Russell Gonzalez, known as The Are, is a producer from Houston, Texas, and a founding member of the hip-hop group K-Otix. He has collaborated with artists such as Lone Catalysts, Punch & Words, Phife Dawg, Dave (of De La Soul), Masta Ace, Kay, Headkrack, MED, and Zion I, among others. His production is rooted in classic hip-hop with a focus on soulful samples and strong drum patterns.