Russ is not just a rapper, but also a singer, songwriter and producer- a multi-hyphenate creative the Atlanta bred artist is taking over the Spotify Charts with his hit single “Handsomer '' but there's way more to him than meets the eye.

Russ is an independent artist releasing 15 albums and 3 extended plays since 2011 and has done it all by not playing by the rules, and he is right where he belongs!

KODE caught up with Russ last month and together we talked about his journey, his influences, and how he conducts Business like a well oiled machine as an independent artist as well as the creation of his Diemon Record label with friend and fellow artist Bugus.

KODE: What or who inspires you on the everyday?

RUSS: My potential!

KODE: What is your songwriting process like?

RUSS: If I’m writing raps I try to really take my time and come up with clever shit. If it’s melodies I try to get out of my own way and let my soul take the steering wheel from my brain.

KODE: Chomp 2 was critically acclaimed. How long was that album in production, and how did some of the features including (Snoop Dogg, Ransom, Papoose, Hit-Boy and Big Sean) come about?

RUSS I worked on Chomp 2 for probably 8-12 months. All the features came about either me texting them or sending random DMs

KODE: What has working with Timbaland and Scott Storch been like, they are super producers and at the top of their game. What did you learn from them?

RUSS: Surreal! Those are guys that are in my top 5 favorite producers so to get the chance to lock in with them and create was incredible.

KODE: Not only are you a rapper, singer and songwriter but also a producer how do you go about picking your beats ?

RUSS: I pick beats that work for my voice and pocket and beats that spark something. I try not to ego lift meaning I don’t just pick “the hardest '' beat and try and figure it out.

KODE: What or who inspires you on the everyday?

RUSS: My potential

KODE: You are one of the few artists who really speaks up about and stands by being an independent artist, what are the pluses and negatives of being an independent artist?

RUSS: The positive of being independent is the freedom and the ownership. The negative is nothing.

KODE: You are about to head out on a massive world tour ‘The Journey is Everything’ and playing some of the most iconic venues. When you are performing and away from home what are some essentials to bring along with you?

RUSS: My mom and my friends

KODE: You and Bugus have been working together for years and now establishing new acts with Diemon records, what do you hope to accomplish with the label?

RUSS: . We want to establish longevity acts and just bet on artists we believe in.

KODE: You just got off the stage at the iconic Hollywood Bowl, what did it feel like to be playing there, with guests like YG, and Big Sean?

RUSS: Hollywood Bowl was INSANE. I’m just grateful to have real fans

Russ just dropped his latest EP If Not Now, When? The four-track EP which dropped last month features songs all produced by Russ himself; the project is a mixture of upbeat rap as well as some more reflective R&B melodies and vibes. Russ is on tour till November catch him live on one of the dates below