Tarik Johnston (born 12 April 1988), 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 popularityRUSSIAN'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.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.
Rvssian learned to play the piano and drums from his father Michael 'Micron' Johnston, the founder of Micron Music Limited.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.Vybz Kartel & Russian – Youth View Awards . 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.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.VIDEO: Vybz Kartel & Rvssian – New Jordans – Urban Islandz. Urbanislandz.com (18 December 2014). Retrieved on 9 December 2015.
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.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".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.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.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".Jamaican producer, Tarik 'Rvssian' Johnston goes platinum for single featuring Sean Paul . 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.
Discography Extended plays + List of extended plays Title EP details Italiano Released: 5 May 2022 Labels: Universal Italia Format: Digital download, streaming
Singles As lead artist + List of singles as lead artist, with selected chart positions Title Year Peak chart positions Certifications Album US USLatin ARG ITA SPA "Privado" 2016 — — — — — RIAA: 3× Platinum (Latin) rowspan="7" "Si Tu Lo Dejas" 2017 — — — — — RIAA: 6× Platinum (Latin) PROMUSICAE: Gold "Pablo"(with Sfera Ebbasta) 2018 — — — 1 — FIMI: 3× Platinum+Gold Note: To retrieve the certifications, 1) type in "Rvssian" in the box of "Filtra", 2) select years in the box of "Anno", 3) select "Singoli online" in the box of "Sezione", 4) click Enter "Ponle"(with Farruko and J Balvin) — 23 — — 74 AMPROFON: 3× Platinum+GoldType "Rvssian" in the box under the "ARTISTA" column heading. PROMUSICAE: Platinum "B11"(with Darell and Zion & Lennox featuring Myke Towers) — 40 — — 29 PROMUSICAE: 2× Platinum "No Me Ame"(with Anuel AA and Juice Wrld) 2020 — 15 — — 25 "Nostálgico"(with Rauw Alejandro and Chris Brown) 2021 — 8 48 — 3 AMPROFON: 2× Platinum RIAA: 5× Platinum (Latin) PROMUSICAE: 4× Platinum "Italiano Anthem"(with Sfera Ebbasta) 2022 — — — 2 — FIMI: Platinum Italiano "Mamma Mia"(with Sfera Ebbasta) — — — 2 — FIMI: 3× Platinum "Santa"(with Rauw Alejandro and Ayra Starr) 2024 — 8 15 46 1 AMPROFON: Platinum+Gold FIMI: Gold PROMUSICAE: 3× Platinum The Year I Turned 21 "Chief Keef"(with Sfera Ebbasta and Skillibeng) 2026 — — — 45 —
As featured artist + List of singles as featured artist, with selected chart positions Title Year Peak chart positions Certifications Album US USLatin SPA NIG UKSales"Krippy Kush"2017 75 5 20 — — AMPROFON: 4× Platinum RIAA: 16× Platinum (Latin) PROMUSICAE: PlatinumTrapXFicante"Writing on the Wall"2019 56 — — — — RIAA: Gold (Latin)Montana "Friends" 2025 — — — — — My Ego Told Me To "Most Wanted" (Leigh-Anne featuring Valiant and Rvssian) 2026 — — — 86 66
Other songs + List of other songs, with selected chart positions Title Year Peak chart positions Certifications Album ARG ITA"X6"2022 — 17 Italiano"Easy" — 5 FIMI: Gold"Sola" — 20"Sex & Love" 44 —Portales"Soli" 2023 — 80Santana Season
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