In this bonus edition of "The Beat's" podcast, rapper, singer and author Russ discusses music, creativity, business and independent thinking in a wide-ranging discussion for “Mavericks with Ari Melber,” a series of interviews with leading artists, musicians and cultural icons. The two also discuss Russ’s marijuana business and related advocacy; his views on hip hop’s relationship with mafia films; controversies in the music industry from unfair contracts to alleged fake streaming; and several references to Russ’s lyrics also arise over the course of the conversation.

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