RUSSEL HOBBS
A hip-hop hard man from the US of A, Russel draws upon spooky spirit mates to help guide his beats. The funkyphantoms live within Russel's hunking frame and pop out every so often to provide some undead rapping. Russel himself is well adjusted, with an enviable wardrobe. Beautifully spoken. Polite to his elders. Privately educated. Proper musician. Without Russel, Gorillaz couldn't survive: he's the safety net, the linebacker, the true defender. Women love his solid safety, men his solid credentials. Multiple trainer owner. Likes to eat. Born: New York State. Age: 25. Influences: Farrakhan, Chaka Khan.
Russel's journey from his homeland has brought him closer to the heart of the American people than geographic proximity might ever have done. Through Russel's funky-phantom fuelled flow, USA, the spiritual home of hip-hop, has accepted Gorillaz deep into its bosom. The beat goes on and keeps growing like the man himself, both spiritually and physically. "The way we've been received is pure love. We've made some great videos and they've been felt. People are feeling us. We're looking forward to breaking new ground for everyone. I'm even getting used to sharing myself with the phantoms inside me!" Future projects: Russel has used his money wisely, investing in Russian Chicken farms. "The Colonel's gonna blow up, Moscow way, next year!" He also opened up the Russel Hobbs Home for Runaway Rappers, caring for homeless rhymers and renegade mixers. He famously collaborated with the United Nations on the EP: "War's A Bum Rap (Stars From Around the Globe)." Russel has also become an avid naturist.
Fire Coming Out Of The Monkeys Head
The previously unshakable Russel Hobbs had started going crazy long before the film was even terminated. With Del’s ghost long overdue for collection by the Grim Reaper, Russel underwent a grueling and harrowing exorcism to return Del’s spirit to its rightful place.
This process left Russel fagged and shagged and a big, fat double-cracked actor! Once his strength was sapped he was unable to resist the indignation of being painted green by studio bosses when they thought about using Russel for the Hulk II movie. Some of the local L.A. kids even used to chuck Russel in a wheelbarrow and push him round just to humiliate him.
With his 'soul mate' Del gone, no band and no home, the fragile Russel was left close to broken. Fat, mad and without any shoes Russel wandered aimlessly up and down the streets of Hollywood Boulevard, just another burnt out goon stumbling in and out of the various organisations that this town seems to breed.
GET READY FOR THE BIG MAN'S BREAKBEAT BREAKDOWN!
Some of the less scrupulous members of the sects siphoned Russel's dough into funding 'The Russel Retreat for Sensitive Rappers'. But when the money ran out they scarpered leaving Russel to be inducted into the dark, dark world of Little Jimmy Manson's gang, the notorious pint-sized sod.
Living on a diet of wheatgrass, mung beans and crazy pills, Russel ended up a barefooted, bearded, kaftan wearing headjob, living like a recluse down in Ike Turner's basement. It was here from the depths of his mental wilderness that he began to dream up his next project. A hip-hop album of such devastating ambition and beauty it would enchant the world!
An album of such rare passion, harmony and vision that it would unite the world in peace and love!! Combining the four raw elements of hip-hop: Bass, Beats, Rhythm and Booty, it would be his masterpiece: The Hip-Hop Pet Sounds! The Breakbeat Sgt.Pepper's!!
He set up his studio and with Ike's help began his ambitious ascent, an expedition to the height of the musical summit.
HOWEVER, IT WAS NOT TO BE.
The over whelming task of completing his insurmountable musical vision was the last straw, ultimately breaking his already damaged psyche. After almost a year of splicing, re-editing and overdubs, the unhinged Russel became terrified of his mammoth creation.
Believing that his music was causing freak vibrations to ripple across the planet, the 'Seventh Heaven Hip-Hop & Harmony' album got shelved. Right next to Brian Wilson's 'Smile' and Prince's 'Black Album'.
Russel decided to return to England and the relative security of Kong Studios. He really wants to lie down for a bit. His head's spinning. He must be hallucinating. He keeps seeing Zombies crawling up the walls of his bedroom...
