Madison Youth Poet Laureate Justin Russell credits the birth of his rap career to necessity. His first diss track, written against a sixth-grade math teacher he disliked, quickly gained notoriety among his classmates, sparking a passion for writing that led to freestyle sessions on the playground. This experience opened the door to exploring both poetry and rap.
Now a freshman at the University of Wisconsin, Russell has significantly evolved from those early days. In September, he was appointed Madison’s Youth Poet Laureate, a role that brings with it various responsibilities, including collaborating with local poets, reading his work at City Council meetings, and representing Madison’s poetry scene for those under 19.
Despite the demands of his new position, Russell remains committed to his roots in rap music. After years of collaborating with fellow artists, he is now focused on building a community of rap musicians who have historically faced challenges in finding their place in Madison’s music scene.
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