "fuck Russ" became a commonly referenced phrase and meme. On June 6, 2018, after rappers Lil Pump and J. Cole settled their issues in an interview, Lil Pump tweeted "ME & J COLE COOL NOW SO NOW ITS FUCK RUSS". [40]

Personal life

Russ has two different eye colors, a condition known as heterochromia; his left eye is dark brown, and his right is light brown. [18]

Discography

Awards and nominations

YearAwardCategoryResult
2017 Woodie Awards Woodie to WatchNominated [42]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Joe Budden</span> American rapper and media personality (born 1980)

Joseph Anthony Budden II is an American media personality, broadcaster, cultural critic, and retired rapper. He first gained recognition in the latter occupation with his 2003 single "Pump It Up", which peaked within the top 40 of the Billboard Hot 100 and preceded the release of his eponymous debut studio album (2003). Met with critical and commercial success, the album peaked within the top ten of the Billboard 200, although it served as his only major label release for Def Jam Recordings; he thereafter released seven albums independently to continued critical praise. While doing so, he performed as a member of the hip hop supergroup Slaughterhouse, which were signed to Eminem's Shady Records in 2012; the group released two studio albums.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Future (rapper)</span> American rapper (born 1983)

Nayvadius DeMun Cash, known professionally as Future, is an American rapper and singer. Known for his mumble-styled vocals and prolific output, Future is considered a pioneer of the use of Auto-Tuned melodies in trap music. Due to the sustained popularity of this musical style, he is commonly regarded as one of the most influential rappers of his generation.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dizzy Wright</span> American rapper

La'Reonte Wright, known professionally as Dizzy Wright, is an American rapper and record producer.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vic Mensa</span> American rapper

Victor Kwesi Mensah, known professionally as Vic Mensa, is an American rapper. Born and raised in Chicago, he was a member of the regional hip hop groups Kids These Days and Savemoney prior to releasing his debut solo mixtape, Innanetape (2013). As a solo artist, Mensa has been signed to Virgin EMI Records, Def Jam Recordings, Capitol Records, and Roc Nation.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rich the Kid</span> American rapper (born 1992)

Dimitri Leslie Roger, known professionally as Rich the Kid, is an American rapper. After a number of independent mixtapes, he signed with Interscope Records in 2017 to release his debut studio album, The World Is Yours (2018). Supported by the singles "New Freezer" and "Plug Walk", the album peaked at number two on the Billboard 200. His second and third studio albums, The World Is Yours 2 (2019) and Boss Man (2020) peaked at numbers four and 24 on the chart, respectively. He has also released the collaborative mixtapes Nobody Safe (2020) with YoungBoy Never Broke Again, and Trust Fund Babies (2021) with Lil Wayne. Furthermore, he founded the record label Rich Forever Music in 2016, which has signed rappers Famous Dex and Jay Critch.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dave East</span> American rapper

David Lawrence Brewster Jr., known professionally as Dave East, is an American rapper. East began his career in 2010, and gained attention in 2014 for his eighth mixtape, Black Rose. Its release caught the attention of fellow New York rapper Nas, who signed East to a recording contract with his label Mass Appeal Records in 2014, which entered a joint venture with Def Jam Recordings two years later.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kodak Black</span> American rapper (born 1997)

Bill Kahan Kapri, known professionally as Kodak Black, is an American rapper, singer, and songwriter. He gained initial recognition following his 2014 song "No Flockin". Its success led him to sign a recording contract with Atlantic Records. The song was re-released commercially as his debut single the following year, and subsequently "No Flockin" marked his first entry on the Billboard Hot 100 two years later.

"Freestyle 4" is a song by American hip-hop artist Kanye West that features vocals from rapper Desiigner, which is from West's seventh studio album, The Life of Pablo (2016). It was remixed by Tyler, the Creator in March 2016.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lil Uzi Vert</span> American rapper (born 1995)

Symere Bysil Woods, known professionally as Lil Uzi Vert, is an American rapper. Born and raised in Philadelphia, they gained initial recognition following the release of the commercial mixtape Luv Is Rage (2015), which led to a recording contract with Atlantic Records, to whom they signed under DJ Drama's Generation Now imprint.