This process left Russel fagged and shagged and a big, fat double-cracked actor! Once his strength was sapped he was unable to resist the indignation of being painted green by studio bosses when they thought about using Russel for the Hulk II movie. Some of the local L.A. kids even used to chuck Russel in a wheelbarrow and push him round just to humiliate him.
With his 'soul mate' Del gone, no band and no home, the fragile Russel was left close to broken. Fat, mad and without any shoes Russel wandered aimlessly up and down the streets of Hollywood Boulevard, just another burnt out goon stumbling in and out of the various organisations that this town seems to breed.
GET READY FOR THE BIG MAN'S BREAKBEAT BREAKDOWN!
Some of the less scrupulous members of the sects siphoned Russel's dough into funding 'The Russel Retreat for Sensitive Rappers'. But when the money ran out they scarpered leaving Russel to be inducted into the dark, dark world of Little Jimmy Manson's gang, the notorious pint-sized sod.
Living on a diet of wheatgrass, mung beans and crazy pills, Russel ended up a barefooted, bearded, kaftan wearing headjob, living like a recluse down in Ike Turner's basement. It was here from the depths of his mental wilderness that he began to dream up his next project. A hip-hop album of such devastating ambition and beauty it would enchant the world!
An album of such rare passion, harmony and vision that it would unite the world in peace and love!! Combining the four raw elements of hip-hop: Bass, Beats, Rhythm and Booty, it would be his masterpiece: The Hip-Hop Pet Sounds! The Breakbeat Sgt.Pepper's!!
He set up his studio and with Ike's help began his ambitious ascent, an expedition to the height of the musical summit.
HOWEVER, IT WAS NOT TO BE.
The over whelming task of completing his insurmountable musical vision was the last straw, ultimately breaking his already damaged psyche. After almost a year of splicing, re-editing and overdubs, the unhinged Russel became terrified of his mammoth creation.
Believing that his music was causing freak vibrations to ripple across the planet, the 'Seventh Heaven Hip-Hop & Harmony' album got shelved. Right next to Brian Wilson's 'Smile' and Prince's 'Black Album'.
Russel decided to return to England and the relative security of Kong Studios. He really wants to lie down for a bit. His head's spinning. He must be hallucinating. He keeps seeing Zombies crawling up the walls of his bedroom...
The Return 05.24.05
The previously unshakable Russel Hobbs had started going crazy long before the film was even terminated. With Del’s ghost long overdue for collection by the Grim Reaper, Russel underwent a grueling and harrowing exorcism to return Del’s spirit to its rightful place.
This left Russel a shadow of his former-self, wandering aimlessly up and down the streets of Hollywood Boulevard, just another burnt out goon stumbling in and out of the various cult organizations that this town seems to breed.
Living on a diet of wheatgrass and crazy pills, Russel finally ended in Ike Turner's basement. It was here from the depths of his mental wilderness that he began to dream up his next project. A hip-hop album of such devastating ambition and beauty it would enchant the world with peace and love!
It would be his masterpiece: The Hip-Hop Pet Sounds! The Breakbeat Sgt.Pepper's!!
He set up his studio and with Ike's help began his ambitious ascent, an expedition to the height of the musical summit.
However...it was not to be. The over whelming task of completing his insurmountable musical vision was the last straw, ultimately breaking his already damaged psyche. After almost a year of splicing, re-editing and overdubs, the unhinged Russel became terrified of his mammoth creation.
Believing that his music was causing freak vibrations to ripple across the planet, the 'Seventh Heaven Hip-Hop & Harmony' album got shelved. Right next to Brian Wilson's 'Smile' and Prince's 'Black Album'.
Shattered, Russel decided to return to England and the relative security of Kong Studios. Little did he know. Out of the frying pan and into the fire...
This left Russel a shadow of his former-self, wandering aimlessly up and down the streets of Hollywood Boulevard, just another burnt out goon stumbling in and out of the various cult organizations that this town seems to breed.
