Shanka D-Russ Bio

Unless you've spent the last couple of years hiding under a rock, you know Texas is the hottest spot on the planet for up and coming rap/hip-hop artists, not to mention home to the legendary Houston-based Rap-A-Lot Records, Geto Boys and one of the most gifted icons rap music has ever given birth to, Scarface. Of course the latest installment in the movement has come with the national explosion of Screw music via DJ Screw (R.I.P.), Swisha House, Slim Thug, Chamillionaire, and the Peoples Champ Paul Wall.

For a rapper, to be in Texas is to be in good company.

Hailing from "Cap-City" Austin , TX a/k/a A.T.X., Shanka D-Russ is undoubtedly worthy of being one of next to carry the torch while introducing the world to Austin . As once members of the super-group One Botti, Shanka D-Russ have been grinding for a long time having collectively shared the stage with groups like Shaggy, Ludacris, Lil Moe, Fabulous, Olivia, and the God Fathers of this thang, Run-DMC!!

The duo met in 1996 through a mutual friend, and one of the pioneers of Cap-Citys local rap scene, Clay "Cassius Claymoe" Cansler. The two formed an instant bond and would immediately begin working on projects together. In 1998 they formed One Botti with Shanka's high school friend Mic Boogie, and D-Russ' childhood friend Starski. The group recorded countless songs and had countless performances that would include a pilot TV show called "The Living Room". However, bad business decisions, personal problems, and lack of overall focus would take a toll on One Botti. The end result would be 2 full length recorded CDs, 2 group member substitutions, and a host of other variables. The team would only go on to release one album over a 4 year span before finally disbanding with Shanka's exit in 2004.

Having taken a year and a half off, the flame was reignited after Shanka asked D-Russ to record a verse on a song called "Motivation" for a compilation CD he was working on at the time called "THE GRUDGE MIX." Now Shanka's brother in-law (D-Russ married his sister, that's another story), D-Russ was an easy sell on the project. The studio session for "Motivation" turned into a homecoming of sorts and "THE GRUDGE MIX" quickly became a Shanka D-Russ project. Hearing themselves together for the first time in almost 2 years, they had finally figured out what the problem had been all throughout the One Botti fiasco. Since that chance meeting in 1996, it was always supposed to be just the two of them!

After reorganizing their business affairs, launching their independent record label Kingz Belly Records, and also redefining their sound, Shanka D-Russ have emerged as a force soon to be reckoned with in the not-so-distant future. Not too many in the industry - independent or major - can match the lyrical prowess the Austin duo showcases on the 17-track CD "THE GRUDGE MIX" released February 2006. Half of the CD embodies top40 rap instrumentals, the other half are original tracks produced by Shanka; but the entire project is formatted like a commercial release. For that reason, this CD can only be classified as mixtape without the DJ and believe me when I say, listeners are taking notice!

Now back in the lab putting the finishing touches on their debut CD entitled Texas Hold'em" due for release later this year, these two are back in full swing making the music they love to make. Their musical backdrops are a blend of pain, the dirty south sound, past musical influences, and their own unique style of beat making. Both producers in their own right, Shanka D-Russ enlisted long time collaborator 8-Track to handle the bulk of production so they could focus on a strong debut chocked full of simply good music.

The 8-Track produced "Yep!" is sure to become a club bangin' anthem and "Let the Bass Go" is bound to have every trunk popped and the ground shaking. However, the "Happy Father's Day Remix" truly captures 8-Track's GIFT for creating melodies that touch the soul. Shanka produced the tension releasing "Jus Like That" which is a sexy seductive song that will put any working stripper into another tax bracket. On "U Ain't Gangsta" D-Russ provides the perfect backdrop for the boys to chastise studio gangsta-rappers for being, well...studio gangstas, while other D-Russ produced songs such as "Now I See" and "Sheep" tackle both social and hood issues alike.

In the age of the "one-hit - what the hell happened to them - wonders", its nice to know that some artists still think long term building a career on the foundation of hunger and love of the game.

Pick up your copy of "THE GRUDGE MIX" now available!!!

Kingz Belly Records "FILL IT UP!"