Russ: Music Game is Not What It Looks Like, "Popping" Artists Are Broke 

Russ just mixed,mastered,engineered and produced this whole interview by himself😂

I knew it was about to get real when he pulled out his container full of toothpicks 😂

This dude is a money maker, he doesn't have to split his earnings with labels, producers, mix/master-engineers.

He almost sold out a 20k arena in Portugal, recently. PORTUGAL BRUH. Most of yall cant even tell me where portugal is on the map. This dude is doin numbers. Even more now.

Interviewer: what is your fav movie?Russ: yeah i do 2000 tickets by myself.

Russ: *shows confidence like an artist should* Comments: His ego is too big! He need to have social anxiety and doubt himself!

2,000 tickets Sold at $25 A piece comes out to 50,000 a show. Sounds like good money to me

That’s because it’s like my Pops told me, there’s the music industry and the music business. Most artists are just in the industry.

Russ been working my nigga, I remember when I first heard this nigga on Rap Nation. Make his own beats an all, salute 👌🏽

10,000 real diehard fans is all you need to be forever paid for life . Real music artists know what it takes to be successful.

You can tell he was a fan of nipsey the way hes taking his route

Plus when youre Independent you dont have to divide that money with 2,000 people working for the Label.

Vlad had a sex change lol?

Rappers like him have more fans that are in it for the lyrics

He telling it like it is and people think he’s coming off as cocky because the game is portrayed to be something that it isn’t

I love his music, and I truly understand his cockiness or confidence. When you worked hard, and no one has ever helped you or didn't even look at you because you were a nobody, then out of no where your hard work starts to starts to pay off, FUCK YES YOU WILL BE THAT CONFIDENT.

If you hate on his confidence its because you are not confident with yourself PERIOD.

Never heard this guy music but he is telling the truth. To sell those numbers is VERY HARD. I'm a artist and can totally relate to what he is talking about. Definetely have to have a strong fan base to sell that amount. Good for him!

Interviewer: You dont have to name names Also Interviewer: Anybody specific you wanna name

Russ is like a school kid that found out that he doesn't need algebra in Life and freakin out about it. I guess u can relate to that to.

He's saying some real shit, but who the fuck is this guy? How's he selling anything out, I bet 95% of people watching this have no clue who TF he is. This dude wouldn't even pack the karoke bar in my city.

Russ is genuinely one of the most honest and hard working artists out there. Deserves all the acclaim, fame and success that comes to him

It's true lol, I've been to Drake & Cole's shows. And they sell out ARENAS (20k). But that's because they've established a LOYAL fan base of all demographics that F with them heavy. Basically what Russ said, if you have a core fan base then you're good. And he was clearly subbing Future, Migos, Thugga etc. because they get mass radio play but aren't certain to sell out a venue tour on their own. These are "club rappers", who make music for the turn up. Not rappers who you pay to watch alone, especially when the music is usually very superficial, baseless and generic af.

THIS INTERVIEWER IS SLOW RUSS IS BASICALLY DISCUSSING HOW THE MUSIC INDUSTRY IS ALL SMOKE IN MIRRORS!!!

Kid became woke just to become a slave to his own ego...

For those who don't know who this is, He gotta song called "What they want" has 33 million views right now. And get played alot on the radio out here in memphis.

RUSS is actually exposing these rappers....smh😤

It's 2019 and I come back to this video every time I hear a rapper say he "doing it big" or "bought a jet" when in reality they are struggling. Vlad, get this man back on again bc he preaching the Gospel.

Tht toothpick shit had me laughing I was so sure he was pulling out a pre rolled joint or wood 😂

He's not talking about nothing new that most people over 30 who are rap heads don't know about. Q-Tip said it best, "Industry rule #4080, record company people are shady!" Yeah you see the bad bitches, the millions of followers, the Audi's, the BMW's, the Ferrari's, the mansions, the jewelry,etc...But for 95% of rappers it's all marketing and nothing owned. Like he said only a few artists really sell records today. Cole, Kendrick, Drake, etc...That's about it. Only a few have real solid fan bases. For example, if Young Thug has YSL shirts on his page are you REALLY going to buy that? Can he really sell out Phillips Arena by himself? The only way most of these rappers eat is the local shows they do and features but everything has to be recouped and you still have to pay the DJ, the producer, the road manager, the manager, the stylists, the weed man, the lean man, the xanax man, the laywer,etc...EVEN if you are getting indie money. And if you're signed to a major 9/10 you're signed to a 360 deal which is the worst!

wait... Santa Clause isn't real? thx Russ, thx a lot...

JUST FOUND OUT ABOUT THIS GUY AND I LOVE HOW HE’S NOT AFRAID TO SPEAK THE TRUTH!!!