Living on a diet of wheatgrass and crazy pills, Russel finally ended in Ike Turner's basement. It was here from the depths of his mental wilderness that he began to dream up his next project. A hip-hop album of such devastating ambition and beauty it would enchant the world with peace and love!
It would be his masterpiece: The Hip-Hop Pet Sounds! The Breakbeat Sgt.Pepper's!!
He set up his studio and with Ike's help began his ambitious ascent, an expedition to the height of the musical summit.
However...it was not to be. The over whelming task of completing his insurmountable musical vision was the last straw, ultimately breaking his already damaged psyche. After almost a year of splicing, re-editing and overdubs, the unhinged Russel became terrified of his mammoth creation.
Believing that his music was causing freak vibrations to ripple across the planet, the 'Seventh Heaven Hip-Hop & Harmony' album got shelved. Right next to Brian Wilson's 'Smile' and Prince's 'Black Album'.
Shattered, Russel decided to return to England and the relative security of Kong Studios. Little did he know. Out of the frying pan and into the fire...
Russel Hobbs: Drummer
Place of Birth: Brooklyn, NYC
Weight: 340 lbs
A Mountain of Madness
Hobbies: Taxidermy, Hip Hop
Place of Birth: Brooklyn, NYC
Weight: 340 lbs
A Mountain of Madness
Hobbies: Taxidermy, Hip Hop
Full Name: Russel Hobbs
Alias/Aliases: None
Height: 6'9"
Weight: Fluctuating
Age: 34
Instrument: Drums, Hip Hop Machine
Currently Resides In: Location Unknown
Vices: Spending too much money on rare vinyl
Phobias: Demons, Flying
Psychological Profile: Fierce intellect but severely damaged by past demonic possession. Presumed absent due to psychotic episode.
Alias/Aliases: None
Height: 6'9"
Weight: Fluctuating
Age: 34
Instrument: Drums, Hip Hop Machine
Currently Resides In: Location Unknown
Vices: Spending too much money on rare vinyl
Phobias: Demons, Flying
Psychological Profile: Fierce intellect but severely damaged by past demonic possession. Presumed absent due to psychotic episode.
Russel here. Drummer. MC. Freedom fighter. But not in that order. Yeah, sure, I could go back and switch them round, but I don’t have time. Got to stay in the moment, stay focused. The world is spinning out of control, people. No time for distractions. Cos that’s what The Man wants, man. Wants you dumbed down, diverted, head stuck in a smartphone or computer screen. Like you are right now. Yeah, I see you. Russel’s watching you. I mean, I’m not actually watching you - that would be messed up. And breach a ton of privacy laws. But the point is... what was my point... uh...
FOCUS. Don’t get distracted. Actually, that’s kind of what Gorillaz is about. Dark stuff is going down - we don’t look away. We zoom right in on it, like a military surveillance drone. Truth is our target. That’s the one thing the four of us agree on, and what keeps us together.
Before Gorillaz, I was doing my thing stateside. Brooklyn. That’s where I grew up, and where I got into hip-hop. But it all went sideways when a bunch of my crew got clipped outside a 7-Eleven. So Russel senior sent me to England, reckon he thought I’d be safe living in some kind of Jane Austen book sipping tea with the Queen. But it didn’t go down that way. Instead I got kidnapped by a heinous English dude who smelled of lube and cigarettes: the one and only Murdoc Niccals. He jammed a bag over my head, drove me to his studio, then forced his latest track into my ears. I was about to enact my vengeance, but when I tuned into the sound, I called off the assault. The guy had something. Something to say. And that’s how me and Gorillaz hooked up.
