RnB is a collaborative EP by Nigerian singers Ruger and Bnxn. It was released on 18 April 2024, by Blown Boy Entertainment, TYE Entertainment, and Empire Distribution. No other artists were featured on the project, and the project features production from Blaisebeatz, Sarz and Kukbeatz.
Background
In August 2022, Ruger and Bnxn (formerly Buju) were involved in an online altercation, primarily fueled by their fans' rivalry. Bnxn explained in a Billboard interview that the fan-driven "excessive stanship" in Nigeria contributed to their clash, as fans of one artist would often attack the other. Ruger and Bnxn both acknowledged that their fans' actions, both online and at live events, intensified their feud. However, the artists eventually reconciled when they unexpectedly met on a flight to London. Ruger explained that much of their conflict stemmed from a lack of face-to-face interaction, and once they met, they realized they were more focused on music than any personal issues. This reconciliation led to the creation of their joint album RnB, which they completed in just three days.[1]
Singles
RnB housed two singles. The lead single, "Romeo Must Die (RMD)" was released on 29 February 2024, alongside its music video. The track was produced by Kukbeatz and serves as their debut single together.[2] The second single, "Poe", was released on 11 April 2024 and was produced by Blaisebeatz.[3]
RnB received mixed reviews from critics. In Abioye Damilare Samson's review for Afrocritik, he described RnB as "a thoroughly enjoyable listen," but notes that "fans hoping for glimpses into Ruger and BNXN’s reconciliation will be disappointed," as the EP focuses more on feel-good, love, and party themes than their past conflict. He rated the EP a 7/10.[4]
Adeayo Adebiyi of Pulse Nigeria stated that RnB is an "enjoyable listen" and described it as "an anticlimactic end" to Ruger and Bnxn's much-publicized rift. He notes that the EP, while offering some catchy melodies, ultimately feels "unsuitable and unexciting for the moment it's meant to mark." Adebiyi gave the project a rating of 7.2/10.[5]
Patrick Ezema of The Lagos Review noted that while RnB showcases the talents of Ruger and Bnxn, it fails to live up to the monumental occasion it signifies. He criticized the project for not reflecting the story behind their highly publicized feud, stating that "the EP gives nothing away about all of the lore behind its release." Ezema also highlighted the imbalance in themes, noting Ruger's problematic view of women in tracks like "Ilashe". Despite these flaws, he found that their "superb talents and decent chemistry" make the project a solid addition to their discographies.[6]
