Russ Interpolates A 2000’s R&B Bop With “Best Friend” Featuring Melii

Russ is one of many rappers who has gone unconscious in 2024. The longtime New Jersey rapper and singer has been rattling off single after single like nobody’s business. Since the month of January, the 31-year-old has put forth eight tracks. Throughout the year, he has been going introspective and talking a lot about loving, broken, and causal relationships.

“Best Friend” is one of those shallow love cuts from Russ, but it seems that he wants to move into a more serious situation. “Don’t look no farther (Don’t) / I’m here to cater to you / ‘Cause I’ll be your lover (Yeah, I’ll be your lover) / I’ll be your best friend (Yeah, come here).” Then, the feature, which is provided by Melii, tells the story from her side. “Baby, tryna be my number uno / The perfect duo, I can tell.”

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Listen To “Best Friend” By Russ & Melii

If that chorus that we highlighted sounds somewhat familiar, that is because it is an interpolation of 2000’s throwback. Russ and his fleet of producers, which includes Boi-1da, are looking to modernize the Baby Bash and Akon track “Baby, I’m Back.” That song dropped back on the former’s 2005 record Super Saucy. It is not a bad attempt, as this version is a little raunchier in some respects. Check out “Best Friend” with the link.

What are your thoughts on “Best Friend” by Russ and Melii? Is this his best release over the last few months, why or why not? Do you think it is about time for Russ to announce a new project? Who had the stronger performance? We would like to hear what you have to say, so be sure to leave your takes in the comments section. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest news surrounding Russ and Melii. Finally, stay with us for everything else going on in the music world.

Quotable Lyrics:

You got that gorilla grip, I’m goin’ ape s*** (Haha)
You don’t like bein’ told what to do, unless you naked (Come here)
Prada but naked, fly lil’ vibe
Put you on a jet, now that’s a fly lil’ vibe
P***y match the face on the Rollie that I bought her (Let’s go)
Pretty pink jawbreaker, ask my God, stop her (Yeah)

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The post Russ Interpolates A 2000’s R&B Bop With “Best Friend” Featuring Melii appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Russ Releases New Single “Best Friend” Featuring Melii Ahead of Upcoming Tour

Russ Releases New Single “Best Friend” Featuring Melii Ahead of Upcoming Tour

Multi-platinum artist Russ has dropped his latest single, “Best Friend,” featuring Melii. The track, released ahead of his forthcoming tour, showcases a modern twist on the 2000s classic “Baby, I’m Back” by Baby Bash and Akon.

Produced by Boi-1da, Fierce, and BDRM, “Best Friend” blends Russ and Melii’s dynamic vocals with the iconic nostalgic beat, creating a fresh and captivating sound. The song’s release builds anticipation for Russ’ fans as he prepares to hit the road.

On the release of “Best Friend” Russ shares, “Boi1da sent me this beat and I knew it was the one. Baby Bash and Akon’s “Baby, I’m Back” was one of my favorite songs as a kid, so when I heard the sample, jumping on this track was a no brainer. Melii has one of the coolest tones and deliveries and I’ve been waiting for the perfect song to send to her. I flew to NYC and we recorded her verse in person. We’re going on tour together this summer and we’re going to perform this every night.”

The post Russ Releases New Single “Best Friend” Featuring Melii Ahead of Upcoming Tour first appeared on The Source.

The post Russ Releases New Single “Best Friend” Featuring Melii Ahead of Upcoming Tour appeared first on The Source.

Russ Announces ‘It Was You All Along’ Tour with 6LACK and Melii

Russ Announces 'It Was You All Along' Tour with 6LACK and Melii

Multi-platinum artist Russ has unveiled his highly anticipated 2024 It Was You All Along tour across North America, featuring fellow artists 6LACK and Melii on all dates. Produced by Live Nation, the 10-date tour will kick off on Friday, May 31, in Seattle, WA, at Climate Pledge Arena, with stops in Oakland, Inglewood, Denver, Toronto, and more, before concluding on Friday, June 28, at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY.

The It Was You All Along tour supports Russ’s latest project, SANTIAGO, which debuted at #12 on the Billboard 200 chart after its release on August 23, 2023. With an impressive career boasting 22 billion streams and 25 million singles sold, Russ continues to captivate audiences worldwide with his signature sound and lyrical prowess.

Tickets for the tour will be available starting with an artist presale beginning on Monday, March 11 at 1 PM ET. Additional presales will run throughout the week, leading up to the general on sale starting on Friday, March 15 at 10 AM local time at livenation.com.

Fans can anticipate an electrifying experience as Russ, 6LACK, and Melii join forces to deliver unforgettable performances on stage. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this incredible musical journey.

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The post Russ Announces ‘It Was You All Along’ Tour with 6LACK and Melii first appeared on The Source.

The post Russ Announces ‘It Was You All Along’ Tour with 6LACK and Melii appeared first on The Source.

How Much Are Tickets For Russ’ ‘It Was You All Along’ Tour?

RUSS IT WAS YOU ALL ALONG TOUR Trailer Screenshot 2024
YouTube

After canceling his 2022 tour, The Journey Is Everything, with his mental health under control, Russ is heading back on the road. In May, the “Drives” rapper, alongside side special guests 6lack and Melii, Russ, will travel across the US to promote his latest album Santiago.

Given that the 10-date run is his second attempt at an arena run, fans are curious about the ticket prices. Although the Live Nation and Ticketmaster presale isn’t slated to launch until March 13, at 10 a.m. local time, thanks to Russ’ artist sale, the ticketing tiers have been revealed. Continue below for ticketing information, as well as the tour schedule, poster, and trailer.

How Much Are Tickets For Russ’ ‘It Was You All Along’ Tour?

