Russ

Russ, born Russell James Vitale on September 26, 1992, in Secaucus, New Jersey, is a multi-talented rapper, singer, songwriter, and producer who built his career largely on independence from the major label system. Raised in a family of Italian and Sicilian descent, he moved frequently during his childhood, living in North Carolina, Kentucky, and Georgia before settling in Atlanta, where he honed his musical craft. He taught himself to write, produce, record, and mix his own music, giving him complete creative control over his output from the very beginning.

Russ gained a devoted following through his prolific output on SoundCloud, where he released a new song every week for nearly three years starting in 2011. This relentless work ethic paid off when tracks like “What They Want” and “Losin Control” went viral, eventually earning platinum certifications. His debut major-label album “There’s Really a Wolf” debuted at number 7 on the Billboard 200 in 2017, released through Columbia Records. However, Russ became a vocal advocate for artist independence, frequently speaking about the importance of owning your masters and maintaining creative control.

After parting ways with Columbia Records, Russ founded his own label, DIEMON (an acronym for “Do It Everyday, Music or Nothing”), through which he releases his own music and supports emerging artists. He has released numerous albums and projects independently, consistently charting on the Billboard 200 and generating hundreds of millions of streams. His independent approach has proven commercially viable, with successful world tours and strong merchandise sales contributing significantly to his income.

By 2026, Russ has built an estimated net worth of $10 million through his music, touring revenue, DIEMON label operations, merchandise, and investments. He remains one of the most outspoken advocates for artist independence in the hip-hop industry, regularly sharing business advice and financial literacy content with his large social media following. His career serves as a blueprint for artists seeking to build sustainable wealth outside the traditional major label framework.