Album Review: Russ Unleashes The “Zoo”
R&B sounds are becoming the backdrop of rising rappers; softening the beat to elaborate the hardening of their soul. Russ’ Zoo clinches and clenches to this dynamic by creating a meticulous, moody soundscape that reveals we, humanity, are the animals. For Russ, how we treat each other and ourselves decides whether we end up in cages or strolling pass beasts, now, locked in.
Throughout Zoo, Russ reveals so many layers and aspects to his personality that he could, technically, be a zoo of contrasting creatures. On one hand, he can rage like a lion, “Kill Them All”, “F**k That,” and “The Flute Song,” claiming himself the king of Pride Rock. On the other, he reveals the loneliness and reprieve of rising in a game that is NOT for the sensitive, but is unavoidably filled with sentiment. The music industry is a strange place that exists between artistic fantasy and hard-lined business. In a world that believe fame and money actually resolve and relieve personal demons, Russ’ Zoo is testament that that is not the case. On the contrary, such things only exacerbate our animal side rather than pacify our humanity.
Russ – The Flute Song (Official Video)
“Last Forever,” “Missing You,” “Begging You” have Russ breathing in nostalgia and longing with a smooth flow. This man pours his verses like water unto glass. He is very unforced and casual in his style, which is why he can excel when he sings to the ladies and goes all “Drake.” Yet, Zoo is divided between a person that lives in his heart and a rapper/ protector that is not going to allow anyone to come for it. Hence, tracks like “Serious,” “Outlaw,” and “Parkstone Drive” have him even calling out family for trying to diminish his success. It is as if Zoo is really the battle of a soul trying give into his desire to be loving, while also fending off anyone that hates on him for even desiring such things. For More Information On Russ Click Here
