Russ, also known as Russell Vitale, is an American rapper, singer, songwriter and record producer. He was born on September 26, 1992 in New Jersey, but raised in Atlanta, Georgia.
Russ began his music career in 2011, when he started uploading his music to the internet under the name “Russ“. He gained a following on social media platforms, particularly on Soundcloud, where he released a number of successful singles and EPs. His early music was heavily influenced by southern hip-hop, and featured a mix of rapping and singing on his tracks.
In 2014, Russ signed a record deal with Columbia Records and released his debut studio album, “There’s Really A Wolf”. The album was a commercial success and debuted at number 7 on the US Billboard 200. It featured a number of hit singles, including “What They Want” and “Losin Control”, which both reached the top 40 on the US Billboard Hot 100. The album’s success helped establish Russ as a rising star in the hip-hop scene.
In the following years, Russ continued to release a steady stream of music, including the album “Zoo” in 2018, and “Shake the Snow Globe” in 2020. He also began to experiment with different genres, incorporating elements of R&B and pop into his music.
One of the things that sets Russ apart from other hip-hop artists is his DIY approach to his music. He writes, produces, and mixes all of his own music, and even designs his own album covers. He is also known for his strong, independent streak, and has been vocal about his dislike of the music industry, and the way it tries to control artists.
In addition to his music career, Russ is also known for his philanthropy. He has been involved in a number of charitable causes, including working with the non-profit organization Pencils of Promise, which builds schools in developing countries, and the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Overall, Russ is a talented and unique artist who has made a big impact on the hip-hop scene. With his DIY approach, independent spirit, and philanthropy, he has shown that it is possible to be successful on one’s own terms in the music industry.
