Meet B. Russ | Artist & Healing Advocate

We had the good fortune of connecting with B. Russ and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi B., what’s one piece of conventional advice that you disagree with?
That individuals under the care of medical professionals have to “just follow” or “submit” to all treatment suggestions made to them. In my opinion, this suggests that doctors and other service providers are in a position of higher power or superiority due to their education and work experience. At the same time, it neglects the fact that as individuals living with long-term health challenges, we become experts in these areas through our lived experiences. and thus should have a lot more autonomy in our treatment and the way our lives are designed.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My art is both authentic and relatable, whether in the form of songs or content. I would also describe it as having a timeless essence, due to touching on things that are experienced by a wide-range of people. Ultimately, my art is healing. Isolation can be destructive for those suffering, but hearing a song or seeing a piece of content that makes one feel less alone can be the start of healing for some people. That’s ultimately what I aim to do. Spark healing and improvement in the world.

What sets me apart from others is that I am a Black man that openly and continuously speaks from an emotionally vulnerable place. In a society that is fueled by what people would coin hyper masculinity and sometimes even toxic masculinity, I feel I stand out because I’m going to peel back layers of myself that most people (more specifically men and typically Black men) won’t.

I am most proud of the fact that I am able to see the impact that my work is making daily. This is evidenced by the fact that I get family members of those living with mental illnesses messaging me often for resources or advice, I have had many private conversations with individuals who are in crisis situations and been able to assist (sometimes) in those moments, and I have had many people talk about the ways that my music has moved and affected them. Reflecting on all of these things really excites me and makes me want to go even harder with everything moving forward.

The road to where I am today was not an easy one at all. To make a long story short, art began as a coping skill for me. I used it as a way to escape a reality of pain. I began creating my own video content and music in middle school and have been doing so in different ways ever since. I’ve always been torn between traveling the safe route (go to college, get a job, etc.) and the route that is more risky but has been more rewarding (fully embracing my inner artist, doing what makes me happy, being a dreamer). Some of this feeling conflicted has been influenced by relationships, capitalism, mental illness, and straight up fear. I’m having to learn how to believe in myself. I’m having to learn how to create my own safety when I feel the world is dangerous. I’m having to learn discipline and sacrificing short-term pleasures for long-term growth.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned about life is that maintaining a perspective flexibility is necessary. This is what I mean. Many of us have very fixed mindsets, meaning that they get stuck or settle throughout different phases of our lives. This influences the way we interpret the world around us and inside of us. When things start happening around us, the way we respond will be directly influenced by our perspective on said situations. As humans, if we do not find ways to expand the way we view ourselves and the world we live in, we will continue to miss out on how rich our lives can be. Simply because we can’t “see” it that way, if that makes sense.

What I want the world to know about my story is that it’s their’s too. We are a lot more similar than different, and there are still times when I struggle to wrap my mind around that but I know it’s true. I also want people to understand that I represent authenticity. I represent freedom. I represent healing. I will continue to advocate for these things by telling my story. I am not an authority. I am not perfect. I am an imperfect human being just like the rest of us, but I’ve made a choice to begin embracing those imperfections, being honest about them, and being kind and loving to as many people as I can along the way. My prayer is that as time goes on, this sparks a certain renaissance or revolution of love in my life and those that I come into contact with.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
For food, I would have to show them the things that have forever changed my life in the A lol. Magic City, Trap Wingz ATL, or Pelicana inside of H Mart for some of the best wings you’ll have here (I said what I said). We would for sure have to hit up Hong Kong City off S. Hairston in Stone Mountain for the best Chinese takeout, Bismillah Cafe on Buford Highway for the best Halal food. I think y’all see where I’m going with this…come to visit me in Atlanta and we’re gonna eat GOOD.

If my best friend was 420 friendly (they are haha) I’d have to introduce them to the world of legal cannabis here in Atlanta at Smoke Out Zone shop and lounge in East Atlanta Village, hands down. Anybody I’ve taken there has become a believer. Just trust me.

For the typical touristy sightseeing, we’d have to visit Old 4th Ward to walk MLK Jr’s old neighborhood and see the King Center, stuff like that. I’m not a big touristy person though, so maybe I wouldn’t be the greatest guide for that lol.

For live music and nightlife, I’d have to take them to Apache Cafe. The food has been good, hookah specials on point and the range of talent there has been wide and consistent. I’d also have to take them to 529 in East Atlanta Village or a Controllerise Vibe Session in West Midtown to hear some great music. Lastly, if they were in to strip clubs…we’d double back to Magic City, hit Onyx, find a way to make it to Diamond, and take time to explore the legendary Blue Flame.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to shoutout someone who inspired me from a young age to stand up and speak boldly about things. El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz, better known to the world as Malcolm X. Say what you want about this man, but there is no denying the fact that he inspired a generation of fearless leaders and advocacy. Even though I never had the pleasure of meeting him, I feel like I’ve gotten to know him through his many works and will forever grateful for his time here on Earth.

Instagram: @therealbruss

Other: TikTok: @therealbruss

Image Credits
“Sunshine” & “Look Around” cover art designed by Joshua Dacucos. All other photos taken by Reel Life Filmz.