Ru the World explained

Ru the World
Type:studio
Artist:Ruger
Cover:Ruger - Ru the World.png
Released:1 September 2023
Genre:
Length:56:48
Label:Jonzing World
Producer:
  • Jugglerz
  • BenjiFlow
  • TheKidParris
  • Legendury Beatz
  • Cadenza
  • TSB
  • Kukbeatz
  • Frnkie
Prev Title:The Second Wave
Prev Year:2021
Next Title:RnB
Next Year:2024

Ru the World is the debut studio album by Nigerian singer-songwriter Ruger. It was released on 1 September 2023 by Jonzing World. The album features guest appearances from Stefflon Don, Projexx, Sauti Sol, Govana and Jugglerz.[1] Ruger assisted notable producers such as Kukbeatz, Cadenza, TSB, Legendury Beatz, BenjiFlow, TheKidParris, Jugglerz and Frnkie.[2]

Background

On 11 March 2023, Ruger announced the name of the album. He went on a North America tour to promote the album.[3]

In an interview with OkayAfrica, Ruger explained that his debut album Ru the World takes its title from a nickname used by those close to him. "People around me tend to call me 'Ru,' so I went with it," he explained. The album blends Afrobeats and dancehall, genres Ruger grew up with, noting that "Dancehall and Afrobeats were the type of songs I grew up listening to."[4]

Singles

The album's lead single "Red Flags" was released on 16 November 2022, alongside the album's second single "Asiwaju". "Asiwaju" was produced by Kukbeatz while "Red Flags" was produced by TSB.[5] The music video for "Asiwaju" was released on 16 December 2022 and was directed by David Anthony.[6] "Asiwaju" was nominated for Afrobeats Single of the Year at The Headies 2023.[7] The album's third and fourth singles "Jonzing Boy" and "Bun Bun" were both released on 12 May 2023. "Jonzing Boy" was produced by Kukbeatz[8] while "Bun Bun" was produced by Jugglerz.[9] The fifth single "Kristy" was released on 28 July 2023 and produced by Kukbeatz.[10]

Critical reception

Ru the World received generally positive reviews from critics. Adeayo Adebiyi of Pulse Nigeria praised Ru the World for Ruger's mastery in fusing dancehall and Afrobeats with R&B and hip hop, stating, "His music packs an elevated level of musicality both in penmanship, delivery, and sheer acoustic appeal." Adebiyi highlighted Ruger's skillful balance of hedonism and personal reflection on tracks like "I Want Peace" and "Dear Ex", though he suggested that the album's 53-minute runtime might impact its replay value, proposing a shorter tracklist might have been preferable. He rated the album 8.1/10, calling it a "Champion" project.

Patrick Ezema's review for Afrocritik described Ru the World as showcasing Ruger's signature blend of Dancehall and Afrobeats while focusing on catchy, instant hits rather than deeper themes. Ezema wrote, "Ru the World is probably the sweetest-sounding album released this year, but a meal of sweets does not make for a very wholesome diet." He appreciated the international collaborations but notes issues like poor sound engineering and lack of thematic cohesion, rating it 7.8/10.

In contrast, Betty Godson's review for NotJustOk praised Ru the World for its strong songwriting and melody, noting its seamless sequencing and confident themes. Godson wrote, "Ruger lives up to the hype he built for this album. His songwriting, melody progression, and storytelling are at an all-time high on this project." She rated the album 7.5/10, acknowledging some unevenness, particularly with Stefflon Don's performance.

Gabriel Myers Hansen's review for Music in Africa commended Ru the World for Ruger's adept blend of dancehall and Afrobeats, highlighting his talent for catchy melodies and engaging storytelling. Hansen observed, "The album also enjoys the advantages of harmony and great sequencing, making for fluid listening." Despite its frequent focus on sexual themes, he appreciated the album's clear purpose and strong sequencing.[11]

Personnel

Release history

Region! scope="col"
DateFormatLabel
Nigeria1 September 2023Jonzing World

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Adebiyi, Adeayo. Ruger releases highly anticipated debut album 'Ru The World'. Pulse Nigeria. 23 August 2024. 1 September 2023.
  2. Web site: Laketu, Adedayo. Ruger Unveils Debut Album 'RU The World'. OkayAfrica. 23 August 2024. 1 September 2023.
  3. Web site: Ruger reveals title of forthcoming debut album. Vanguard. 11 March 2023. 23 August 2024.
  4. Web site: Ahmed Achile, Nasir. Interview: Ruger Targets Global Dominance In 'RU The World'. OkayAfrica. 23 August 2024. 11 October 2023.
  5. Web site: Mudasiru, Wisdom. Ruger Releases "Red Flags" & "Asiwaju" Alongside Stellar Visuals. The Culture Custodian (Est. 2014). 23 August 2024. 16 November 2022.
  6. Web site: Okhide, Peter. Ruger Drops Vibrant Music Video For 'Asiwaju'. NotJustOk. 23 August 2024. 16 December 2022.
  7. Web site: CHECK OUT THE FULL 16TH HEADIES NOMINEES LIST. The Headies. 12 July 2023. 23 August 2024.
  8. Web site: Aromolaran, Michael. Ruger Releases First Single Of The Year, "Jonzing Boy". The Culture Custodian (Est. 2014.). 23 August 2024. 12 May 2023.
  9. Web site: NathSlade. Ruger – Bun Bun. 36NG. 23 August 2024. 12 May 2023.
  10. Web site: Omenye, Alex. Ruger Sets The Tone For His Debut Album With "Kristy". The Culture Custodian (Est. 2014.). 23 August 2024. 28 July 2023.
  11. Web site: Myers Hansen, Gabriel. Ru The World: Ruger's golden spout of sweet spots. Music in Africa. 23 August 2024. 7 September 2023.