Russ’ Rising Stardom as an Independent Artist | Billboard News

Russ started as an independent artist who released 11 mixtapes before signing with Columbia Records.  Later he would become 100% independent again, and he shares what’s needed to make it as an independent artist and more!

Tetris Kelly:

When it comes to being an independent artist, perhaps nobody is as loud and proud as Russ. This smooth and talented emcee is no stranger to the game and truly believes in it because he came back. The do it yourself rapper released 11 mixtapes independently before signing with Columbia and releasing ‘There’s Really a Wolf.’ He released two more projects with the label and then in June 2020, he announced on IG he was 100% independent again. He’s been super honest about the hustle at one point even posting his weekly earnings, where fans can see hundreds of 1000s of dollars he made. He told us about it back in 2020 after his Top 40 hit, “HANDSOMER.” A guy that’s never afraid to call out the Grammys and yes, even the Charts if you’re gonna be independent, believe in it like Russ.