<i>Stoney</i> (album) 2016 album by Post Malone

Stoney is the debut studio album by American rapper and singer Post Malone. It was released on December 9, 2016, by Republic Records. The album features guest appearances from Justin Bieber, Kehlani, and Quavo. The deluxe edition was released on the same day. It features an additional guest appearance from 2 Chainz. The production on the album was handled by Malone himself, Mustard, Metro Boomin, Vinylz, Frank Dukes, Illangelo, Charlie Handsome, Rex Kudo, Foreign Teck, and Pharrell Williams, among others. Malone generally sing-raps on the album, which is noted for its woozy, contemporary R&B-hip hop production. The album also features influence from country and outlaw country music.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">A Boogie wit da Hoodie</span> American rapper (born 1995)

Artist Julius Dubose, known professionally as A Boogie wit da Hoodie, is an American rapper, singer, and songwriter. His stage name is derived from the character "Ace Boogie" from the 2002 film Paid in Full, and because he frequently wore hoodies, friends gave him the nickname "A Boogie wit da Hoodie".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tee Grizzley</span> American rapper (born 1994)

Terry Sanchez Wallace Jr., known professionally as Tee Grizzley, is an American rapper. He first began posting music online in 2011; following a two year prison sentence, he released the song "First Day Out" in 2017. It quickly gained viral status—earning two million views on YouTube in under three weeks—due to a social media challenge enacted by basketball player LeBron James, after which the song peaked within the top 50 of the Billboard Hot 100 and led him to sign with 300 Entertainment. Its release preceded his debut mixtape My Moment (2017), and was followed by the single "From the D to the A", which received double platinum certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). His collaborative mixtape with Lil Durk, Bloodas (2018), was followed by his debut studio album, Activated (2018).

<i>Theres Really a Wolf</i> 2017 studio album by Russ

There's Really a Wolf is the twelfth studio album and major-label debut by American rapper Russ, who composed and produced all of the songs. It was released on May 5, 2017, by Diemon and Columbia Records and peaked at number seven on the US Billboard 200 and number four on the US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums. On April 18, 2018, it was certified Platinum.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">YoungBoy Never Broke Again</span> American rapper from Louisiana (born 1999)

Kentrell DeSean Gaulden, known professionally as YoungBoy Never Broke Again or NBA YoungBoy, is an American rapper. From 2015 to 2017, he released eight independent mixtapes and garnered a regional following for his work. He signed with Atlantic Records in the latter year to release the singles "Untouchable" and "No Smoke", both of which marked his first entries on the Billboard Hot 100. Released in January of the following year, his single "Outside Today" became his first to reach the top 40 of the chart, and received quadruple platinum certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). It served as both his mainstream breakthrough and the lead single for his debut studio album Until Death Call My Name (2018), which peaked at number seven on the US Billboard 200 despite mixed critical reception.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Smokepurpp</span> American rapper from Florida

Omar Jeffery Pineiro, known professionally as Smokepurpp, is an American rapper. He first became known in the SoundCloud rap scene for his 2017 single "Audi", which received platinum certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). In March of that year, he signed with Alamo and Interscope Records to release the song and his debut mixtape for which it served as lead single, Deadstar (2017), the following September. It peaked at number 42 on the Billboard 200, while his debut studio album and the mixtape's sequel, Deadstar 2 (2019) narrowly entered the chart. His second album, Florida Jit (2020) failed to chart in any known territory and served as his final album on the label.

Frank Jahmier Childress, known professionally as Comethazine, is an American rapper and songwriter. He is best known for his platinum-selling single "Walk", which peaked at number 20 on the Billboard Bubbling Under Hot 100 chart and "Bands". Both songs were included on his debut mixtape, Bawskee (2018).

The discography of Russ, who is an American rapper and record producer.

