Rvssian
{{short description|Jamaican record producer (born 1992)}}
{{Distinguish|Russia|Russian people}}
{{promotional|date=May 2015}}
{{Use Jamaican English|date=May 2015}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2024}}
{{Infobox musical artist
| name = Rvssian
| image = Rvssian.jpg
| caption = Rvssian in 2015
| birth_name = Tarik Johnston
| alias = Russian
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1988|4|12|df=y}}https://www.deezer.com/en/artist/4660899/biography
| occupation = {{hlist|Record producer|singer|songwriter|entrepreneur}}
| instrument = {{hlist|Piano|drums|guitar|vocals}}
| genre = {{hlist|Reggaeton|dancehall|R&B{{Cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/rvssian-mn0003476088|title = Rvssian Songs, Albums, Reviews, Bio & More| website=AllMusic }}}}
| years_active = 2007–present
| label = Head Concussion
| associated_acts = {{hlist|Vybz Kartel|Konshens}}
}}
Tarik Johnston (born 12 April 1988https://www.deezer.com/en/artist/4660899/biography), commonly known as Rvssian and previously as Russian (stylized in all caps), is a Jamaican record producer, singer, and entrepreneur. He is the founder of Head Concussion, a music production company situated in Kingston, Jamaica.
He rose to popularity[http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/entertainment/RUSSIAN-S-MUSICAL-REVOLUTION_16110797 RUSSIAN'S MUSICAL REVOLUTION – Entertainment]. JamaicaObserver.com (21 February 2014). Retrieved on 9 December 2015. shortly after producing Vybz Kartel's "Life Sweet" in 2010. He produced for other artists including Konshens and J Capri, Sean Paul and Farruko. The Sean Paul and Farruko single was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) on October 3, 2014.[http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/entertainment/RUSSIAN-GOES-PLATINUM_17824109 RVSSIAN GOES PLATINUM – Entertainment]. JamaicaObserver.com (30 October 2014). Retrieved on 9 December 2015.
Early life and education
Tarik 'Rvssian' Johnston, is from the wealthy upper class Johnston Family which has stake in Jamaica Producers Group Limited (known for its St. Mary's Banana Chips), Seaboard Freight & Shipping Co. Limited and T.S. Crane Services.{{cite web | url=https://kingstonwharves.com/team/charles-johnston-c-d/ | title=CHARLES Johnston C.D. }}
Rvssian learned to play the piano and drums from his father Michael 'Micron' Johnston, the founder of Micron Music Limited.[http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20110607/life/life3.html Jamming with Michael Johnston | Lifestyle]. Jamaica Gleaner (7 June 2011). Retrieved on 9 December 2015. In December 2007, Rvssian founded Head Concussion Records, a music production studio located in Kingston, Jamaica.
After graduating from Ardenne High School, Rvssian enrolled in the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts. It was during this period that he met Vybz Kartel through fellow producers Jordan McClure (Chimney Records) and Stephen 'Di Genius' McGregor.
In 2008, Rvssian created his first rhythm "Liberty Riddim", which featured Konshens' "Ago Kill Me" and Vybz Kartel's "Nah Hold We Down".
Two years later, Rvssian produced "Life Sweet" for Vybz Kartel. To develop his music career further, Rvssian decided to leave the Edna Manley College for Visual and Performing Arts.
Career
In 2010, Rvssian and Vybz Kartel teamed up on the single "Straight Jeans and Fitted." The song received over 25 million views on YouTube and went on to win "Favorite Music Collaboration" in the February 2011 Youth View Awards.[http://www.davibejamaica.com/actualites/1583-vybz-kartel-russian-youth-view-awards.html Vybz Kartel & Russian – Youth View Awards] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305113100/https://www.davibejamaica.com/actualites/1583-vybz-kartel-russian-youth-view-awards.html |date=5 March 2016 }}. Davibejamaica.com. Retrieved on 9 December 2015.
