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It Was You All Along

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The self-made musical artist follows his bestseller IT’S ALL IN YOUR HEAD with this second inspirational book for everyone who’s looking for answers in all the wrong places. It’s a book about self-empowerment, self-awareness, and ultimately self-love.

Independent rapper, songwriter, singer, and producer Russ sells out concerts across America and around the globe, collaborating with top artists, such as Snoop Dogg, Joey Bada$$, Ed Sheeran, Rick Ross, Lil Baby, Jadakiss, Bia, and Mozzy to name a few. At twenty-seven, he became a bestselling author with the publication of his debut book, IT’S ALL IN YOUR HEAD. Now, at thirty-one, Russ returns with a second book even more profound and intimate than his first. Building on his message of self-acceptance, IT WAS YOU ALL ALONG goes deeper into Russ’s heart and soul as it tracks the keys to knowing and loving yourself.

The book addresses the question posed by the subtitle—what if you’re the one you’ve been waiting for?—a line from Russ’s first album inspired by his mother’s advice. Success comes from loving and believing in yourself and working hard regardless of obstacles and naysayers. Published in conjunction with his tour of the same name, IT WAS YOU ALL ALONG expands on themes found in Russ’s music and across his albums, and each chapter title takes the name of a track. Russ has always followed his own beat—and shows you how to find your own unique rhythm, offering motivational wisdom on everything from trust, discipline, and letting go to authenticity, joy, and faith.

Packed with moving observances, IT WAS YOU ALL ALONG gives fans a rare look into the man behind the music and the challenges he continues to face both personally and as an independent artist. Russ gets deeply personal in these pages, revealing how seeing a therapist helped him understand his relationship with his family and realize that he was so overly focused on helping everyone in his orbit when the person who needed his attention most was himself.

Russ uses his immense passion, his experiences, and his love for people to inspire us all. His honesty and straightforwardness will convince even the most reluctant reader that the answer can always be found within. An artist known for his powerful lyrics, Russ uses his songwriting gifts to craft prose that is moving, memorable, and motivational.

208 pages, Hardcover

Published June 4, 2024

101 people are currently reading
803 people want to read

About the author

Russ

12 books37 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 120 reviews
Profile Image for Inez.
11 reviews
June 4, 2024
I never thought I could relate to a self-made Rapper, but here I am.

Profile Image for Paola Hernandez.
231 reviews10 followers
June 6, 2024
I listened to the audio book of this book and the moment I heard Russ start talking. I almost lost my mind. Lol how exciting to hear him narrate his own book. 🥹
First of… wow. 👏🏼 Hearing this reminded me that at the end of the day rappers and artist are just like us. The money and fame doesn’t make them any less different as a human. I can say that Russ was spitting straight facts this entire book! I even felt called out in the way I ask people question bc of the second chapter. lol will definitely be more mindful moving forward! From childhood to adulthood - Russ was very vulnerable in this book. “It Was You All Along” covers so many important subjects, therapy, self esteem, goals, dedication, imposter syndrome, unhealthy behaviors/habits, self perception, types of communication, relationships with yourself and others, and so much more! Who knew how much your average Joe could relate so someone like Russ. This was a good example of everything is not what it seems when you’re on the outside looking in.
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“𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙢𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙠 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙙𝙖𝙧𝙠 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙡𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙚. 𝙏𝙖𝙠𝙚 𝙞𝙩 𝙙𝙖𝙮 𝙗𝙮 𝙙𝙖𝙮. 𝙏𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙞𝙨 𝙖 𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙚, 𝙮𝙚𝙨, 𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙖𝙜𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙨𝙩 𝙖𝙣𝙮𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙤𝙧 𝙖𝙣𝙮𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙚𝙡𝙨𝙚 𝙚𝙭𝙘𝙚𝙥𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙤𝙬𝙣 𝙙𝙤𝙪𝙗𝙩.”
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I loved how in between the chapters there were snippets of this music during the transition period. It made my heart so happy. 🎶🎧
Profile Image for Emma Dauphin.
4 reviews2 followers
September 1, 2024
Such a comforting, insightful and inspiring read. I appreciated this books honesty. If you are feeling lost, in a transitional period in your life or even if you have it all together, I highly recommend this book.
Profile Image for Natasha M. Nurse, Esq..
436 reviews6 followers
July 8, 2024
I LOVE Russ's music so I was REALLY excited to read his new book. Guess what? You will be just as excited as I was. This is filled with really hard hitting facts of life and nuggets of wisdom to change your mindset about yourself and your life. Talk about a total game changer ✅
Profile Image for Marius Evensen.
23 reviews
May 7, 2025
4,1⭐️
Listened to the audiobook read by Russ him self, who made this a very cool experience. First self help type book I’ve read, and although it isn’t quite my thing, I still enjoyed it a lot and got value out of the book. He references to his latest album and “the alchemist” which is one of my favourite books. I enjoy his latest album “Santiago” more now after the book.
Profile Image for Ashley.
536 reviews94 followers
July 1, 2024
I am and have been a huge Russ fan. Like, before Handsomer. Way before.