<i>Zoo</i> (Russ album) 2018 studio album by Russ

Zoo is the thirteenth studio album by American rapper Russ. It was released on September 7, 2018, by Diemon and Columbia Records. The album was announced on August 13, 2018. The official tracklist was released on September 4, just three days before the album's release. On September 22, 2018, the album debuted at number four on the US Billboard 200.

<i>Shake the Snow Globe</i> 2020 studio album by Russ

Shake the Snow Globe is the fourteenth studio album by American rapper Russ. It was released on January 31, 2020 through Diemon and Columbia Records. The deluxe edition was later released on May 19, 2020. It features guest appearances from Benny the Butcher, Bia, Boogie, Bugus, Devin the Dude, Kiana Ledé, Rick Ross, and Ty Dolla Sign. The production on the album was mostly handled by Russ, but also featured production by Boi-1da, Illmind, Scott Storch, Sevn Thomas, Jahaan Sweet and Murda Beatz among others.

Daniel Nwosu Jr., professionally known by his stage name Dax, is a Nigerian-Canadian rapper, singer, and songwriter.

References

  1. 1 2 3 Abubaker, Mustafa (June 20, 2016). "Do it everyday, music or nothing: ATL's Russ on his self-made success". Mass Appeal. Archived from the original on August 6, 2017. Retrieved June 29, 2017.
  2. ↑ "Try the TIDAL Web Player". listen.tidal.com.
  3. ↑ "ACE Repertory". ascap.com. Archived from the original on February 6, 2017. Retrieved August 17, 2019.
  4. ↑ "Russ Doesn't Hesitate to 'Pull the Trigger' in New Video – XXL". XXL Mag. Archived from the original on October 25, 2018. Retrieved August 14, 2016.
  5. ↑ "Certified Fresh: Meet Russ, Your Next Favorite Rapper". hiphopwired.com. April 20, 2016. Archived from the original on November 26, 2018. Retrieved April 29, 2017.
  6. ↑ "American single certifications – Russ -There's Really a Wolf". Recording Industry Association of America". Recording Industry Association of America . Retrieved August 28, 2017.
  7. 1 2 "Russ Chart History: Billboard Hot 100". Billboard . Archived from the original on September 14, 2018. Retrieved March 24, 2020.
  8. ↑ "Meet Russ the Up and Coming Atlanta Artist". teambackpack.net. Archived from the original on November 4, 2016. Retrieved August 27, 2016.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  9. ↑ "Do It Everyday, Music or Nothing: ATL's Russ on His Self-Made Success – Mass Appeal". June 20, 2016. Archived from the original on August 21, 2016. Retrieved August 15, 2016.
  10. ↑ "New Visuals For Russ's "Pull The Trigger"". Respect. July 29, 2016. Archived from the original on August 25, 2016. Retrieved August 15, 2016.
  11. ↑ "Russ Chart History". Billboard . Archived from the original on November 5, 2019. Retrieved November 5, 2019.
  12. ↑ "Everything You Need To Know About Russ". HotNewHipHop. February 22, 2017. Archived from the original on April 18, 2019. Retrieved April 18, 2019.
  13. ↑ RUSS in-depth interview w/ Bootleg Kev, August 19, 2016, retrieved May 9, 2017
  14. 1 2 "Russ | Biography & History". AllMusic. Archived from the original on April 16, 2019. Retrieved April 16, 2019.
  15. 1 2 "Russ Opens His Old Basement Studio & Explains Independent Success". genius.com. Retrieved November 4, 2019.
  16. ↑ "Meet Russ: The Up-and-Coming Atlanta Artist". Archived from the original on November 4, 2016. Retrieved August 10, 2016.
  17. ↑ Trebay, Guy (April 28, 2021). "KidSuper Wants to Bring Back Warhol's Factory". The New York Times. ISSN   0362-4331 . Retrieved September 21, 2023.
