Angel Faye Russell Combines Soul and Truth in “Makin Love Cost Money”
Angel Faye Russell, born in Montgomery, Alabama and raised on Strong Island, New York, carries the soul of the South and the rhythm of hip-hop’s golden era. Growing up in the company of cultural giants like Flava Flav, A Tribe Called Quest, and Public Enemy, Angel’s musical foundation was shaped by them. Today, she stands as a passionate advocate and voice for Southern Soul, while navigating blues, jazz, neo-soul, and indie music.
Her sound is steeped in the powerhouse vocals of her influences such as Chaka Khan, Whitney Houston, Mary J. Blige, Aretha Franklin, and Peggy Scott Adams. Her latest single, “Makin Love Cost Money,” delivers a message that’s both bold and empowering. The song is a sneak peek into her upcoming album Songs In The Key of Angel, and it’s already resonating with fans for its unapologetic truth and dance-ready groove.
The creative process behind “Makin Love Cost Money” is deeply intentional. Angel Faye Russell draws inspiration from everyday conversations, spinning a simple line into a memorable hook. From there, she crafts a complete story—each verse adding depth, each note aligning with emotion. But Angel’s journey hasn’t been without obstacles. As a woman in a male-dominated genre, she’s had to fight to be heard and compensated fairly. Early on, she struggled to find music that fit her vision, which led her to teach herself how to play the keyboard, write her own lyrics, and even record her own tracks. These skills made her not just an artist, but a self-sufficient force.
A pivotal breakthrough came when she met her manager Joe Mason and co-manager Vincent Berry, known as Vinny. With a background working alongside icons like Norman Whitfield, Eminem, Dr. Dre, and Snoop Dogg, Vinny brought a level of industry knowledge and connection that helped elevate Angel’s career. Through this partnership, Angel is now working with Grammy Academy members to advocate for Southern Soul to be recognized as its own Grammy category—a mission that reflects her commitment not only to her own music but to the legacy of the genre itself. Angel Faye Russell is using her voice to celebrate strong women who know their worth, and to tip her hat to the men who recognize it too. It's a playful but pointed anthem for the dance floor.
Listen to 'Making Love Cost Money'
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