Rvssian Speaks on Rift with Shenseea, Working with Rihanna, Drake, Kartel, J Capri’s Death, Dancehall etc – Watch Interview

January 12, 2024

Discussing his career in dancehall during an interview, Tarik Luke Johnston who is more commonly known as Rvssian reflected on the passing of dancehall artiste J Capri, as well as his rift with Shenseea and working with Rihanna.

One of the most prominent Jamaican producers currently in the industry, Rvssain has made strides in music both locally and internationally. Despite his gradual rise to fame locally before branching off to the United States, some have questioned his Jamaican ancestry.

Speaking on the Let’s Be Honest podcast, Rvssian clarified that he was born and raised in Kingston and shared that he attended Ardenne High with fellow producer Stephen McGregor. Discussing his rise in dancehall, Rvssian said he asked his family for six months after high school to prove that he could make it in the industry or he would leave for college abroad.

He went on to make a name for himself as a producer with songs such as Life Sweet with Vybz Kartel. Touching on his relationship with the deejay, Rvssian said that Kartel was able to see the vision he had despite being only 17 when they first began collaborating.

He added that despite being a staunch Kartel supporter, he has been able to maintain a good relationship with Mavado, even during the artistes’ musical rivalry.

The producer also talked extensively about his Dutty Money Riddim which is now ‘running the place’, highlighting that he has plans for follow-up riddims.

Drake was also talked about, with Rvssian disclosing that he did work with the rapper, however, the song is yet to be released.

Rvssian went on to speak about some of the other artistes he has worked with and signed, including J Capri, who passed away in 2015 from injuries she sustained in a motor vehicle accident.

Rvssian said that her passing greatly affected him and his team after working closely with her for years. Further speaking on her death, the Head Concussion Records founder expressed that his team felt excluded from her funeral and final sendoff.

Rvssian (left) and *Let’s Be Honest* host Jaii Frais

Though he did not wish to criticise her family for the planning of the funeral, Rvssian shared that they felt shunned as they could not take part in the service.

During the interview, Rvssian also discussed one of his biggest signees, Shenseea, who is signed jointly to his Rich Immigrants label and Interscope Records. Speaking on the negative reaction to her latest releases, Rvssian expressed that he will not stop her from doing what she wants.

“Mi and Shenseea don’t talk in two years. She sign to mi, but mi nah guh controle nuh body. They can do what they want because mi nuh want nuh body eva seh mi ole dem back or stifle dem career,” Rvssian stated.

Rvssian went on to disclose that there is a rift between the pair. He also expressed that he did not expect her to release a snippet of a song on the Dutty Money Riddim.

Over the past few years, Rvssian has successfully crossed over into multiple genres since making his name in dancehall. During the interview, the producer explained that he felt there was more for him to do in music beyond dancehall.

In addition to working with reggaeton artistes such as Bad Bunny, Rvssian has also collaborated with multiple hip-hop and R&B artistes. Rvssian shared that he produced a single for Drake that has not yet been released and that he also worked with Rihanna.

The producer further disclosed that his track with the Diamonds singer is expected to be featured on her long-anticipated dancehall album.

Watch the interview below.