He sayin some real shit but who is he talking about? Because A lot of these rappers actually are gettin bread and sellin out shows

Listen when he talks he slowly starts working himself into an angry fit by the end of every question

“Russ, do you like chicken or steak? I can sell 2000 tickets by myself!!”

Didn’t know he was from jersey ..... ok now I’m not offended by anything he says it’s just a jersey thing

looking like a white big sean

He gets my respect because he's self made. Writes, raps, and produces his own shit. That's rare these days

Reporter: what is 2+2? Russ: 2,000 tickets

Whats your favorite color? Russ: 2000 tickets by my self. Whats your next album title? Russ: 2000 tickets by my self. If you were to start a record company what would you name it? Russ: 2000 tickets by my self.

The chick interviewing him is weak. Can't stand interviewers that sound like they don't know what questions to ask, or don't understand what someone was saying. She seemed lost all around

this Niggah 10 years deep into making music how y'all saying he don't know what he talking bout ? he has the right to be confident in himself he better then 90% of these "artist" that all you hear on tbe radio now adays.

Reporter: So i’d Like to ask y- Russ: 2000 tickets, in your town!

Why does his attitude remind me of the former WWE wrestler, CM Punk?

Never heard of homie but I'm bout to go check for him. He was speaking facts about these broke rappers.

I've never heard of this man before until now, but he is speaking nothing but FACTS. A lot of the XXL freshmen ain't selling out shows like that and they STRUGGLE to sell out 2000-seat shows, respect to this man.

Russ has immense self respect and esteem which is not the same as ego.

Makes sense I was really excited about Disneyland and then we went behind the scenes and I was really disappointed it's really sad

Yup, he's right. Just looking at Tyler The Creator, Action Bronson, Machine Gun Kelly's fan base alone or even Yelawolf. Those guys one wouldn't say they're 'popping' on the mainstream but their fan bases are crazy and loyal. They're actually doing much better than mumble rappers who make a hit song then struggle to continue or keep people hooked

Congrats on his success but he ain't gonna make it far if he doesn't humble himself

Russ the type of guy to tell a 4 year old that Santa claus isn't real. "Santa ain't even real yOU KNow wHA iM sAyiN. Santa Claus ain't comin to your town but, I betchu I can come to your town and sellout 2000 tickets."

Wait... Santa isn’t real 😢😢

I never even heard of him but I paused this video to check him out and God damn...he's got almost 100 MILLION views on one song on his Vevo channel. He's killin' it and he's got a real good sound.

I like Russ and his music and all but he's gotta chill with the ego...

Respect to Russ. This is real talk. He is not being bitter or cocky. He has an ACTUAL fan base. That takes work. Talk that real talk sir...let the disillusioned Mandem talk. Bless.

The best career advice that I learned is don’t ever attach your-self to a PERSON, a place, a company, an organization or a project. Only attach your-self to your mission in life and PURPOSE. That’s how you keep your power and keep your peace!

Drake said that...alot of them are milky

Damn.....and here I am trying my best to get into the music industry......man I'm still gone be broke????

He’s absolutely right it’s hard for artist to fill an arena BY THEMSELVES usually when artist go on tour they got some other artist with them to get some of their fan base to come

This dude is 5'5, you can tell hes been figthing this fight his hole life. He learned early on hes going to need to be this way to make it.

He is humble and confident! I listen to him speak the truth. Great singer! This person is very humble! You can hear it in his lyrics. He is just natural in what he speaks.

Funny how she talks about meeting and artist, that you really look up to and you meet them and they aren't about their fans, nor genuine. I met Russ and I shook his hand, wasn't many people around, then I tried to let him know how much of an inspiration to me. He seen two groupies and totally ignored me, but I guess that's what happens when you don't throw yourself at an artist sexually lol.

Watching this in 2021 hits different...nigga was years before his time

I do really respect this guy, he is one of my role model. Feel like he's so fed up with ppl casting stones at him.

Yeah because all they want is a icy chain and a hot whip. Rather put my money into properties

he's worked so hard for YEARS & got no where but now, he's actually gettin somewhere. he may sound cocky but he's such a humble person if you actually listen to his music & get to know him, you'll see that & it's true, he's sold out shit by HIMSELF. mad proud of him man.

I just clicked like 4 random parts of this whole interview , and it literally felt like it was all part of the same exact sentence ..

Please stay as the magical hip hop unicorn son. This is what artist need to do. Stay in the music, get the fuck out the clout and the drama. Produce the music you love and people will show up for shows, this man is living proof. I love going to his shows.

definition of an artist that aint a sell out.

