Block Entertainment CEO, "Epitome of the American dream"

Block Entertainment CEO Russell “Block” Spencer is the epitome of the American dream.  From humble beginnings as a small time hustler to shrewd board room businessman, Block strategically mutated his savvy street smarts into building one of the most respected independent imprints in the country.

After introducing the world to the south’s most dangerous group Boyz-N-Da-Hood, serving as co-owner of ShoNuff Records (label home of R&B diva Ciara) and having the entire world leaning and jocking to the infectious, upbeat sounds of Block Entertainment/ Bad Boy South artist Yung Joc, Block is well on his way to controlling the board in this music business monopoly.

Born in Atlanta and raised between the Peach State and the Los Angeles section of Watts, Block finds his roots buried deep in the streets. Stacking tax-free chips from corner to corner since he was a youngster, this self-made mogul transcended his street hustle to hip hop in1994, when he assumed the role of unofficial manager for Tupac Shakur for a close family friend.

Getting his feet wet in the industry, Block held down various positions over the early years and soaked up every ounce of information as he learned rules and strategies of the business. His time to shine came in 1997 when he acquired the position of president of Houston-based Suave House Records, the trailblazing indie label which first signed Eightball and MJG and Tela. There, he would oversee projects for living legends Eightball and MJG and even sign an upcoming rapper by the name of Rick Ross.

While his days at Suave were a definite learning experience for him, Block set his sights on brighter opportunities. He ended his tenure at the label in 1999 when he hooked up with entrepreneur Henry ”Noonie” Lee and producer Jazze Pha to form Sho Nuff  Records, the label home of Ciara and lyrical top gun Jody Breeze. 

His hustle hit home when he launched his own project label Block Ent. In 2000. That same year, he signed hired top gun Big Gee and released Gee’s well-received indie debut Mechanicsville USA, selling 25,000 copies regionally. For his next move, he handpicked four-man murder squad Boyz-N-Da-Hood consisting of Big Gee, Jody Breeze, Big Duke and Young Jeezy and dropped their self-titled major label debut in 2005. 

“For the group, I wanted to get unknown artist who possessed passion to rap about what they lived,” Block explains. “Jeezy was a hustler. Duke was an OG. Gee was a get-it-how-you-can-get-it kind of guy. And Jody was a youngster who was running around doing what he do- fixing up cars and chasing girls. 

Block’s next move was a partnership with music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs in early 2006 for a seminal multi-million-dollar label deal between the two. But Block’s biggest mainstream acclaim was the platinum record sales of Block Entertainment artist Yung Joc’s club rocking debut New Joc City.

Stepping onto the scene with the finger-snapping anthem “It’s Going Down,” Joc skyrocketed to the No. 1 Billboard singles charts. He has also locked down the ring tone world with limitless downloads of the popular tune and continues to have the nation in a daze with endless tour dates. 

In 2005 Block signed an exclusive joint venture deal with Warner Music Group’s label Bad Boy Entertainment.  Since then, projects that followed were, newly signed artist Gorilla Zoe and Texas songstresses Southern Girl. And on the forefront, he had scheduled releases for Boyz-N-Da-Hood’s sophomore album Back Up N Da Chevy in Spring 07, Gorilla Zoe’s solo debut Welcome To The Zoo and Southern Girl’s self-titled debut. 

Quickly gaining the respect of his peers, Block has even been recognized by Warmer Music Group vie president Kevin Liles, who insists, “I will forever support him.” 

When asked where he attributes success, he modestly states: “Putting God first, being passionate and giving back to where I came. It’s all about giving back to the hood and to those who don’t have outlets.” 

With a proven track record that spans both R&B and hip hop, Block has his ear permanently cemented to the street. Strategically placing his pieces and making move with precision, Block is just getting started. And his next move is to be sure to be even more groundbreaking. Take notes.