After unveiling “The Flute Song,” producer, rapper, and singer Russ returns with the second single from his sophomore album ‘ZOO,’ “Serious.”

In 2017, Russ proclaimed There’s Really a Wolf.  Okay.  The debut album by the 25-year old rapper had its share of moments, but suffered from its lack of features and being one-dimensional.  One has to wonder if ZOO (arriving September 7, 2018) will suffer a similar fate.  Honestly, it’s been difficult to get excited about the rapper leading up to announcing the arrival of ZOO.  He’s released a number of singles in 2018, but none of them have been substantial hits.  Likewise, his promo single from ZOO, “The Flute Song”, felt a bit played out as well.  “Serious” marks the second advance single from his sophomore LP.

On “Serious,” Russ opts for singing instead of rap. “Serious” isn’t even pop-rap for the most part, its urban contemporary.  It benefits from its smooth, rhythmic production, idiomatic of R&B a la 2018.  Like his production work, Russ keeps it silky smooth throughout the course of the record, only slightly nodding to pop-rap on the third verse.  He still manages to be profane, such as on the second verse where he sings, “I still fuck you, you still kiss me / That all you resent me for.” Pretty basic. The chorus is also basic and simplistic to the nth degree.  Even so, it’s definitely effective.  All you need to know is, “Baby take me serious.”

Final Thoughts 

So, how does “Serious” stack up? Why it’s debatable whether Russ should be taken seriously as of late, “Serious” is a respectable record.  Will it change your life or your perspective on the producer/rapper/singer? Probably not.  But, I definitely prefer “Serious” to “The Flute Song,” which felt like it came a bit too late after the ‘flute sensationalism’ had faded some in hip-hop.

Russ • ZOO • Columbia • Release: 9.7.18

Photo Credit: Columbia