From the lush islands of Haida Gwaii in British Columbia, Canada, William “Tycoon” Russ has built a life around sound, rhythm, and the pursuit of authenticity. His story is not just about music but about finding purpose through creativity. For him, every beat tells a story of resilience and self belief.
William began his musical journey back in 2002. What sparked it was pure chance. One day, he was walking around town with a friend who was looking for weed. They stopped at a man’s place named Steven, who asked if they rapped. Steven then introduced them to Acid Pro and showed them how to record. From that moment on, William was hooked. That single encounter opened the door to a passion that would shape the rest of his life.
His style is deeply rooted in hip hop, but his range stretches far beyond. He creates Boom Bap, G Funk, West Coast, Trap, and RnB music, blending influences to form his own unique sound. He has always loved all forms of urban music but gravitates toward high energy songs that lift spirits and move people.
While he is not a classically trained musician, William knows his way around the piano, especially when it comes to scales and chords. His knowledge of melody and rhythm allows him to bring soul and depth into every track he touches.
William’s influences run deep and wide. He looks up to legends like Dr. Dre, DJ Premier, Rza, Notorious B I G, E 40, Snoop Dogg, Pete Rock, Ghostface Killah, Redman, Erick Sermon, Scarface, Kanye, Hit Boy, Kendrick Lamar, Naughty By Nature, Atmosphere, Brother Ali, Run The Jewelz, Outkast, Organized Noise, Pharoahe Monch, Apathy, A Tribe Called Quest, and De La Soul. Each of these artists has helped shape his creative identity and pushed him to explore new sounds and ideas.
His journey in music began as an MC, rapping over other people’s instrumentals before realizing he wanted more control over his sound. That led him to learn how to make his own beats and produce original songs from scratch. Working out of his parents’ house, he released three solo albums, later producing, mixing, and mastering a group project called Haida Hippies alongside local artists from his hometown.
After years of steady work and experimentation, William created one of his proudest projects, an album called Persevere. The project is rooted in G Funk and carries an uplifting message aimed at inspiring young men from Haida Gwaii and beyond. He wrote, produced, performed, mixed, and mastered every track on his own. The album reflects mental strength, self growth, and perseverance, proving that dedication and vision can turn any dream into reality.
In the midst of creating Persevere, another collaboration took shape. William joined forces with two brothers, Cheese and Pot C, who spent most of their lives in Japan. Together, they formed the group Hydra Gwaii, a name symbolizing their shared connection between Japan and Haida Gwaii. William produced all the beats, Cheese handled the scratches, and all three contributed verses. The chemistry was undeniable, and the project became another milestone in William’s musical journey.
He has since released several instrumental projects on Bandcamp, including Indian Summer, From Mental to Reality, On The Shoulders of Giants, Beat Challenges, Strike Down, and From Whence It Came. Each album showcases a different side of his creativity, from laid back West Coast rides to East Coast inspired samples and modern production styles.
One of William’s most memorable moments came recently when he finally took the stage to perform his songs live in Haida Gwaii. For years, stage fright had held him back, but facing that fear changed everything. Now that he has performed in front of crowds, he wants to continue building that momentum, playing bigger shows and connecting with more listeners face to face.
At the moment, William is working on a project called The Producers Corner Challenges, a weekly sample competition where around a hundred producers create beats using the same seven samples to impress the judges. It has been an exciting and motivating experience that keeps his skills sharp and his creativity flowing.
He also has upcoming performances, including a local show at the end of the month where he will be opening for a band from his area. Beyond that, he is preparing for the second Hydra Gwaii album and beginning work on a new solo project that will further show his evolution as an artist.
For William Tycoon Russ, music is not just about rhythm and sound. It is about growth, expression, and connection. It is about taking life’s lessons and turning them into something powerful. With each beat, lyric, and performance, he continues to prove that perseverance can turn any passion into legacy.