Honestly though, I don't think I would have rated this as highly had I not listened to the author-narrated audiobook. Russ included lines from his songs that directly relate to the topic he'll address next, which added a very meta layer to this for me.

I'd highly recommend (specifically the audiobook, but I wanted to leave the review on this "edition" so prospective readers will see it) It Was You All Along to anyone that is a fan of Russ, a fan of the current music industry and "the come up", or just looking for an insightful light read.
Profile Image for Alyssa.
36 reviews2 followers
June 8, 2024
Love everything this man puts out into the universe. It really shows how much he has worked through his mental battles and life battles. There’s always progress to be made which he explains a bit throughout this book. I listened to the audiobook version but still bought the physical copy as well. It’s a great addition to my bookshelf.
I’ve always resonated with the song Adventure because realizing this life is an adventure and even if you feel lost at times just remember you’re on an adventure. It gets me every time.
Profile Image for Ella Majeski.
39 reviews
September 25, 2024
i feel like he didn’t say anything revolutionary but it was interesting to hear the ins and outs of inspiration coming from an artist i regularly listen to
Profile Image for Clover.
259 reviews14 followers
February 7, 2025
4/5
Memoir and self-help, uplifting and clear.

I will admit that I love Russ, so naturally I'll always read his work. I still live under a rock though, so I was pleasantly suprised when I found he wrote a second book.

I've tried self-help books and they don't work out. I believe I made it through this book and not others for several reasons. The first obviously being my love of Russ. I cared about his story. I liked the formatting, it was clever and clean. The colours were nice, the paper felt good, I liked the graphics and how it all connected with his music. He wrote cleanly, it's not purple prose or trying to be something extra, it's just casual and open.

This book has so many good quotes and so many little things to think about. I need this book in my collection ASAP. I recommend it for anyone who likes Russ or who might need help in believing in yourself and coming to terms with things. Read it, try it out. It's a little book that might make all the difference.

So grateful for my local library for purchasing this book! Check your local library for a copy!
Profile Image for Charlie.
72 reviews
April 11, 2025
I wish I have checked the summary of this book carefully before purchasing it. If you're looking for a self-help book, then you're in the wrong place. This is for the singer and his fans, not for an ordinary reader who's trying to seek guidance like me. I admire author's honesty throughout the whole book. He gave us all the details about himself, talked about his struggle and his past, which is so personal and sincere, yet I find it very hard to relate. A successful singer slash artist slash author telling me that I have to keep wlb in my mind, that sometimes I have to follow my heart. It sounds very inspirational, and so hollow. The only good advice that I learned from this book is that I have to find a good therapist.
Profile Image for Michael Pajor.
2 reviews
August 1, 2024
Way better than his first book. You can see the growth that he speak of from the first book he wrote to the second. I would only recommend reading his first book to see how much of a change he’s gone through. The first one was rushed and seemed arrogant but this one was very mature and actually speaks volumes to self improvement.
Profile Image for Kelsey Materie.
3 reviews
November 26, 2024
Really interesting perspective that can be easily relatable for any walk of life. It’s a lot about Russ’ personal experiences and how he adjusts, reevaluates, redirects but there’s something for everyone to take away from this book no matter the magnitude. Audio version has snippets of some of Russ’ songs which I thought was a cool touch!
Profile Image for Jayme Mapley-Bunny.
13 reviews
January 15, 2026
“Chasing external recognition in the hopes that it will lead to internal recognition is like chasing sex hoping it will lead to love”

“Don’t be so busy making a living that your forget to make a life”
Profile Image for Kendall.
12 reviews5 followers
June 5, 2024
Amazing

Russ offers powerful wisdom about his journey. I like how each chapter has its own purpose. It's a powerful book.
3 reviews
December 10, 2025
Like the songs straight bars.
Found it very motivational and inspiring.
Relating to a few topics he wrote about.
Profile Image for Sara Wheat.
50 reviews
June 11, 2024
2.5. Quick read just couldn’t get as into it as I’d hoped to
Profile Image for Carissa Huerta.
119 reviews1 follower
June 12, 2024
Absolutely amazing been a Russ fan for years and I love his honesty and advice he really makes you sit and think about different aspects of life. Even if situations are different he is so incredibly relatable and inspiring also I recommend the audio because who wouldn’t wanna listen to his voice it’s so soothing.
Profile Image for whitnie.
4 reviews
November 10, 2024
I feel like it could have been a bit deeper. I also was slightly put off by how often he referred to a romantic partner as “my girl” but then again, it is the Russ we know and love.

