Music
Russ Raps Alongside Some Of Hip-Hop’s Top Lyricists On His ‘Chomp’ EP
Getty Image The controversial indie rap advocate challenges himself to keep up with Ab-Soul, Black Thought, Busta Rhymes, and more. …

Before developing a reputation as a pugnacious gatekeeper and instigator of rap beef, Russ built an impressive fan base on the strength of his rapping, singing, and songwriting, leading to a very successful independent career built on boisterous bars and a diligent, DIY approach to his pursuit of stardom. Now that rap fans have turned on him, it looks like he wants to re-establish his credentials as an upper-echelon wordsmith, releasing the star-studded Chomp EP, on which the controversial indie rap advocate challenges himself to keep up with Ab-Soul, Black Thought, Busta Rhymes, and more.
After making his major-label debut in 2017 with There’s Really A Wolf, Russ unfortunately began alienating fans with his anti-drug t-shirt. After memeing his self-serious sartorial choice into oblivion and back, fans seemed to have decided that the New Jersey-born, Atlanta-based rapper was a self-righteous jerk — a perception Russ himself did little to mitigate as he continued to double down on his criticisms of mainstream stars. He may even have furthered it with physical altercations between himself and relatively harmless party rappers like Smokepurpp and Guapdad 4000.
However, Russ has his defenders as well, while his recent actions have toned-down his image somewhat. By teaming up — and in some cases, actually going bar-for-bar — with respected vets and newcomers like Kxng Crooked and Benny The Butcher on Chomp, Russ may get fans to once again focus on what’s important — his music — and not his antics.
Chomp is out now. Get it here.
Artist Spotlight
MTS Management Group artists celebrates friendship with new release “A Song for My Friends”
MTS Management Group artists’ latest release, “A Song for My Friends,” is a happy, upbeat song that captures the magic of being together, celebrating, and remembering. The track has a contagious energy that is like the spirit of late-night jam sessions and sing-alongs that happen out of the blue. The production is clean and smooth, but also laid-back.
The tune of “A Song for My Friends” is a toast, and it’s clear what the band wants. A party for the people who have been there since the beginning, the fans who keep coming back, and the nights that artists will never forget that remind them why they fell in love with music in the first place.
“A Song for My Friends” stands out in a world full of overproduced singles because it has heart, energy, and honesty. It’s a moment we shared that I put in a bottle and sent to you with a chorus that you’ll be singing long after the music stops.
Connect with MTS Management Group artists on Instagram || Facebook || Twitter
Artist Spotlight
Michael Soul hides from being open with new release “Hiding”
Michael Soul’s new single, “Hiding,” is a dark, hypnotic electronic track that takes listeners to a private place in their minds where they are alone, thinking, and feeling upset. “Hiding” was written when the author was very lonely. Michael Soul turns days of being alone, when silence seemed to last forever, and connection seemed impossible, into an immersive sound.
Andrea Mastroiacovo’s polished work makes the single even better, clarifying and deepening the song’s dark mood. The production carefully reflects that emotional weight with simple textures and dark electronic sounds that make you feel like you’re alone with your thoughts.
“Hiding” is a song about feeling alone, scared, and wanting to hide from being open. It asks questions that are quiet but sharp, like why do we hide what we feel? How does fear ruin love? And can we stop going in circles of misunderstanding and emotional distance? These echoes linger long after the track ends, prolonging the sound.
Connect with Michael Soul on Spotify || Instagram || Youtube ||Soundcloud
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