Chicago Musician Tony Russell Wins Emmy for Kendrick Lamar’s Show

Tony “Chicago” Russell, a bassist from Chicago, has received significant recognition for his contributions to music direction in Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime performance. On September 9, 2023, both Lamar and Russell were awarded Creative Arts Emmy Awards for outstanding music direction. The ceremony will be broadcast on FXX and available for streaming on Hulu until October 7. The prestigious Primetime Emmy Awards will air live on CBS on September 10.

Russell, who has collaborated with Lamar for approximately 13 years, expressed his disbelief at the honor. “It still hasn’t hit me,” the West Side native said. “It is still surreal.” This accolade marks yet another achievement in Russell’s extensive career, which includes work with major artists like Usher and Jamie Foxx, as well as multiple Grammy nominations. Reflecting on his roots, Russell credits his success to the musical education he received in Chicago, which began at First Corinthians M.B. Church, where his mother serves as pastor. “Without being from the city, I don’t become what I am,” he stated. “Chicago prepares us to go anywhere.”

The halftime show, which garnered a staggering 133.5 million viewers, became the most-watched in Super Bowl history. Unlike previous performances that relied on classic hits, Lamar showcased a collection of new material. The show featured narration from actor Samuel L. Jackson, who appeared as Uncle Sam, and dancers dressed in red, white, and blue, forming an American flag. The finale included a rendition of “They Not Like Us,” a track that sparked speculation about its political undertones.

Russell noted, “We went against the grain. It wasn’t about the old, it was about where we are going. So if you missed the train, you’ve got to catch up now.” While he remained somewhat reserved about the show’s deeper messages, he acknowledged that many viewers misinterpreted Lamar’s intentions. Some criticism suggested the performance lacked entertainment value. “Art is subjective,” Russell remarked, adding that those who initially dismissed it often changed their minds after watching multiple times. “Nah, it’s too late,” he said with a laugh. “We won an Emmy for it, so now what do you have to say?”

Russell was not alone in his efforts; the halftime show’s production design and creative direction were led by Mike Carson, a Chicago native and Columbia College Chicago alumnus. Despite facing challenges during the creation of the show, including evacuations due to the Los Angeles wildfires and a rehearsal leak by controversial hip-hop streamer DJ Akademiks, Russell maintained a positive outlook. “There’s too many things trying to distract us and block us from what we’re supposed to be doing,” he explained.

His upbringing in Chicago’s music scene taught him adaptability, a skill he honed while performing at his mother’s church. “My mom is still one of the best choir directors, and she taught me discipline at 13,” he said. “Church can change at any minute. It prepares you for everything. And Chicago church is different from anywhere else, too. It teaches you how to deal with any other genre of music.”

When asked about his collaborations, Russell emphasized that Kendrick Lamar stands out as his favorite artist. “Kendrick is a genius,” he stated. “Kendrick is very detailed. A lot of artists, they don’t do 10% of what Kendrick does.”

As Russell prepares for the next leg of Lamar’s Grand National Tour with R&B singer SZA in Mexico City, he anticipates the possibility of more recognition at the upcoming Emmy Awards. Illinois natives Ike Barinholtz, Carrie Coon, and Britt Lower are among the nominees in various categories, while the Chicago-based FX series “The Bear” received 13 nominations.

“Chicago breeds so many great talents,” Russell noted, proudly mentioning his hometown during his acceptance speech. “Once you say ‘Chicago,’ that’s a statement. Like, ‘Oh, you’re from Chicago?’ There’s nothing else to say.”