I love the general context of the book, but I just feel like for how good of a song writer he is, there were a lot of corny catch phrases in there and a lot of plugs to his personal music which may be great for some, but it wasn’t the self-help I was expecting.
Profile Image for Brie.
30 reviews
March 3, 2025
I adore this book. The self reflection he exhibits is beautiful and inspiring. A must read if you’re on a healing journey.
If you’re going to read only one of his books, I highly suggest this one instead of his first book.
Profile Image for Sarah Stallard.
35 reviews
November 13, 2024
maybe it's just me, but this felt like so many "live laugh love" sayings rolled into a book. I feel like he kept it a bit too on the surface and i would have enjoyed him digging into things more. but there were some good reflective snippets in here.
Profile Image for Brittany.
45 reviews
June 30, 2024
After reading the first part of Russ’ journey, I was excited to read this next book as a lot of his thoughts have aligned with mine. I’m constantly searching through music and literature to see how I can learn different perspectives to handle life. Within these pages, Russ gives the reader an authentic perspective on the journey that we are all on in life!

This book is a great read and reminder that you do not need to focus on external validation. Society has programmed us to believe the likes equal success but Russ does a great job of providing examples and self experiences as to why this shouldn’t be true.

Although these perspectives might not be where everyone is on their journey, and some people may not feel the same way, I believe that humans in general should shift their perspectives, much as Russ says, from external to internal journeys. That is when true healing can happen across our collective existence.

This life isn’t a competition and we all have a one way ticket to no longer being here. Russ helped to affirm that we should be living a life for us, not for others, and I hope this book helps you in some way as well.

It’s another quick read, although it is a little repetitive with some of the message. After reflecting on this, it’s understanding that this book was a way for Russ to release his knowledge and process his trauma more than it was an entertaining book for the reader. It’s a real book, and that’s exactly what people need sometimes! I enjoyed learning some new ways of looking at life and the moments that transpire across each and every day! Embrace all success, as long as it makes you happy!

Profile Image for Autumn Shelby.
279 reviews4 followers
April 14, 2025
I've been a fan of Russ for years! I love so much of his music and I've always admired and respected how he got where he is and what his messages convey. He has an incredible talent and amazing lyrics that inspire me, let me feel my emotions in deeper ways, and just bring me joy. His beats and rhythm hit better than anything else I hear. I loved getting to see his advice and his backstory in his first book, but this was a whole new, deeper level.

In this one, he is vulnerable. He's showing accountability, how he learned how to help himself and unlearn bad habits. You get more of his story and it adds so much depth and realness to him. He also gives more amazing advice, and it's simple, but resonates in a big way.

As someone who has been on my own self improvement journey, I can really relate some of his problems, specifically perfectionism and the need for external validation. He always reminds me what's important, to step back when I need to, and where I need my focus. This book was no different.

It is raw, real, and helpful in a way that other self help books weren't for me. This feels like something I can stick to, remember and come back to easily when I need help. I loved every word, and I'm glad to have this deeper understanding of him, because it only makes me respect and love him more.

So thank you Russ..for you wisdom, your music, and your honesty. You are unlike any other artist, and you will always be my favorite! I will always root for you 🤟🏻
Profile Image for Liana Gudin.
119 reviews1 follower
February 10, 2025
My library had a digital copy of this book available online so I was like ok cute I’ll check it out. Super easy read - almost feels like reading Russ’s diary? And like… I like his music and I see the vision for the book.

