【Lens2】Beyond hesitation, conflict, and challenge: Learning from Russ's 5 Lenses, the man who streamed 1 billion times

“I created this text as an English language learner by translating from Japanese using both DeepL and Claude. If you notice any issues or have suggestions, I would appreciate your comments. Your feedback will help me improve both my future posts and my English skills.”

「この文は私が作成したものです。英語学習者として、DeepLとClaudeの力を借りて日本語から英訳し、投稿しています。お気づきの点がありましたら、コメントをいただけると幸いです。皆様からのフィードバックは、これからの投稿の改善と私の英語学習の向上に役立てたいと思います。

This is Part ２ of a 5-part series exploring the remarkable journey of independent hip-hop artist Russ.

【Lens1】Beyond hesitation, conflict, and challenge: Learning from Russ's 5 Lenses, the man who streamed 1 billion times

"I created this text as an English language learner by translating from Japanese using both DeepL and Claude. If you not...

Series Overview:

Lens 1: The Independent Hustle
魅力①：インディペンデント時代の挑戦
Lens 2: Major Label Evolution
魅力②：メジャーレーベルとの進化
Lens 3: The Family Behind the Music
魅力③：音楽の背景にある家族
Lens 4: Resilience Through Challenges
魅力④：困難を乗り越える回復力
Lens 5: Fan Connection and Independence
魅力⑤：ファンとの絆と独立精神

Lens 2 : Major Label Evolution
1. ☕️Column: There are many paths to success

Lens 2 : Major Label Evolution

Russ signed with Columbia Records in 2017. This opportunity came after he had already gained attention with independent hits such as “Losin Control” and “What They Want,” which reportedly led to his major label signing.

Since then, Russ has maintained his independent artistic approach while under contract with Columbia. Many of his releases, such as 2020’s “Shake the Snow Globe” and more recent works, have been collaborations between his own label, Diemon, and Columbia. In essence, he received label support while preserving his creative vision. Though some songs have involved outside producers, he has largely maintained his DIY, self-sufficient approach to music creation.

The song ‘3AM’ is from the 2020 album ‘Shake the Snow Globe’. Russ featured on this song with Ty Dolla $ign.

☕️Column: There are many paths to success

Success can be achieved in various ways.
成功への道は一つではない。　
When asked about his time with a major label, Russ tends to keep quiet about his major label days.
Russはメジャーレーベルと契約していた時期のことを聞かれてもほぼ話さない。
This reveals his core philosophy: DIY control over his own music.　　　
これから彼のこだわりがわかる。　DIY、自分で自分の音楽をコントロールすること。
Sometimes we become fixated on certain methods, but we should question whether these specific approaches are truly necessary.
時として、人は何かにこだわる。　　　しかしそれが本当に必要なのか？と問う必要がある。
Looking deeper often reveals our fundamental motivations.
もっとそれを深ぼると、きっと根本的なこだわりに通じる。
There is more than one path to success.
成功への道は一つではない。　　　　　　　　　　
It’s important to identify what truly matters to us.
何をこだわりたいのかそれを大切にしていこう。
Thank you for reading.