Russ’ It Was You All Along tour has three separate price points (as pulled from the Oakland stop on June 2). On the higher end, the pit section (which is standing room only) is listed at $129.50 before fees. The pit ticket with the VIP ad on will run supporters $279.50. In the 100s seating section, the tickets range from $99.50 to $199.74 (without fees). The last seating area (the 200s) is priced between $39.50 and $93.79. Find more information here.

Russ 2024 Tour Dates: ‘It Was You All Along’ Tour

05/31 — Seattle, WA @ Climate Pledge Arena
06/02 — Oakland, CA @ Oakland Arena
06/06 — Inglewood, CA @ Kia Forum
06/08 — Phoenix, AZ @ Footprint Center
06/13 — Dallas, TX @ American Airlines Center
06/15 — Denver, CO @ Ball Arena
06/21 — St. Paul, MN @ Xcel Energy Center
06/23 — Chicago, IL @ United Center
06/25 — Toronto, ON @ Scotiabank Arena
06/28 — Brooklyn, NY @ Barclays Center

Russ ‘It Was You All Along’ Tour poster

Russ It was you all along tour 2024
Live Nation

Russ ‘It Was Your All Along’ Tour trailer

Russ Is Hitting The Road For The ‘It Was You All Along’ Tour Alongside 6lack And Melii

In the new trailer for his upcoming tour, It Was You All Along, indie rap evangelist Russ takes the piss out of reaction video culture as he announces the dates of his future shows and continues to advocate for protecting your mental health. He takes on YouTube interview shows, vlogger reviews that call everything “cringe,” and hypocritical therapy talk from anonymous internet commenters. It’s a clever, quirky approach that finds Russ addressing his worst habits while taking down dorks who spend all their time dissing artists on the internet (for free!).

The It Was You All Along tour kicks off on Friday, May 31 in Seattle, with opners 6lack and Melii. Tickets go on sale Friday, March 15 at 10 am local time, with a presale starting today by the time you read this. In a comment on the announcement trailer, Russ addressed the implosion of his last tour, 2022’s The Journey Is Everything, which he canceled after just one show to salvage his mental health. “Lotta anxiety surrounding this day cuz I knew some people would be disappointed and I HATE disappointing people especially my fans but I love all of you,” he wrote. “I just wanted to do an arena tour for progress purposes and I didn’t wanna be on the road for too long so I know some of yall are mad bout your city not bein on here but I love all of you. Hope to see a bunch of you!!”

See the tour dates below.

05/31 –- Seattle, WA @ Climate Pledge Arena
06/02 –- Oakland, CA @ Oakland Arena
06/06 –- Inglewood, CA @ Kia Forum
06/08 –- Phoenix, AZ @ Footprint Center
06/13 –- Dallas, TX @ American Airlines Center
06/15 –- Denver, CO @ Ball Arena
06/21 –- St. Paul, MN @ Xcel Energy Center
06/23 –- Chicago, IL @ United Center
06/25 –- Toronto, ON @ Scotiabank Arena
06/28 –- Brooklyn, NY @ Barclays Center

Melii Denies Shading Beyoncé With LGBTQIA+ Tweet

The Grammys are still a focus due to Beyoncé’s historic moment, but Melii is facing off with the BeyHive. Last night, Beyoncé became the most-awarded artist in Grammy history. Although Renaissance missed out on Album of the Year—Harry Styles took the title—the project still earned the singer several accolades. On Twitter, Melii fired off a tweet many attributed to the megastar. She didn’t name names, but people believed she was shading Bey.

Renaissance was an ode to queer artists who pioneered Electronic, House, and Dance music. Many of the songs sampled those icons, and it was hailed as an ode to the LGBTQIA+ community. “A lot of ppl careers were dead and they later used the lgbtq community to revive it and y’all ate that up,” Melii tweeted.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA FEBRUARY 5: Beyonce accepts the Best Dance/Electronic Music Album award for Renaissance onstage during the 65th GRAMMY Awards at Crypto.com Arena on February 05, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
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The backlash was swift, as people accused Melii of shading the singer for producing an album highlighting the marginalized community. The Neighborhood Talk shared Melii’s tweet, and their comment section lit up, causing her to step in to react. “Nah … ok boom ya don’t gotta like me but never will I ever disrespect THE QUEEN,” Melii explained. Beyoncé supported my ‘ non existent career ‘ like ya sayin in the comments along with riri, lil Wayne n bunch of greats.”

“Any way back to this since I’m so trash n a nobody,” she continued. “I WILL NEVER DISRESPECT BEYONCÉ SHE IS SOMEONE I LOOK UP TO N I WILL FOREVER BE GRATEFUL THAT SHE USED MY SONG FOR BRAND . Ya don’t need to like me … CUZ I UNDERSTAND I SAY ALOT OF SH*T OTHERS WONT BUT PLEASE HOLD BACK ON THE FALSE NARRATIVE.”

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Beyoncé took home her 32nd Grammy win last night and delivered a touching acceptance speech. “I want to thank god for protecting me,” she said. “Thank you, god. I’d like to thank my uncle Johnny, who’s not here, but he’s here in spirit. I’d like to thank my parents—my father, my mother—for loving me and pushing me.”

“I’d like to thank my beautiful husband, my beautiful three children, who are at home watching,” she added. “I’d like to thank the queer community for your love and for inventing the genre. God bless you. Thank you so much to the Grammys.” Her wins last night include Best R&B song for “Cuff It,” Best Dance/Electronic Album, Best Dance/Electronic Recording for “Break My Soul,” and Best Traditional R&B Performance for “Plastic Off the Sofa.”

Watch Beyoncé’s speech below and read more from Melii.