Paul Russell

Paul Jeffrey Russell (born August 31, 1997) is an American rapper, singer and songwriter based in Los Angeles. He is best known for his 2023 single "Lil Boo Thang", which peaked at number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100. After the song gained virality on TikTok, he signed with Arista Records to release it as a commercial single for the label. Before his music career, Russell worked as a business analyst and corporate advertiser.

Early life and education Russell was born in 1997. He grew up in the suburbs of Atlanta but attended Allen High School in Allen, Texas. During his adolescence, he started listening to alternative rock, while also being exposed to Christian hip-hop, mainly through Lecrae's music.

Russell graduated from Cornell University in 2019 with a Bachelor of Science degree in industrial relations. Upon relocating to Los Angeles later that year, Russell started working at a brand consultancy.

Career 2018–2022: Career beginnings While still in college, Russell started making music as Paulitics, and released his first commercial single, "Meet Me Outside". In November of the same year, he featured on Reach Records' Christmas compilation The Gift: A Christmas Compilation, appearing with Abe Parker and Lecrae on the song "We Three Kings".

On March 29, 2019, Russell released his debut solo album, Once in a Dry Season, through Kings Dream, which included features from the likes of Ruslan, Jon Keith and Montell Fish. In January 2020, he was included in the online Christian hip-hop magazine Rapzilla's annual Freshmen List. Beginning later the same year, he started promoting his music through his TikTok profile. From 2021 onwards, Russell released a number of singles through independent label Boom.Records. In August 2021, he featured on Reach Records' compilation Summer '21, on the song "Never Give Up" alongside Tedashii. In July 2022, he featured on the same label's compilation Summer Twenty-Two, on the song "Wouldn't U Rather" with together with DJ Mykael V and Jon Keith.

2023–present: "Lil Boo Thang" and commercial breakthrough On June 28, 2023, Russell first previewed a snippet of his track "Lil Boo Thang" on TikTok; the clip went viral on the platform the following month, and he subsequently agreed to sign a deal with Arista Records to release the song as a full commercial single. "Lil Boo Thang" was officially released on August 18 of the same year; As a result of the song's success, he went on to make live guest appearances at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, on Jimmy Kimmel Live! and on Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve in the following months.

On January 26, 2024, Russell released his second single through Arista Records, "Say Cheese". Later that year, Russell was announced as an opening act supporting Meghan Trainor on The Timeless Tour. In July 2024, Russell released the single "Slippin'" featuring Trainor.

In an Instagram post on August 15, 2024, Russell announced that again sometime?, an EP about a newly-famous musician returning to his hometown and wooing his high school sweetheart, would be released at the end of the month. "Homecoming", the lead single from the project, was released on August 16.

Personal life Russell is married and resides in Los Angeles. His older sister, Careless Akon, appeared on the sixth season of The Circle, where she posed as Russell.

RIAA: 2× Platinum ARIA: Platinum BPI: Platinum MC: 2x Platinum

2025

2026

Miracle Mile "—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.

As featured artist +List of singles as featured artist Title Year "Reminiscing" 2019 "Somebody New" 2020 "Sushi" 2021 "Goodbye" "Never Give Up" "Yours!" 2022 "Confessions" 2025

Guest appearances +List of other appearances, showing year released, other artist(s) credited and album name Title Year Other artist(s) Album "We Three Kings" 2018 Lecrae and Abe Parker The Gift "Chaotic" 2023 Good Burger 2 "Booty" 2024 Meghan Trainor Timeless (Deluxe)

Tours Opening act Meghan Trainor — The Timeless Tour (2024)

Awards and nominations Award Category Nominee(s) Result Ref. 2024 Kids' Choice Awards Favorite Social Music Star Paul Russell Favorite Viral Song"Lil Boo Thang"