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Daily Inspiration: Meet LUSS TNL

Today we’d like to introduce you to LUSS TNL.

Hi LUSS, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Absolutely. I go by LUSS, and I’m one half of the rap duo TNL alongside my brother, King T. We’ve been building this movement for years — starting out in Cali, where we hit some of the biggest stages and really found our sound. That run out West elevated everything for us. We weren’t just performing — we were making noise, connecting with real fans, and proving we could move like headliners even without a machine behind us.

Since then, it’s only grown. We’ve shared stages with legends like Jeezy, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Too Short, Redman, Method Man, Berner, and Trick Trick. What started as two brothers with a vision has evolved into a full movement. Now we’re backed by ROC Nation Distribution, running our own label Somebody Records, and building something that’s both independent and undeniable.

I’ve also stepped into my solo lane with my debut project El Lussé — a personal body of work that captures everything I’ve lived through. My latest single “What’s Up” was directed by Trick Trick, and the video became a full Detroit movie moment. And just recently, King T shot his own video with Trick Trick too — continuing that same energy and momentum. Everything we do is at the highest level, from the visuals to the live show to the message in the music.

It’s been a wild ride — and we’re just getting started.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Not even close — but that’s what makes the story worth telling. Nothing about this journey has been smooth. We’ve dealt with everything from industry politics to personal losses, financial hits, shady promoters, and people trying to box us in or water us down. There were moments where we were doing major shows on the outside, but behind the scenes we were stretched thin just trying to keep it all moving.

Being independent means you wear every hat — artist, manager, creative director, booking agent, marketing team — and still have to show up like a superstar every night. But that pressure built us. It taught us how to run a real operation, how to lead a team, and how to move like a business, not just artists.

There were times we felt overlooked or underestimated, but we kept pushing. The setbacks gave us thicker skin and sharper focus. Now we’re in a position where we’re not just surviving in this game — we’re building our own lane, on our own terms, and inspiring others to do the same.

We took every “no” and turned it into fuel. That’s what makes the wins mean more.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m an artist, performer, and executive — and I treat each of those lanes with the same level of intention and intensity. As LUSS, I specialize in high-energy, cinematic music that blends storytelling, style, and raw emotion. Whether it’s a banger or something more reflective, I create records that hit hard but still say something. I’m also the co-founder of Somebody Records, where we’re building not just a label, but a legacy — one that empowers artists to move with ownership, impact, and real vision.

People know me for the performance. I don’t just rap — I put on a show. Whether I’m with my brother King T as TNL or doing my solo thing, we bring a level of energy, polish, and stage presence that’s rare. We’re not up there doing karaoke with a mic — we command the stage. That’s why we’ve gotten booked alongside legends. We take this seriously.

What I’m most proud of is how we’ve kept full creative control while still leveling up. The “What’s Up” video I dropped — directed by Trick Trick — was a perfect example of that. It wasn’t just a music video; it was a moment that brought the whole city out. I’m also proud of how we’ve done this without relying on shortcuts — no fake streams, no industry favors. Just quality, consistency, and community.

What sets me apart is the vision. I don’t just think like an artist — I think like a brand, a leader, and a curator of culture. Everything I drop is intentional, from the visuals to the rollout to the message behind it. I’m building something bigger than a hit song — I’m building a movement.

What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
The music industry is in the middle of a massive shift — and it’s only going to accelerate over the next 5–10 years. The traditional label model is losing its grip. Artists are realizing they don’t need a major to win anymore — they need leverage, ownership, and a real connection with their audience. Independent movements like ours are proving that when you control your content, your brand, and your message, you can build something way more powerful than a quick deal.

I see content becoming just as important as music — maybe more. Artists who understand how to tell their story across platforms, who think visually, and who can create moments beyond the track are going to dominate. That’s why we treat every rollout, every video, and every post like a production. It’s not just about dropping songs — it’s about building worlds.

I also think fans are gravitating toward authenticity more than ever. The gimmicks are getting old. People want something real — real stories, real energy, real connection. That’s where we thrive. Our foundation has always been authenticity and high-level execution, and that’s what will continue to win.

Over time, I think we’ll see a rise in artist-owned infrastructures — labels, venues, platforms — and we’re already planting those seeds with Somebody Records. We’re not waiting for the industry to catch up. We’re building the future now.

Pricing:

  • Performance rates available upon request — serious booking inquiries only.
  • Sponsorships, brand collaborations, and product placement opportunities open.
  • Feature verse pricing varies by project — contact directly to discuss.
  • Private event, festival, or appearance bookings available.
  • Custom partnerships and packages for labels, cannabis brands, and major events.

Contact Info:

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