WHAT IT IS: Dallas native Paul Russell’s first major-label single, “Lil Boo Thang,” went viral on TikTok and Instagram before it was even released. The track—which now boasts 90m+ global streams—was originally teased on social media with a 21-second snippet back in June and racked up millions of views as fans pleaded for the full version. Weaving together the colorful threads of ’70s funk, R&B and rap and containing a sample of “Best of My Love” by The Emotions, “Lil Boo Thang” has continued its upward trajectory. The track is now Top 15 on TikTok and #8 on TikTok Viral, debuted #1 at iTunes Pop, #6 at all genres, #12 Shazam U.S. and Top 10 Spotify Top Songs U.S. Next up, Russell will perform on a series of Jingle Ball dates, along with headline shows in L.A. and N.Y.
SINGLE: “Lil Boo Thang”
RELEASE DATE: 8/18
TV: Debut TV performance of “Lil Boo Thang” on Today (10/27); Kelly & Mark (10/30)
LIVE: Jingle Ball Tampa (11/26), Dallas (11/28), N.Y.’s MSG (12/8) and Miami (12/16); Jingle Ball (12/16), more TBA
INTERNET: 7.7m+ monthly Spotify listeners; 1.8m+ Reels created using “Lil Boo Thang”; 600k+ TikTok creations; 2.7m+ views on single, 9m+ combined
RADIO: 32m+ combined radio audience; nearing Top 10 at Top 40 and Hot AC, Top 15 at Rhythm; #15 Big Picture Airplay
PRESS: Philadelphia Inquirer, Just Jared, Melodic Mag, more
BOOKING: Zac Bluestone/Wasserman
PUBLISHING: Self-published
MANAGEMENT: Jared Cotter/Range Media Partners & Abas Pauti/American Dogwood