Hauntz: The Underdog with a Pen Like a Switchblade
Written by Emily Michelle
Who really is Hauntz?
Newcastle NSW seems to have a way of shaping its artists... It has the grit, the grind, the salty air that clings to your clothes. For Edwardo Russo (Hauntz), it's not just hometown pride within the sound, it’s the roots of who he is an artist. Russo is a rapper who aims to shape culture, who doesn’t flinch when given the opportunity to present it how it is. Hauntz has a habit of blending his raw lyricism with storytelling that doesn’t just hit you, it clings to you. These are verses that aren’t wrapped together from bellowed trends or borrowed cadence; they’re pulled from his life, sharpened by wordplay, and delivered with a voice that carries the weight and intent of the experience.
In such a competitive scene where fleeting hype can chew you up before you’ve even been taught the game, Hauntz is approaching his story differently. He’s not here for a quick win, or a dishonest one either. He’s here to craft records knowing that every bar should be an etching on the wall of truth.
The underdog’s fire is drive; his fierce belief that truth outlasts clout every time. Hauntz turns heavy weight in to records that teach listeners the path to lifting the overwhelming weight. These tracks push you to keep moving even when the ground’s trying to swallow you whole. It’s music for those who’ve been counted out and came back louder.
Hauntz isn’t just spitting bars; he’s setting a precedent. For the ones who think they’ve got nothing left, he’s proof you can turn that into something unstoppable. And in a hip-hop landscape that can feel disposable, his mission is simple — leave something behind that can’t be ignored.
The Russo Tape (2025)
Hauntz introduced us to The Russo Tape, stepping deeper into his story than ever before. This project is a statement, in the form of an album. Each track peels back layers of his youth, revealing the sickening that shaped the grit of Russo. The soundscape navigates fluidly through punchy, hard-hitting beats and moments of reflection, freezing those moments to understand what balancing life on the edge can be envisioned as.
Hauntz’ lyricism sharpens in this story, weaving vivid narratives that feel both personal and quite relatable, mentioning listening to Eminem as an outlet to his personal struggles. Whether it’s confronting hardship or celebrating hard-earned victories, The Russo Tapes resonates vividly because it refuses to water down the liquor of life. Instead, it invited us listeners to lean into his story, to harness his raw lyricism, and to walk alongside him through his journey of self-discovery.
Independent by nature, Hauntz maintains full control over his artistry, ensuring that every verse, beat, and mood stays true to his bloodline. This autonomy fuels that authenticity that becomes apparent during Wizard of Aus. Russo's artistic independence really cements his place, rising him not only in Newcastle but across the Australian hip-hop landscape in Sydney too.
Rézin Review ⭐
"Some survivors don't live to tell their story, but The Russo Tape lives to speak it's truth"
We at Rézin believe in artistry that shapes culture, anticipation, and fearlessness as it shows what art can do to community. Hauntz is a prime example of what is capable within an artist when they write true to their vision, which is why we've decided to rate this album a 4.5/5 ⭐
Angels & Demons from The Russo Tape has earnt its place in the Rézin Best of 2025, making it the first record we've decided to feature within the playlist.