  18. 1 2 3 "The Break Presents: Russ – XXL". XXL Mag. April 8, 2016. Archived from the original on August 15, 2016. Retrieved August 14, 2016.
  19. ↑ Garl, Maurice (April 20, 2016). "Certified Fresh: Meet Russ, Your Next Favorite Rapper". Hip-Hop Wired. Archived from the original on August 15, 2016. Retrieved August 10, 2016.
  20. ↑ Agnew, Thomas (May 8, 2012). "[Feature] Diemon: Diemon In The Rough". Jenesis Magazine. Retrieved June 1, 2020.
  21. ↑ Corry, Kristin (September 11, 2018). "So, Why Does Everyone Hate Russ?". Vice . Vice. Archived from the original on December 4, 2019. Retrieved November 4, 2019.
  22. ↑ "Russ – "What They Want" & "Let Me In"". Hillydilly.com. Archived from the original on August 15, 2016. Retrieved August 15, 2016.
  23. ↑ "Rising Rapper Russ on His '10-Year, 11-Album, 87-Song Overnight Success'". Billboard. Archived from the original on May 11, 2017. Retrieved April 6, 2017.
  24. ↑ Mendizabal, Amaya (May 18, 2017). "Russ' 'There's Really a Wolf' Debuts at No. 4 on Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums Chart". Billboard. Archived from the original on May 20, 2017. Retrieved May 20, 2017.
  25. ↑ "Listen to Russ' New Album 'There's Really a Wolf' – XXL". XXL Mag. May 5, 2017. Archived from the original on May 8, 2017. Retrieved May 8, 2017.
  26. ↑ "There's Really A Wolf". iTunes . May 5, 2017. Archived from the original on April 20, 2017. Retrieved April 20, 2017.
  27. ↑ "Gold & Platinum – RIAA". riaa.com. Retrieved September 1, 2017.
  28. ↑ "The Wake Up Tour". Twitter.com. Retrieved April 4, 2017.
  29. ↑ "Russ Chart History | Billboard". Billboard . November 5, 2019. Archived from the original on November 5, 2019.
  30. ↑ Vitale, Russell (2019). It's All in Your Head: Get Out of Your Way. United States: HarperCollins Publishers. p. 160. ISBN   978-0-06-296243-0.
  31. ↑ "Russ – 'Shake The Snow Globe' review". nme.com. February 3, 2020.
  32. ↑ "Billboard 200 Top 20 | Official Charts Company". OfficialCharts.com . February 17, 2020. Archived from the original on February 17, 2020.
  33. ↑ Grant, Shawn (July 2, 2020). "Russ Announces He is Now An Independent Artist". The Source. Retrieved October 14, 2020.
  34. ↑ Ivey, Justin (November 11, 2020). "Russ Recruits Black Thought, Benny The Butcher, Ab-Soul, Busta Rhymes & More For 'Chomp' EP". HipHopDX . Retrieved November 14, 2020.
  35. ↑ "Russ Biography". billboard.com. Archived from the original on November 12, 2016. Retrieved April 29, 2017.
  36. ↑ "RUSS in-depth interview w/ Bootleg Kev". YouTube . Retrieved August 19, 2016.
  37. ↑ "Rising Rapper Russ on His '10-Year, 11-Album, 87-Song Overnight Success'". Billboard . December 15, 2016. Archived from the original on December 16, 2016. Retrieved December 15, 2016.
  38. ↑ "Russ' 'There's Really A Wolf' Was The Best Rap Release Of The Weekend". UPROXX. May 8, 2017. Archived from the original on May 9, 2017. Retrieved May 9, 2017.
  39. 1 2 Berry, Peter A. (September 12, 2017). "Russ Causes Controversy With Anti-Drug Shirt". XXL. Retrieved June 1, 2020.
  40. ↑ Ivey, Justin (June 6, 2018). "J. Cole's New Homie Lil Pump Is Now Screaming "Fuck Russ"". HipHopDX. Retrieved June 1, 2020.
  41. ↑ "Russ - Chomp 2". Apple Music. December 8, 2021. Retrieved December 9, 2021.
  42. ↑ "Winners & Nominees by Category – 2017 Woodies – MTV University". MTV. Archived from the original on May 6, 2017. Retrieved May 9, 2017.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.