He really need to humble himself

Neva listen to him But i respect him now. 💯

In regards to superman breakdown and the stunt double scenario....🔥💯🔥 Note : Remain faithful & true 4 Lyfe i ENCOURAGE YOU!!! 🔥 BIG FACTS BRETHREN 🔥

I respect Russ for opening up and actually talking about what goes on in the industry. That takes a lot of guts to speak so openly about what's going on. Most artists wouldn't touch the subject due to the fact of self-destructing their career. Russ sounds, already, well educated in what he needs to do to progress in this industry. At the end of the day, not only is he a successful artist but also a smart business man. I dig him. I'm looking forward to hear his future music as he experiences growth and popularity! Keep up the good work dude! p.s. his music is fuego

This nigga Russ hurt😂😂

Notice how many times he says "you know what I'm saying" lol

This interviewer was nottttt prepared for Russ lmao her pauses after his responses have me dying

Russ is dope he is better than 90% of the niggas you hear on the radio allday...I understand exactly what he is saying he is speaking truth...

Russ is a great entertainer. This is a provoking interview, and even if you dislike it he's getting a lot of people engaged just because of what he's saying and how he says it.

He’s so real, I really like the fact he speaks the truth. Cuz I know most these artist just be playing the game

I ❤ HIS TRUTH, PASSION & HIS CREATIVITY!!! I've ALWAYS liked him, but after this interview, I'M FEELIN HIM!!! 😘#HEYRUSS🤩

He's going to put himself into a Wale bubble soon if he keeps this up. The thing they don't tell you about telling the truth, is that there's a time and a place for it. The vlad TV market is a new outlet that could be added towards your fan base; a way for someone to find out what you represent as an artist. In 11 minutes you didn't speak once about why someone should listen to you, or what you represent as an artists. For 11 minutes straight (even when speaking the truth), you still managed to come off as someone unlikable. Consumers have more options than any other time in history to choose which medias they choose to consume; here's some advice, your delivery has to be as captivating as the subject matter or the message will never find it's place. This is the third time I've seen you do this on an interview; Good luck, you gotta get that chip off your shoulder and mature.

people think he needs to humble himself when his work is all he knows. The dude is his own EVERYTHING. All he knows is his work and he's speaking on it. This isn't arogance this is disappointed he believed all the shit we did and he's out here busting his ass to find everything he believed was a lie. like an aspect of his life was stripped from it. I think he should be able to say a little this and that it's all good.

Shouts out to MuchDank for making this REVELANT

I just got hip to him after the breakfast club interview

R.A THE RUGGED MAN THINK HE SLICK

He's gotta point. I went to a Lil Yachty concert and it was dead near empty lol But don't knock my dude Lil Boat!! aha He's a real humble dude just trying to make ends meet by doing none other than what he loves to do! It ain't easy, but someone's doin it! Salute!

"Superman bleeds" he got a stunt double.. whhhoooooweeeee that's tuff! Preach Russ...

He says the simplest shit And acts like it’s craziest thing ever that no one knows and angers himself into salty rant every time he talks about it. It’s like he hasn’t been living in reality until a few years ago

The music industry changed. You can't sell albums or Mixtapez. We all know downloading, pirating and streaming music completely change Artist's royalties. HOWEVER, artist have a better opportunity than they did 20-30 years ago in the industry with the help of social media and the internet. Only few of these "pippin" artist are actual entrepreneurs and will capitalized off their position. Whether it's making their own brand, clothes, shoes, cologne, product, ambassador or whatever. That's why there is not 1,000s of JayZs in the world and only 1 JayZ. What I mean by that is how many rap artist part own a NBA team like Jay Z? Artist need to quickly realize that when you have a bunch of eyes on you, it is time to capitalize off that before it's too late. I could drop a bunch of artist names who were hot and they are nobody's now but we all know who those artist are. Think of it like this. Can you guess why super bowl commercials cost so much money. Because of the millions of people watching those commercials. It's not about how many people are actually going to buy your product or service. It's about millions of people learning or finding out about your company/brand to begin with.

" I found that Superman bleeds...." ....hard ass quote

Never take any grown man with a hair bun seriously

Russ: I produced, engineered, mix, and mastered, 2000 tickets by myself.

Hold up. Selling 2k tickets is hard work nowadays? Tired of these short rappers who think they're the 'truth'.

i never hear of him before but he talking some real shit 💯 much respect

I'm feel bad that I got to know Russ from tiktok! He's been around for a minute?👏🏾

He is right i work at a venue and with artists some guys have people coming from out of town i dont know them but the kids come in droves i get a percentage of the volume and artists that are on the radio somtimes numbers ate low. For different reasons so i don't doubt him

Lol this dude carries toothpicks with him

damn his catalog bring him 100 bands a month?

Love the honesty!

IMA NOBODY RIGHT NOW AS AN ARTIST BUT I STAY IN THE GYM AND OHH BOY DONI SEE THE FUCKERY!!!