The new wave, without question, is ownership. While the digital era has hurt Hip-Hop Culture in many regards by namely causing disruption which has forced the Culture to play catch up, there’s no doubt that with time the benefits of ownership will bring leverage to Rappers, and more specifically, to their (independent) voice as artists.
Russ took to social media in order to educate the up-and-coming on how his independent hustle is paying off. In a series of posts, the ATL-bred Rapper demonstrates the benefits of working on one’s craft, being patient, building up your fan base and being persistent while providing your fans with the best quality of work.
In this first tweet Russ says distribution labels take 15% of your earnings while also showcasing how he banked $89,000 / week.
If you’re still letting a company take a 15% “distribution” fee in 2020 you’re condoning your own exploitation..distribution nowadays is pressing one button and it goin to the DSPs..that’s not worthy of 15%
Distribute your own music and you’ll see how exploitative labels are
— RUSS (@russdiemon) November 9, 2020
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
…and then proceeds to give more advice in the following tweets.
By droppin another one https://t.co/UHi7sGDhp2
— RUSS (@russdiemon) November 9, 2020
Haven’t used a midi keyboard in years tbh. I just use my cpu keyboard 🤷♂️ https://t.co/Acsj9EDy6h
— RUSS (@russdiemon) November 9, 2020
If you know any artists you should consider sharing this information with them!
🗣We love to see it #IndependentAF https://t.co/oL6q93locp
— TuneCore (@TuneCore) November 9, 2020
Now just imagine the money an independent artist like Russ can command for concerts?!!
2 years ago today 😩😩
Sold out Staples Center
Can’t wait to see all of y’all again hopefully soon 😞😞🤞🏼🤞🏼 pic.twitter.com/BQgtdL7uu6
— RUSS (@russdiemon) November 10, 2020
