Music

Russ Reveals He Makes Nearly $100K A Week From Streaming As He Calls For Artists To Own Their Music

Getty Image The rapper wants there to be more transparency in the music industry. …

Artist royalties have been at the forefront of the conversation about fair pay in recent months after several musicians aired grievances about their labels. Migos recently sued their lawyer after alleging they had been cheated out of millions in royalties and indie label Tiny Engines underwent a reckoning when several artists on their roster claimed they hadn’t been paid. Because of the discrepancy in payouts, many musicians are calling for clarity in the music industry — and Atlanta rapper Russ is no different.

In a move to prioritize transparency, Russ took to Twitter to share receipts that show how much he makes in a week from streaming services alone. The rapper shared results from two separate weeks, and it looks like he’s nearing $100,000 on average. Russ also called for artists to be aware that owning their own music is the first step to seeing a major payout from streaming revenue. “artists : own your music and stop letting these labels take 15% distribution fees for pressing an upload button,” he wrote.

some weekly checks on tunecore..inspo purposes only
artists : own your music and stop letting these labels take 15% distribution fees for pressing an upload button pic.twitter.com/eQHRRtXLdO
— RUSS (@russdiemon) November 9, 2020

Of course, not every artist is able to make six figures a week on streaming alone. Russ’ lesson on music ownership arrives when talk of streaming payout are also coming to a head. Spotify, which is oftentimes cited as the service which pays smaller artists the least amount per stream, recently announced they would be adding a new feature to their platform. The service will allow artists to promote their music in listeners’ algorithms — only if they agree to forfeit a percentage of their royalties.

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Artist Spotlight

Neo Brightwell finds beauty in the brutal art of letting go with “Break Me Like a Promise”

On the lead single, “Break Me Like a Promise” off his upcoming album “Burn Bright, Stay Free” to be released November 13, 2026, Neo Brightwell asks for love to last and to leave with dignity.

Neo Brightwell’s “Break Me Like a Promise” is the first single from his upcoming album *Burn Bright, Stay Free,” to be released by November 13, 2026. This song is not just about the end of love, but about how it ends, and if there’s honesty to be found in the wreckage.

The track is in an unusual emotional register, as slow, aching space between breathing devotion and an already-decided departure. Brightwell doesn’t sound like a man desperate to be kept, but a man asking softly, devastatingly for the truth, not a clean exit. The song plays with the push and pull of pop accessibility and Americana soul. The slower tempo allows the arrangement to breathe, and the warm, weathered tones sound lived-in.

Brightwell’s singing is measured, more expressive, and the whole thing is holding its breath for an honesty that might never come. It’s the moral clarity that makes “Break Me Like a Promise” stand out from the sea of breakup anthems. It asks for no love in return, and it’s a call for integrity. This is a final act of respect between two loving people, and that’s a harder thing to want. As the opening statement of “Bright, Stay Free,” this release is one of the most emotionally accurate singles of the year so far.

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Artist Spotlight

Dirty Hands Nation sings don’t follow blindly, do your research with latest release “Due Deligence”

Dirty Hands Nation comes out swinging with a strong message on “Due Diligence,” a daring single that harnesses frustration, awareness, and determination in a bold musical statement. It is more than a song; it is a call to question narratives, challenge assumptions, and think critically about the systems that shape everyday life.

“Due Diligence” is a phrase that encapsulates a philosophy that you should only stand up for what matters after consideration and research. The track itself is guided by the title in its entirety. Dirty Hands Nation emphasizes that conviction is not about going along with the crowd, and encourages its audience to dig deeper into matters before deciding.

Where the song works best is in its direct engagement with politics and economics. It raises questions of war, government spending, inflation, corporate power, health care, and the financial burden on regular people. The track talks about these issues, not as abstract ideas, but from the point of view of regular people who are most affected by these decisions.

Dirty Hands Nation delivers a passionate, thought-provoking release with purpose and conviction in “Due Diligence.” It’s a track that’s meant to spark conversation, challenge complacency, and remind us that opinions of consequence are built on inquiry, understanding, and due diligence.

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