Manny King John
Russ addresses what becoming a prominent male entertainer was like from his viewpoint on “Wife You Up.”
Russ, American hip hop recording artist, singer-songwriter and record producer, released his debut studio album called “There’s Really a Wolf,” on May 5, 2017, through Russ My Way Inc. and Columbia Records. His 1st non- album single release after “There’s Really a Wolf,” is a romantic song called “Wife You Up.” The video for “Wife You Up,” an Edgar Esteves and Chioma A. Thompson production, was published on Russ’ Vevo on December 15, 2017.
A prominent male entertainer can have a fast-moving day-to-day life. Becoming a successful entertainer overnight comes with an abundance of newfound attention. Often, they become coveted by women throughout the world. Also, scores of people begin making requests for their time. Some entertainers thrive on that attention and flourish. Others don’t. Some develop a love-hate relationship with stardom. Because all human beings are so distinct: One can assume that each entertainer has a different two cents’ worth to orate about fame.
Russ addresses what becoming a prominent male entertainer was like from his viewpoint on “Wife You Up.” Moreover, the song is, without doubt, a love song for someone he considers his one true love, gal pal, and heart’s desire.
Let’s talk about the video. Russ is performing “Wife You Up,” live on air for a television studio’s cameras and a small audience. Cherry blossom trees surround him. There’s fog on stage. A backdrop hangs behind him. There’s a forest painted on it. Russ is wearing a black faux fur coat, black trousers, white sneakers, and a wealth of jewellery and trinkets. In truth: it’s a charming production. Russ is mega well-dressed too.
“Wife You Up,” gets underway with three notes played on a synthesizer. Then, the sound of an electric guitar arrives. That’s American singer-songwriter, guitarist, and producer, John Mayer. Mayer wrote the guitar parts in specie for Russ’ song. Then, percussion comes in, and Russ begins to croon the chorus, “Baby you’re a one of one to me. I know that I should probably wife you up,” Russ sings. An alluring woman is sitting in the studio audience. She’s Russ’ focus. She’s wearing a red dress. Russ glances at her for a moment. Then, he continues singing, “And baby I swear I’m done with these other women. They don’t mean shit to me.” She’s applauding him. There’s a tender-hearted smile on her face. Subsequently, Russ grins from ear to ear back at her.
Russ dives into his first verse, “You was tryna know me when they didn’t know me. Girl we fell in love. We both worked at the mall. Way before the rollie you was just my homie. You were tryna love way before I had it all.” The scenes that go with the first verse are nostalgic, pleasant memories. Here, Russ is recollecting all the most memorable, delightful moments that he spent with his beloved before he was prominent. Russ remembers locking lips with his sweetheart at the laundromat. He recollects laughing with her before ordering dinner at a diner. Russ thinks back on visiting her at work. He recalls surprising her with a grand house in Atlanta and then, embracing her while snow descends around them.
The scenes accompanying the second verse are a flash-forward to a time when Russ is living his life as a well known bonafide major-league hip hop recording artist. He delivers the verse immaculately,
“I’m turning down the rest for you. If they call us foul I’m fighting all the refs for you. You make me a better me. I make you a better you. Riding with the top off looking like the letter “U”. Teaching you the language of the universe Rosetta who? Put you on a pedestal. All eyes on me but you loved me when I had seven views. You lookin’ like I should go half on a baby with you. And if I’m wrong I won’t debate it with you. I’ll own up to it. You voluptuous. They not down for the curves but I’m up to it. Come gimme all that. You the only girl I’ll call back. I tell these other women fall back. They be hating on the preview. They think that it’s only for the entertainment. Like E! News. I can see the sequel. Let’s do more I do’s and less redos.”
The most powerful scene occurs at the end. After Russ has been interviewed and his performance has ended, he is walking through the studio exit, accompanied by his entourage. Paparazzi’s cameras start to go off while he walks through a sea of photographers and smiling fans. Russ is simpered, looking comfortable with the situation. He arrives at his chauffeur’s Cadillac Escalade. But, before going inside, Russ takes a moment to look around. He sees his grande dame in red. Their eyes lock. He sucks on his bottom lip. She beams at him. Then, she turns around and begins to walk. Finally, he enters his chauffeur’s Cadillac, and it drives off.
