Before Russ signed with Columbia Records in 2017, he was one of the most prolific indie rappers in the game. He hustled in a vacuum, though, determined to match the record sales of his major-label rivals. Starting with his 2011 debut, Velvet, Russ dropped 11 full-length albums before his major-label debut six years later, There’s Really A Wolf. The last of those (and his third of 2014), Silence, emphasizes melody, eclectic beats, thrilling raps and hysterical one-liners. Russ became one of the most in-demand rappers thanks to the success of Silence. He was brash, self-assured, entirely determined, and completely unafraid. On “Army,” he outlines the bidding war that ensued thanks to his prolific, high-quality output. The self-produced track provides room for Russ to flex his lyrical muscles, as he spits, “Who's this dude who's rapping crazy?/Making beats and singing too/Labels sending invites to the man/Better bring the loot.” Never one to disregard the advice of his parents, he adds, “Mama told me act polite/Act like that you've seen some money/My dad taught me watch them eyes/Bitches out here acting funny.” Elsewhere on the album, he reflects on how far he’s come, celebrating his wins and taking a victory lap after years of head-down hustling. Russ brings it all back to his family, reminding listeners how crucial they’ve been to his success. He raps, “Told my mom I got her/I'ma buy a place where we can stay/Right up on the beach/I'm the nicest with the beats.” From there, he drops a clever metaphor that illustrates his creativity on the mic, which pays indirect homage to Lil Wayne, who has some of the best wordplay in rap history. Russ spits, “Turn my bedroom to a bank/I'm cashing out on self-belief and shit/Actualising dreams and shit.”