The track Lyubov v seti, uploaded to YouTube in July 2011, launched the career of Egor Nikolayevich Bulatkin. Known subsequently by his stage names KReeD, Egor Kreed, and since 2024 as Egor Split, he transitioned from a hip-hop aspirant into a prominent Russian singer, songwriter, and actor, amassing a digital audience numbering in the millions.
Early Career and Digital Breakthrough
Born in 1994 in Penza, Bulatkin began his professional trajectory under the pseudonym KReeD. His early internet presence yielded significant traction, leading to his victory in the 2012 Star Vkontakte competition where he outperformed 1000 rivals. This success facilitated a performance at Saint Petersburg's BKZ October's and provided the momentum to sign with the Black Star Inc. label in April 2012. His debut release, Starletka, featured actress Miroslava Karpovich, marking his initial integration into the broader Russian media landscape.
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The release of the 2014 hit Samaya Samaya signalled a shift toward a more mainstream pop sound, eventually topping Russian charts. This evolution continued with the 2015 release of his debut studio album, Kholostyak, which preceded his appearance on the television show of the same name. Throughout his tenure with Black Star, he collaborated with various artists including Timati, Philipp Kirkorov, and Klava Koka, while performing at major Moscow venues such as the Olympic and Luzhniki arenas.
Independent Media and Public Controversy
Following his departure from Black Star, Bulatkin expanded his digital presence, with his YouTube subscriber count surpassing six million by February 2022. His career has been marked by occasional public incidents, most notably in June 2018, when he and Timati staged an unauthorized promotional performance on the roof of a car on Bolshaya Dmitrovka. The event resulted in an application by lawyer Alexander Khaminsky to initiate legal proceedings following the disruption of traffic.
Discography and Stylistic Range
Bulatkin's recorded output spans several studio albums including Chto oni znayut?, 58, Pussy Boy, and the 2024 release Menshe chem tri. His singles have spanned diverse collaborations, ranging from the pop-oriented The Color of Mood is Black to the track Sad Song with Morgenshtern and Thrill Pill. His work reflects a versatile approach to Russian music, incorporating elements of hip-hop and contemporary pop production.
Fast facts
- Born: 1994, Penza, Russia
- Stage names: KReeD, Egor Kreed, Egor Split
- Occupations: singer, songwriter, rapper, actor
- Label: Black Star Inc. (former)
- Notable album: Kholostyak (2015)
- 2015 Award: Premiya RU.TV for Best Song
- Languages: Russian, English
Questions readers ask
What was Egor Kreed's first major hit?
His 2014 single Samaya Samaya reached number one on the Russian charts and secured over twenty million YouTube views.
When did he change his stage name to Egor Split?
The artist adopted the stage name Egor Split in 2024.
Achievements
- Notable work: Kholostyak
- Instruments: voice
- Genres: hip-hop and pop music