INTERVIEW: Ready to be spooked? Introducing horrorcore rapper Russ Tafari
OHMYGOSSIP – Russ Tafari is a horrorcore rapper and American singer/songwriter known for his dark and horror-themed music. In an interview with OHMYGOSSIP, he shares insights into his music career and inspirations. Russ Tafari, originally from Michigan and currently residing in Louisiana, has been making music for around 26 years. He creates dark rap or horrorcore music as a tribute to his lifelong love for horror movies.
Halloween is your favorite holiday? You talk about Jason Voorhees, Michael Myers and Freddy Krueger nonstop? If so, then here is the artist still missing from the big picture. 42-year old Tafari is a horror influencer who just released his new single “Creature”. He takes horror to the next level.
To the question why does he perform dark rap, he answers: “Honestly I wouldn’t even call what I do as rap anymore. I make dark music or horrorcore because I have loved horror movies all my life. This is my contribution to horror entertainment.”
His music does not convey a specific message but is open to interpretation, always revolving around the horror genre. Russ draws inspiration from horror movies and 80’s nostalgia. “I never try to push a message with my music. I prefer the listener leaves it to their own interpretation. The only thing that I will imply is that it is all related to horror in some way. Horror movies and 80’s nostalgia mostly inspire me”
“Anyone that loves horror movies that also likes good music and wants to hear something different,” Russ tells Ohmygossip.com that his target audience includes horror movie enthusiasts who appreciate unique and quality music..
Russ Tafari has launched a successful brand under his own name, under which he sells shirts, sweatshirts, mugs, flip-flops and other fan merchandise to fans and followers in addition to music.
He produces his own music, occasionally using the producer name Underground Mastermind. “I create every song 100% from scratch. I occasionally use the producer name Underground Mastermind in the credits.”
While he has collaborated with artists such as 3HMB, Russ primarily prefers working as a solo artist.
What have been his favorite collabs? “Any collab that I’ve done with 3HMB. He’s also an artist/producer that I have known close to 20 years now. I rarely do collabs though. I prefer not to work with anyone. I’ve been working as a solo artist for many years now.”
He started his music career in the rap group called The Kutthroat Krew when he was still in high school. They released one album. Later formed a horrorcore rap group called The Burning Legion before becoming a solo artist. “A few years later I formed a horrorcore rap group called The Burning Legion or TBL for short. Since the breakup of that group (2008) I’ve been working as a solo artist under the name Russ Tafari.”
Some notable songs in his discography include “In My Dungeon,” “Go Bye Bye,” and “Kentucky.” “All of my songs are my children though so picking favorites is hard,” he tells when we ask him to name his favorite songs fo the music he wrote himself.
But what are his preferences for other artists? What’s the music that he himself listen to? Who have been his idols in music?
Russ Tafari has a diverse taste in music, ranging from 80’s new wave to metalcore and pop punk, and counts artists like Depeche Mode, White Zombie, Marilyn Manson, Hatebreed, Pantera, and Hall and Oats among his favorites.
His musical idols include Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails and Marilyn Manson. “First Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails because he was able to breakthrough mainstream culture as a one man band all while bringing a new genre to the masses. Second would be Marilyn Manson because when the music video for Sweet Dreams came out I had seen nothing like it. I was very intrigued by the dark creepy imagery.”
While Russ does not make a significant income from music alone, he also works a day job. His average day consists of taking care of his children, working to support his family, and dedicating time to music when possible. “I currently don’t make very much money from music so I must also work a job,” he tells and adds examples from his everyday life: “Wake up, get my kids ready and send them off to school. Work all day to pay the bills. Sometimes I have a little time for music. Pick up my kids, spend the afternoon with them, put them to bed and go back to work. Then I go to bed and do it all over again the next day.”
Despite being an American artist, Russ has found a substantial fan base outside of America. “I’ve found most of my biggest fans are outside of America. I would just like to say that I truly appreciate all the support!” He expresses gratitude for the support of his fans and can be found online on his official website and major social media platforms. His music is available on platforms like Solo.to.
Featured images: Russ Tafari
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