Russ isn’t holding back. The New Jersey-bred artist is taking a stand against what he sees as a dangerous trend in Hip Hop: the glorification of substance abuse.
Back in 2017, Russ created quite a stir when he posted a photo of himself wearing a shirt that boldly asked, ‘How much Xans and Lean do you have to do before you realize you’re a loser?’ Although he admits he might phrase it differently now, his stance hasn’t wavered.
When talking with Aria Nejati on his Apple Music show, Russ pointed out that someone needed to challenge the way substance abuse is being glamorized in the Hip Hop community, especially through the lens of social media. He emphasized the urgent need for artists to understand their influence, particularly over younger audiences.
In Russ’s words, ‘you can either inspire people to self-destruct or you can inspire people to self-improve.’ He believes too many artists are leaning towards the former, creating music that encourages self-destructive behavior. Russ calls this the ‘glorification of self-destruction,’ pointing out that some people are just waiting to see the downfall of artists and fans alike.
However, Russ isn’t all criticism. He expressed admiration for artists like Kid Cudi, who he credits as a positive influence on both himself and the music scene. Over the summer, he tweeted about the impact of Cudi’s early work, saying it shaped his musical perspective. Cudi even replied, acknowledging the praise and expressing encouragement for Russ’s journey.
In a genre often scrutinized for its influence, Russ is challenging Hip Hop to be better. He’s urging artists to consider the messages they’re sending, particularly to impressionable youth.
