Ru the World

Last updated

Ru the World
Ruger - Ru the World.png
Studio album by
Ruger
Released1 September 2023
Genre
Length56:48
Label Jonzing World
Producer
Ruger chronology
The Second Wave
(2021)		Ru the World
(2023)		 RnB
(2024)
Singles from Ru the World
  1. "Red Flags"
    Released: 16 November 2022
  2. "Asiwaju"
    Released: 16 November 2022
  3. "Jonzing Boy"
    Released: 12 May 2023
  4. "Bun Bun"
    Released: 12 May 2023
  5. "Kristy"
    Released: 28 July 2023

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]

Contents

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

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
Afrocritik 7.8/10 [11]
NotJustOk 7.5/10 [12]
Pulse Nigeria8.1/10 [13]

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. [13]

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. [11]

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. [12]

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. [14]

Track listing

Ru the World track listing
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
1."Tour" Michael Olayinka Kukbeatz2:52
2."Ashana"Olayinka Legendury Beatz 3:15
3."I Want Peace"OlayinkaCadenza2:39
4."Blue"OlayinkaKukbeatz3:23
5."Addiction" (featuring Stefflon Don)
Kukbeatz3:08
6."Kristy"OlayinkaKukbeatz4:20
7."All My Days" (featuring Sauti Sol)
  • Olayinka
  • Bien-Aimé Baraza
  • Willis Chimano
  • Savara Mudigi
  • Polycarp Otieno
  • BenjiFlow
  • Otieno
  • Mudigi
3:49
8."Asiwaju"OlayinkaKukbeatz3:36
9."Nine"OlayinkaKukbeatz3:50
10."Likely" (featuring Govana)
  • Olayinka
  • Romeo Nelson
Frnkie3:56
11."BoyToy"OlayinkaTheKidParris3:08
12."Dear Ex" (featuring Jugglerz)
  • Olayinka
  • Jonas Lang
  • Martin Willumeit
  • Paul Spurny
Jugglerz2:45
13."Island Girl" (featuring Projexx)
  • Olayinka
  • Johni James
TSB3:25
14."Red Flags"
  • Olayinka
  • Ikeoluwa Oladigbolu
TSB2:55
15."Jonzing Boy"OlayinkaKukbeatz3:05
16."Bun Bun"
Jugglerz3:02
17."Holy Ground"OlayinkaKukbeatz3:32
Total length:56:48

Personnel

Release history

Release history and formats for Ru the World
RegionDateFormatLabel
Nigeria1 September 2023 Jonzing World

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References

  1. ↑ Adebiyi, Adeayo (1 September 2023). "Ruger releases highly anticipated debut album 'Ru The World'". Pulse Nigeria. Retrieved 23 August 2024.
  2. ↑ Laketu, Adedayo (1 September 2023). "Ruger Unveils Debut Album 'RU The World'". OkayAfrica. Retrieved 23 August 2024.
  3. ↑ "Ruger reveals title of forthcoming debut album". Vanguard. 11 March 2023. Retrieved 23 August 2024.
  4. ↑ Ahmed Achile, Nasir (11 October 2023). "Interview: Ruger Targets Global Dominance In 'RU The World'". OkayAfrica. Retrieved 23 August 2024.
  5. ↑ Mudasiru, Wisdom (16 November 2022). "Ruger Releases "Red Flags" & "Asiwaju" Alongside Stellar Visuals". The Culture Custodian (Est. 2014). Retrieved 23 August 2024.
  6. ↑ Okhide, Peter (16 December 2022). "Ruger Drops Vibrant Music Video For 'Asiwaju'". NotJustOk. Retrieved 23 August 2024.
  7. ↑ "CHECK OUT THE FULL 16TH HEADIES NOMINEES LIST". The Headies. 12 July 2023. Retrieved 23 August 2024.
  8. ↑ Aromolaran, Michael (12 May 2023). "Ruger Releases First Single Of The Year, "Jonzing Boy"". The Culture Custodian (Est. 2014.). Retrieved 23 August 2024.
  9. ↑ NathSlade (12 May 2023). "Ruger – Bun Bun". 36NG. Retrieved 23 August 2024.
  10. ↑ Omenye, Alex (28 July 2023). "Ruger Sets The Tone For His Debut Album With "Kristy"". The Culture Custodian (Est. 2014.). Retrieved 23 August 2024.
  11. 1 2 Ezema, Patrick. "RU The World" Review: Ruger's Sugary Debut Album Promises a Gratifying Experience But Nothing More. Afrocritik. 11 September 2023.
  12. 1 2 Godson, Betty. Ruger is going to 'RU The World' of music. NotJustOk. 9 September 2023.
  13. 1 2 Adebiyi, Adeayo. Ruger shows the making of a hedonist in 'Ru The World'. Pulse Nigeria. 5 September 2023.
  14. ↑ Myers Hansen, Gabriel (7 September 2023). "Ru The World: Ruger's golden spout of sweet spots". Music in Africa. Retrieved 23 August 2024.
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