In 2010, rumors of a dispute between Rvssian and Vybz Kartel surfaced but the two artists were quick to dispel the reports.[http://urbanislandz.com/2010/10/12/vybz-kartel-breaks-silence-on-russian-rift-russian-a-mi-pickney/ Vybz Kartel Breaks Silence On Russian Rift, “Russian A Mi Pickney” – Urban Islandz]. Urbanislandz.com (12 October 2010). Retrieved on 9 December 2015.
The duo also worked together on "Get Gyal Anywhere", "Cure Fi Badmind", "Look Pon We" and "New Jordans" (feat. Rvssian). The latter was released in 2014 and was recorded before Vybz Kartel went to prison for a murder conviction.[http://urbanislandz.com/2014/12/18/video-vybz-kartel-rvssian-new-jordans/ VIDEO: Vybz Kartel & Rvssian – New Jordans – Urban Islandz]. Urbanislandz.com (18 December 2014). Retrieved on 9 December 2015.{{Cite web |title=Not over for Vybz Kartel after Privy Council denial {{!}} Loop Caribbean News |url=https://caribbean.loopnews.com/content/not-over-vybz-kartel-after-privy-council-denial-1 |access-date=6 April 2023 |website=Loop News |language=en}}
The two have since continued to work together and Rvssian has released a series of singles by Vybz Kartel including "Ever Blessed", "Kremlin", "Hi" and "Mamacita" (featuring J Capri), all released after Kartel's incarceration.[http://www.largeup.com/2014/03/14/largeup-interview-rvssian/ Yo, Rvssian! An Interview with Vybz Kartel's Favorite Producer]. LargeUp (14 March 2014). Retrieved on 9 December 2015.
Shortly after forming Head Concussion Records in December 2007, Rvssian released a number of songs, working with dancehall acts like Demarco, Tarrus Riley and Blak Ryno. He released Kartel's hit single "Life Sweet", which was followed by dancehall rhythms such as "Go Go Club", "Remedy" and "Nuh Fear".[http://www.dancehallreggaeworld.com/producer-russian-of-head-concussion-records.html Producer Russian of Head Concussion Records]. Dancehallreggaeworld.com. Retrieved on 9 December 2015. These rhythms became hits, with the "Go Go Club" rhythm introducing new artistes like Merital Family to the musical scene.
Under his label Head Concussion Records, Rvssian went on to release Tarrus Riley's hit single "Good Girl, Gone Bad" which featured Konshens, Vybz Kartel's "Lyricist" and Chan Dizzy's "Nuh Strange Face."
After the arrest and conviction of Vybz Kartel, Rvssian, whose career growth had been attributed to working with the "Dancehall Hero", kept Head Concussion Records on the global map, launching J Capri, a new female dancehall artiste. The platinum-selling producer released "Pull Up To Mi Bumper" (featuring Konshens and J Capri), "Whine 'n' Kotch" (featuring J Capri and Charly Black), "Reverse It" and "Boom 'n" Bend Over" by J Capri. J Capri's "Pull Up To Mi Bumper" and "Whine 'n' Kotch" received over 25 and 50 million YouTube views, respectively.[http://m.jamaicaobserver.com/mobile/teenage/best-new-artiste J Capri – Teenage – Jamaica Observer Mobile]. M.jamaicaobserver.com (20 January 2015). Retrieved on 9 December 2015.
Awards and recognition
At the Youth View Awards in February 2011, Rvssian won the award for Favorite Local Music Video for the Year alongside Vybz Kartel for their hit single "Straight Jeans and Fitted". Rvssian also won Favorite Producer at the 2015 YVA Awards.[http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/latestnews/YOUTH-VIEWS-AWARDS-2015---Spice--Vybz-Kartel-take-favourite-local-artiste-awards YOUTH VIEW AWARDS 2015 – Spice, Vybz Kartel take favourite local artiste awards – Latest News]. JamaicaObserver.com (21 February 2015). Retrieved on 9 December 2015.
