Over the weekend, Atlanta-based rapper Russ shared his first-ever collaboration with U.K. pop star Ed Sheeran, “Are You Entertained.” Russ helped tease the theme of the track the day before, when he tweeted about how far he’s come without a major label backing him. “I’m independently putting out a song with Ed Sheeran…levels,” he wrote. Upon its release, the MC had even more to brag about—“Are You Entertained” quickly climbed into the Top 20 on the Genius Top Songs chart.
Russ and Sheeran continue to reflect on their success throughout “Are You Entertained,” which was produced by hitmaker Fred Again… But first, the song opens with a sample of Russell Crowe’s famous line in the 2000 blockbuster Gladiator.
Are you not entertained?!
Are you not entertained?!
Next up, Sheeran sings the chorus, where he boasts about sharing his wealth with those close to him. He also brags about securing the kind of success where, even when he takes a break, he still stays on top of the game.
And every flight, you know that I put the crew on
You say that I dropped off, well, then tell me what you done
I’m still in my winnin’ phase, yeah, I been away
Russ addresses his haters on the first verse. They may claim that it’s all downhill for the rapper from here, but Russ has receipts that prove otherwise.
Funny when people be sayin’ I peaked (Hah)
Retired my parents, they live at the beach
Models and freaks is my track record (Yeah)
I made my homies my staff members
Later in the verse, Russ reflects on how his climb to the top has only gotten easier with time.
At first when adversity came, I said, “Why me?”
Now I be starin’ at doubt sayin’, “Try me”
On the bridge, Russ is confident that he’ll never succumb to bad influences. After all, he’s made it this far without breaking stride.
It’s feelin’ like I might just be on a roll
I’m never sellin’ my soul
My records are platinum and gold
It just keeps happenin’, woah
Rap Sheeran comes out for the second verse. The singer-songwriter has been known to spit a few bars in the past, and he flexes those skills while offering up some good financial advice.
Put my profit into mortar and bricks
You know I got good advice from a couple guys
To leave more than just stress for my kids
He then recounts how this song came together. He met Russ at the upscale NYC Italian hot spot Carbone, and they hit if off right away.
Met Russ in Carbone in New York
Now we here, and I’m killin’ the verse
“Are You Entertained” arrived alongside a music video, where Sheeran and Russ enjoy a lavish dinner and night out with friends.
You can read all the lyrics to “Are You Entertained” on Genius now.
