Oakley Grenell + King Ru Release ‘Riddim n Rhyme’ LP
Riddim n Rhyme is the full-length collaborative album between Melbourne-based vocalist King Ru and New Zealand-born producer Oakley Grenell.
King Ru (Ru.CL), aka Rueben Campbell, is a standout force in reggae, dancehall and hip-hop. His high-energy performances and international reach have established a strong, lasting presence in the music world. He has released multiple solo albums, EPs and collaborations with artists including Gappy Ranks, Elephant Man and YT, to name but a few. In reality, he can do it all: singjay, rap, toast, boast, hit falsetto notes and effortlessly switch between styles. His versatility makes some tracks sound like a group effort when, in fact, there’s just one vocalist behind it all.
Oakley Grenell (O.G) is a New Zealand-born, Melbourne-based guitarist, producer and composer with over two decades of experience releasing music through his independent label, Central Records. Known for blending reggae, dub, hip-hop, jazz and soul, Grenell joins forces with King Ru for their new collaborative album, Riddim n Rhyme, marking his 10th LP.
The duo began working together in 2018, bonding over their shared love of bass-heavy dancehall, hip-hop and all things rhythmic. This musical connection culminated in the 2020 release of the single and music video Clap Back, which also featured UK-based Deadly Hunta and NZ-based Rubi Du. Following its popularity, Grenell gave the track his signature O.G ‘VIP Remix’ treatment. The remix was picked up by the Long Live DnB playlist and has since racked up over 40,000 plays.
Bringing together years of musical collaborations, Riddim n Rhyme showcases the duo’s shared passion for heavy basslines, infectious rhythms, Jamaican dancehall culture and lyrical versatility, with a message behind the music.
As Grenell explains: “If you like your tunes with Jamaican slang, a bass-heavy mix and non-stop flows, then Riddim n Rhyme will be right up your musical alley. There are some oldies and some newbies, but really, it’s a compilation of all the collaborations King Ru and myself have worked on over the years in Melbourne.”
Enhance your summer days with the riddims and rhymes of Oakley Grenell & King Ru!
To support the release, an Australian East Coast tour is currently in development for December 2026 and January 2027, with dates across major cities and summer festival appearances to be announced.
The project has already generated early momentum following a preview DJ mix by Grenell on Melbourne’s PBS Radio and an appearance on Channel 31 interview series.
OG NZ SUMMER TOUR 26/27
20 December @ Golden Bear Brewing – Mapua
3-6pm Free
Guitar / Vox / Loop Set
31 December @ Punakaiki Rocks Hotel – Punakaiki
8pm-1am Ticketed Event
DJ / Guitar / Vox / Loop Set
9 January @ Wairapa Music in the Country – Featherston
The Grenell Family playing tribute to John Grenell
16 January @ Coromandel
Ticketed Event
DJ / Guitar / Vox / Loop Set
17 January @ The Island – Papamoa
2-5pm Free
Guitar / Vox / Loop Set
