Russ taps into his inner “Russchukwu” with 5 memorable Afrobeats moments—solo and collaborative—blending his melodic rap flows with West African vibes.
Known for his genre-blending style, the rapper has increasingly embraced Afrobeats, a genre rooted in West African rhythms. His collaborations with stars like Davido and Asake showcase his versatility and growing affinity for the genre. Fans have even playfully dubbed him Oluwaruss and Russchukwu, signaling his cultural acceptance.
The rapper isn’t alone in exploring Afrobeats. Major U.S. artists like Drake, Beyoncé, and Chris Brown have also ventured into the genre, collaborating with top African acts and bringing Afrobeats into mainstream Western music. With his Afrobeats collaborations, he is adding his voice to this growing movement, blending rap with the genre’s infectious rhythms and melodies.
Here are five times he stepped onto the Afrobeats dance floor.
1. All I Want ft. Davido (2019)
In 2019, Oluwaruss teamed up with Nigerian superstar Davido to release All I Want. The track seamlessly blends his melodic rap style with Davido’s Afro-pop flair, creating a cross-cultural hit that resonated with fans worldwide. The accompanying music video, directed by Edgar Esteves, further emphasizes the song’s vibrant energy.
2. Reason with Asake (2022)
Featured on Asake’s debut album, Mr. Money With The Vibe, released in September 2022, Reason showcases a harmonious collaboration between the Nigerian singer and Oluwaruss. The song merges Asake’s signature Afro-fusion sound with the rapper’s introspective lyricism, resulting in a track that highlights the strengths of both artists.
3. Life & Money with Stonebwoy (2023)
Ghanaian artist Stonebwoy enlisted Oluwaruss for the remix of his track Life & Money, released in July 2023. The collaboration blends Afro-dancehall with the rapper’s hip-hop influences, creating a dynamic track that discusses the balance between life’s pursuits and financial aspirations.
4. Gimme Love (2023)
On February 24, 2023, Oluwaruss released Gimme Love, a single that delves into Afrobeats territory. The song features rhythmic percussion and melodic flows, with the rapper expressing themes of affection and loyalty. This track further cements his ability to adapt and experiment with different musical styles.
5. Hello Habibi with Olamide (2024)
In November 2024, Oluwaruss collaborated with Nigerian rapper Olamide on Hello Habibi. The song combines Olamide’s Yoruba-infused rap with the rapper’s smooth delivery, resulting in a track that celebrates cultural fusion and musical synergy.
