Russ Reveals $850K Mistake Over Uncleared Sample on “Losin Control”
Russ has long been a vocal advocate for independent artistry and taking a DIY approach to music. The rapper, known for producing, mixing, and mastering his own tracks, has built a multi-million dollar career by maintaining creative control and handling much of his business personally. But even the most hands-on artists can make costly mistakes, as Russ recently shared.
During a conversation on the And The Writer Is… podcast, the “What They Want” hitmaker opened up about a major oversight that cost him $850,000. Russ recounted how he forgot to clear a sample used in his 2015 breakout song, “Losin Control.” The sample in question was taken from “Behind The Bank” by Oneohtrix Point Never, a track released in 2007. According to Genius, the issue arose because the song’s massive success led to higher stakes.
“I got f**ked with that song,” Russ admitted. “Because I forgot to clear the sample until after it was like four times platinum. I probably could have cleared it in 2015 when I made it. But I didn’t know anyone in 2015. I’m just a kid in a basement. But I probably could have cleared it back then for $5,000.”
“Losin Control” was later included on Russ’s 2017 album There’s Really A Wolf, which went on to achieve major commercial success. But as time passed, the forgotten sample came back to haunt him.
“The song comes out, goes on the album, I forget about it to the point where I’m like, ‘I don’t even remember if I sampled that,'” Russ continued. “And then I was like, Oh fk, I did…So the sample holder came…So I had to cut a check for like $850,000. It was an expensive fk up.”
Russ has chalked up the experience to a valuable lesson in the music business. Despite the costly mistake, the rapper remains committed to his independent grind, continuing to self-produce, mix, and master his music.
While sharing the story, Russ also offered a tip he now gives to fellow artists and producers: “I tell sample makers, take 100% of the publishing, I’m going to make millions on the masters.”
Fans and aspiring musicians have been reacting to Russ’s candid confession online. One fan remarked, “Never been a massive Russ fan, but as an aspiring musician, I clicked on this video so fast. He’s so well spoken and made it on his own independently, so I knew there would be gems in here.”
Another added, “Russ is smart. He doesn’t ask questions after questions for nothing. He wants to understand the question so he can give you the information that you need.”
For Russ, the $850,000 payment was a costly but necessary chapter in his ongoing journey as one of the most successful independent artists in the industry. The experience serves as an important reminder to creators everywhere: always clear your samples.