In 2014, Rvssian won a platinum plaque for his reggaeton single "Passion Whine".[http://www.876411.com/?hc_location=ufi#!Jamaican-producer-Tarik-Rvssian-Johnston-goes-platinum-for-single-featuring-Sean-Paul-/c17xb/D43A5C56-C491-4757-A0E8-E49F48C9C171 Jamaican producer, Tarik 'Rvssian' Johnston goes platinum for single featuring Sean Paul] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180729171313/http://www.876411.com/?hc_location=ufi#!Jamaican-producer-Tarik-Rvssian-Johnston-goes-platinum-for-single-featuring-Sean-Paul-/c17xb/D43A5C56-C491-4757-A0E8-E49F48C9C171 |date=29 July 2018 }}. 876411.com. 31 October 2014 He was also recognized at the 21st Digital Awards for his musical contributions.
In 2022, Rvssian was nominated for crossover artist of the year at the 2022 Billboard Latin Music Awards.{{Cite magazine |last=Flores |first=Griselda |date=18 August 2022 |title=Bad Bunny Tops 2022 Billboard Latin Music Awards Finalists: Complete List |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/latin/2022-billboard-latin-music-awards-nominations-1235127837/ |access-date=1 September 2023 |magazine=Billboard |language=en-US}}
Discography
=Extended plays=
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;"
|+ List of extended plays ! Title ! EP details |
| scope="row"| Italiano {{small|(with Sfera Ebbasta)}} | |
|---|
=Singles=
==As lead artist==
==As featured artist==
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;"
|+ List of singles as featured artist, with selected chart positions ! scope="col" rowspan="2" style="width:15em;"| Title ! scope="col" rowspan="2" style="width:1em;"| Year ! scope="col" colspan="3"| Peak chart positions ! scope="col" rowspan="2"| Certifications ! scope="col" rowspan="2" style="width:9em;"| Album |
| scope="col" style="width:3em;font-size:90%;"| US ! scope="col" style="width:3em;font-size:90%;"| US ! scope="col" style="width:3em;font-size:90%;"| SPA |
|---|
| scope="row"|"Krippy Kush" {{small|(Farruko and Bad Bunny featuring Rvssian or remix with Nicki Minaj featuring 21 Savage or Travis Scott)}} |2017 | 75 || 5 || 20 |
|publisher=Productores de Música de España|website=el portal de musica|accessdate=}} |
| scope="row"|"Writing on the Wall" {{small|(French Montana featuring Post Malone, Cardi B and Rvssian)}} |2019 | 56 || — || — | |
=Other songs=
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;"
|+ List of other songs, with selected chart positions ! scope="col" rowspan="2" style="width:15em;"| Title ! scope="col" rowspan="2" style="width:1em;"| Year ! scope="col" colspan="2"| Peak chart positions ! scope="col" rowspan="2" style="width:10em;"| Certifications ! scope="col" rowspan="2" style="width:9em;"| Album |
| scope="col" style="width:3em;font-size:90%;"| ARG ! scope="col" style="width:3em;font-size:90%;"| ITA |
|---|
| scope="row"|"X6" {{small|(with Sferra Ebbasta featuring Bia)}} | rowspan="4"|2022 | — || 17 | | rowspan="3" |Italiano |
| scope="row"|"Easy" {{small|(with Sferra Ebbasta featuring Fivio Foreign)}} | — || 5 | |
| scope="row"|"Sola" {{small|(with Sferra Ebbasta featuring Myke Towers)}} | — || 20 | |
| scope="row"|"Sex & Love" {{small|(with Tiago PZK)}} | 44 || — | |Portales |
| scope="row"|"Soli" {{small|(Shiva featuring Tiago PZK and Rvssian)}} | 2023 | — || 80 | |Santana Season |
Notes
{{notelist-ua}}
References
{{Reflist}}
{{authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Rvssian}}
Category:Jamaican male songwriters
Category:Jamaican male guitarists
Category:21st-century pianists
Category:21st-century Jamaican male singers
Category:Jamaican reggae musicians
Category:Latin music songwriters
Category:Hip-hop record producers