Aside from the music, Murdoc and me don’t have a thing in common. Well, guess you could say we each have a problem with spirits. His, the 70% proof kind. Mine are actual spirits, the undead. I get possessed by dead rappers. Sounds cool? Let me tell you, it’s NOT. It’s damn uncivilized, filling me up, spurting through my veins, then gushing out of me like some kind of hip-hop enema I never asked for. But I’ve learned to live with it, make it a positive. Only thing you can do when bad stuff happens. Like when I got imprisoned in North Korea after some toxic algae turned me into a sixty-foot giant. They said I was the North Korean Godzilla, caged me in Pyongyang like a freakshow. People were laughing. It was humiliating. But then I realised, this was probably the most entertainment these dudes had since some guy once drew a face on a turnip. So I found the positive, y’know? Took the control back.
That’s what we can all do. Take the power back. Case in point: a shrink would say all the wack stuff I’ve been through, all the undead voices in my head, has messed with my mind. Nah. It’s made me sharper, more tuned in. More aware of the shadows creeping their vice-like fingers around us, preparing to squeeze. Some people think I’m nuts. Other day someone said, “Russ, you’re paranoid.” And I said, “Yeah? And how’d you know my name?” And they said, “Cos it’s me, 2D.” And I was like, “Is it? How do I KNOW? You might be a cyborg.” So I tried pulling his face off. He passed the test. This time...
Stay sharp, people. Stay focused. Only way we’ll get through this. We have the power.
FOCUS. Don’t get distracted. Actually, that’s kind of what Gorillaz is about. Dark stuff is going down - we don’t look away. We zoom right in on it, like a military surveillance drone. Truth is our target. That’s the one thing the four of us agree on, and what keeps us together.
Before Gorillaz, I was doing my thing stateside. Brooklyn. That’s where I grew up, and where I got into hip-hop. But it all went sideways when a bunch of my crew got clipped outside a 7-Eleven. So Russel senior sent me to England, reckon he thought I’d be safe living in some kind of Jane Austen book sipping tea with the Queen. But it didn’t go down that way. Instead I got kidnapped by a heinous English dude who smelled of lube and cigarettes: the one and only Murdoc Niccals. He jammed a bag over my head, drove me to his studio, then forced his latest track into my ears. I was about to enact my vengeance, but when I tuned into the sound, I called off the assault. The guy had something. Something to say. And that’s how me and Gorillaz hooked up.
Aside from the music, Murdoc and me don’t have a thing in common. Well, guess you could say we each have a problem with spirits. His, the 70% proof kind. Mine are actual spirits, the undead. I get possessed by dead rappers. Sounds cool? Let me tell you, it’s NOT. It’s damn uncivilized, filling me up, spurting through my veins, then gushing out of me like some kind of hip-hop enema I never asked for. But I’ve learned to live with it, make it a positive. Only thing you can do when bad stuff happens. Like when I got imprisoned in North Korea after some toxic algae turned me into a sixty-foot giant. They said I was the North Korean Godzilla, caged me in Pyongyang like a freakshow. People were laughing. It was humiliating. But then I realised, this was probably the most entertainment these dudes had since some guy once drew a face on a turnip. So I found the positive, y’know? Took the control back.
That’s what we can all do. Take the power back. Case in point: a shrink would say all the wack stuff I’ve been through, all the undead voices in my head, has messed with my mind. Nah. It’s made me sharper, more tuned in. More aware of the shadows creeping their vice-like fingers around us, preparing to squeeze. Some people think I’m nuts. Other day someone said, “Russ, you’re paranoid.” And I said, “Yeah? And how’d you know my name?” And they said, “Cos it’s me, 2D.” And I was like, “Is it? How do I KNOW? You might be a cyborg.” So I tried pulling his face off. He passed the test. This time...
Stay sharp, people. Stay focused. Only way we’ll get through this. We have the power.
Well mannered
Chilli-enthusiast
Frequently talks to ghosts
Lowkey possessed
Fluctuates in size
Hip Hop Hard Man
Strength: Beats
Weakness: Possession
Chilli-enthusiast
Frequently talks to ghosts
Lowkey possessed
Fluctuates in size
Hip Hop Hard Man
Strength: Beats
Weakness: Possession