Meet 20-year-old Russell Amir Steven Mohammed, who goes by the stage name ‘Russ’. Born in West Palm Beach, Florida to Trinidadian parents, Russell has music in his DNA and a voracious appetite for success in music, his chosen profession. His love for music came from his father Russell Mohammed, a well-known singer who performed with the popular Chutney Crossover band, JMC 3Veni, and took him along to events when he was but an infant.

By age 10, he moved to New York where he began learning to play the drums and even took lessons to enhance his skills. Initially, Russ admits that he was shy to sing in front of people, but eventually around the time that he turned 18 years old, he decided to break out of his comfort zone and pursue his passion.

In a recent interview with CEH, Russ shared that he only started doing music professionally in the summer of 2019 when he recorded his first ever soca with singer, songwriter and producer Azaryah (formerly known as Flipo). He considers his style of music to be soca but as he continues to learn and grow, he is open to dabbling in other genres like Dancehall. Presently, Russ has successfully released two soca tracks, ‘Lock Yuh Down’ in October and ‘Everything Dutty’ which features his Dad in December 2019. Both songs were written by Azaryah and produced by District 6 and have received positive feedback so far.

Take a listen and enjoy.

1. Lock Yuh Down Russ 1:30

2. Everything Dutty Russ & Russell M 1:30

In conversing with CEH about his challenges and accomplishments, Russell had this to say:

‘Being a new soca artist is hard because to have a constant flow of music that people are going to like isn’t easy. My other challenge was getting my music out. I had to go through a lot to get in contact with DJs, driving from one radio station to another trying to get interviews and having my music played on the radio stations in Trinidad’.

‘One of my major accomplishments to date is being able to pay for my first song ‘Lock Yuh Down’ on my own. Being able to work hard to pay for my first production will always be an accomplishment for me. As well as going to college and being able to work on my music on the side. In two years I see myself graduating college with a Finance degree and pursuing my passion in music’.

When asked who he would like to work with in the future, Russ replied:

Musically, I would have to say Machel Montano has always been my inspiration. Not just because he is the King of Soca but ever since I realized I had a passion for music I always watched his videos and listened to his music. He always brings a different energy to the stage. His ear for music, passion and ability to achieve more and more and take soca to a next level always inspired me to never give up and ignore the negativity around me. Some of the artistes that I would like to work with in the future are Machel Montano, Kes, Voice, Erphaan Alves, Teddy Rhymez, Sekon Sta, Nailah Blackman, Nadia Batson, Patrice Roberts and Rikki Jai’.

It is no surprise that Russ role models are his father who gave him his passion for music and his mother Zanifa Ali.

‘Many people wouldn’t know the struggles and commitment my mom went through to allow me to have a roof over my head, food on the table and clothes to wear. Her hard work has allowed me to be the person I am today.

Presently, although the coronavirus pandemic is preventing Russ from recording and working on new music, Russ has been using this time to practice his music and reach out to other artistes, producers and writers whom he’ll like to work with in the future.

Additionally, he will be hosting a livestream event ‘Upcoming Quarantine Vibes’ via Instagram on Friday 22^nd May 2020., where he would be talking with a couple of singers, writers and producers about music in general. Discussing how he met them, his first break in soca music, how they have inspired him to do better in life where music is concerned and more, so save the date and be sure to tune in.

Quarantine Vibes Event Flyer

We at Caribbean Entertainment Hub can see that there is a lot of great things in store for this hard working and talented young man. We would like to wish Russ success in all his endeavours and look forward to his new music. For further inquiries or to just stay connected with Russ, you can contact him via:

Email: russmusicbookings@gmail.com

Facebook: Russell Mohammed /Instagram: iamruss1

Apple Music & Spotify: Russ / Sound cloud: Russ Music 

Hashtags: #Russ #RussellMohammed #NewSocaArtiste #EverythingDutty #NewYork #TrinidadandTobago