The thing that I don’t like about this book is that I’m not convinced that he truly FEELS the things he’s saying. Obviously self love and internal validation are way easier said than done but idk I’m not feeling that he has genuinely internalized the advice that he’s giving in this book. Especially with the examples of his own life … it just sounds like he’s saying what people want to hear in a self-help type book. Maybe I’m just being too critical, everyone’s journey is a work in progress and this was him telling his own story. There were a few good points that felt relatable to me where I’m at rn… it’s just kind of giving white man discovered therapy for the first time and now has all the answers. I think this book could be a good foray for white guys to dabble in exploring their feelings a bit more, but as a girl who is more in touch with my emotions and has experience in therapy, I didn’t learn anything new in reading this. Sorry Russ luv ya :(
Profile Image for Zoe Berry.
64 reviews3 followers
June 14, 2024
This book was a quick read but also a challenging read. Russ spoke about his experiences and what goes on in his head. It was kind of reassuring to know that someone at the top of their game feels similarly to how I am feeling. This book came into my life at the perfect time. If you're a fan of Russ, you'll be a fan of this book.

The chapters are perfectly titled to correlate with his music:
1. Perfectionist Perfection is an Illusion
2. Losin' Control Trust Starts with Letting Go
3. Paid Off Discipline is an Act of Love, Not Punishment
4. Enough Excess Will Never Equal Enough
5. Last Night Grieve the Ending of Each Chapter
6. That Was Me Be a Diehard Fan of Yourself
7. Still You're Okay, You Got You
8. Money On Me The Power of Choice
9. Freed Up Free Yourself From Your Inner Critic
10. Waves Keep Floating and Maintain Perspective
11. Enjoy The View Look Out the Window
12. I Love Me Do Not Trade Authenticity for Acceptance
13. Tunnel Vision Progress is the Ultimate Pursuit
14. Adventure Faith is a Catalyst for Wonder
15. The Wind The Answer is in the Mirror
Profile Image for Krasi.
28 reviews
June 25, 2024
I feel so seen after reading the book. Having to always watch out for people, putting them first and making bad decisions on ur, body mind & expectations is something out of body. Getting tangled in what everyone else’s life that u forget u are something too.. feeling out of control stuff bc u don’t do anything for urself & are seeking validation from others. The way he talks self growth and improvement is so refreshing. Everything in this book said to me like a hundred words are finally being spoken that someone else is feeling this way the way that I’ve been the last decade of my life. And I’m not just drowning in severe anxiety and panic all the time. Russ has expressed everything from validation to vulnerability to self awareness is something I needed to hear for awhile now and to be deeply understood on a individual level makes me feel not so ashamed of all the things I’ve felt and feel. Thank u this was so healing. Tank u ☺️
Profile Image for Michael David.
Author 3 books90 followers
December 8, 2025
I think I would rate this book much higher if this weren’t as expensive, as it simply restates fundamentally similar tenets by more prominent psychologists and authors in less expensive works.

The growth mindset was studied and popularized by Carol Dweck; Angela Duckworth studied and wrote about grit. Focus on oneself toward being a good person was developed by Marcus Aurelius and the stoics, and modernized by Ryan Holiday. Self-sabotage and cognitive reframing are addressed in modern texts on cognitive behavioral therapy.

I do appreciate that Russ recognizes the importance of others and the need of psychological help during his nadirs in his life and career. His conversational tone makes for easy reading, but other more robust books that broach the same topics are available.
Profile Image for Cindy.
378 reviews14 followers
November 21, 2024
🎧It Was You All Along💜by Russ
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
💭My thoughts: Firstly, I LOVE the audiobook and listening to Russ’s voice. His voice is so soothing. He’s one of my favorite artists and when I came across this on audible, it became a must. One thing that I found really memorable was his view that you can’t blame your family for how you turn out. You have to take responsibility and stop the toxic cycle of blaming others. I recommend this listen if you need some reminders that we are all human and that everything is not always what it seems to be. You have to be your own die hard fan because no one else will.
Profile Image for Books and Black Silk.
18 reviews2 followers
May 31, 2025
As I’m getting older, I’m really trying to work on myself development and breaking generational barriers in many different aspects, including emotional and so much more. This was my first self-help book and I absolutely loved it! Now don’t get me wrong, I’ve loved Russ as an artist for forever, but to see him step into his author bag is very different, but cool to see! I’m not gonna lie. I wasn’t expecting much going into the book, but I ended up leaving with eight different journaling pieces that really had me sit there and think/process a lot of my internal issues that I didn’t even know were there.
Profile Image for Mandi.
8 reviews
June 25, 2024
I love this book so much! I found the book relatable and was able to take lots of advise from it. Truthfully this book made me want to get therapy myself after hearing Russ’s experience with therapy and the growth behind it. A lot of self reflection happened while listing to this audiobook. I absolutely loved that Russ was narrating the book and including snippets of his songs to transition the chapters. It gave me a new perspective to the songs I already love! Definitely a book I’ll be rereading and a stable in my book collection. If your thinking about reading it just do it.
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