Super producer Rvssian born Tarik Luke Johnston took to social media in Friday to quell rumors that he is not Jamaican and from Russia as his moniker suggests.
“Saw a video trending on TikTok that I’m from a white man from Russia and not Jamaican. lol I’m born and raised in kingston jamaica. Both my parents are also born and raised in jamaica. 🤷🏻♂️”
The Dutty Money Riddim producer also shared an image of his parents showing his father with long dreads.
Saw a video trending on TikTok that I’m from a white man from Russia and not Jamaican. lol I’m born and raised in kingston jamaica. Both my parents are also born and raised in jamaica. 🤷🏻♂️ pic.twitter.com/hzJoWwKOEJ
— Rvssian (@Rvssian) December 22, 2023
Rvssian is one of the most successful Jamaican producers of all time with several platinum and multi-platinum certifications to his credit.
This is not the first time Rvssian has had to defend his heritage as back in 2020 amid the global spotlight on Black Lives Matter, the music entrepreneur found himself compelled to defend both his racial identity and commitment to Jamaican culture.
On June 4th, he took to Twitter, sparking diverse reactions. Some argued that his privileged background prevented him from truly understanding the struggle for black equality, contending that he lacked the firsthand experience of poverty.
Critics also questioned his authority to speak on Jamaica’s black affairs, asserting that his ancestors did not contribute to the nation’s construction.
The Twitter drama ignited with Rvssian’s tweet: “Born and raised in Jamaica 🇯🇲 my entire life. But a lot of Jamaicans on the net behind their phones like to act like they more Jamaican than me for what reason? Motto. Out of many, One people. Don’t lose yourself. I love my country and people.”
One fan disputed the narrative that Rvssian rose from humble beginnings, highlighting his upbringing in an affluent area and familial support. Another urged Rvssian not to take offense, encouraging him to empathize with those who questioned his authenticity.
Some questioned Rvssian’s concern for black lives, challenging his ancestral ties to Jamaica and arguing that he couldn’t relate to the struggles of those descended from enslaved people.
However, Rvssian received support from Twitter users who saw him as a genuine Jamaican, emphasizing that one’s birthplace or financial background does not determine their cultural identity.
In response, the Rich Immigrants label owner back then posted the same retro photo of his parents, expressing gratitude for their teachings on avoiding judgment and envy.
Rvssian gained global popularity with a series of collaborations with pop acts like Chris Brown, Drake and Bad Bunny. He has the record for being the Jamaican with the most Latin certifications by the Recording Industry Association Of America.
Now living in Miami, the Privado producer has surpassed 2.6 billion streams on Spotify, and signed Shenseea to his Rich Immigrants label in a joint venture with Interscope Records where she released her debut album “Alpha”.
Under the deal Shenseea has worked with Kanye West, sold Gold in the US and Canada and wa nominated for a Grammy. Only recently he returned to Jamaica to collaborate with new artists Rajah Wild and Najeerii for Go Go and Phat Phat on the Dutty Money Riddim. Both songs are neck and neck at No. 1 and 2 on Apple Music Jamaica.
The full compliment on the Dutty Money Riddim include all new dancehall artist like Malie Don, Valiant, The 9ine and Kraff Gad is currently No. 2 on the US iTunes Reggae chart. It is the first time all the featured artist are making the chart I the top 2.
Past hits by Rvssian include “Life Sweet” for Vybz Kartel, which was his first notable song. In 2010 he followed with the release of “Straight Jeans and Fitted.” The two went on to to collaborate on “Get Gyal Anywhere,” “Cure Fi Badmind,” “Look Pon We,” and “New Jordans” (featuring Rvssian), the latter recorded in 2014 before Vybz Kartel’s imprisonment for murder. Despite Kartel’s incarceration, Rvssian continued to release singles for him, including “Ever Blessed,” “Kremlin,” “Hi,” and “Mamacita” (featuring J Capri).
Rvssian’s Head Concussion Records, launched December 2007 saw him voicing artist in the early days like Demarco, Tarrus Riley, and Blak Ryno. The label’s success soared with riddims like “Life Sweet,” “Go Go Club,” “Remedy,” and “Nuh Fear.” Notably, the “Go Go Club” rhythm introduced new talents like Merital Family to the music scene and it is now remixed as the “Dutty Money Riddim”.
Under Head Concussion Records, Rvssian showcased his producing prowess by releasing hits like Tarrus Riley’s “Good Girl, Gone Bad” (featuring Konshens), Vybz Kartel’s “Lyricist,” and Chan Dizzy’s “Nuh Strange Face.” Even after Vybz Kartel’s legal troubles, Rvssian maintained the label’s prominence, launching the short career of J Capri, who was a promising dancehall artist before she died in December 2015. Capri’s singles produced by Rvssian include “Pull Up To Mi Bumper” and “Whine ‘n’ Kotch.”
In 2022, Rvssian was nomination for Crossover Artist of the Year at the 2022 Billboard Latin Music Awards.
