Who is Ru C.L. ?
“RuCL” a.k.a Rueben Campbell is one of the most exciting artists to emerge from Australia's thriving Hip Hop scene. His talent is evident on every track of his debut album "Straight Down The Line". Hailing from Melbourne with Jamaican/Australian heritage RuCL is a MC with truly universal appeal.
RuCL has been performing in various capacities for some time. Throughout the years he has built a reputation within the hip hop community, supporting international acts such as Jurassic 5, Pharcyde, Mad Professor, Lee Scratch Perry, Supernatural and DJ Craze and more.
Ru C.L. has been making his presence felt in the underground scene since the early nineties. His first release being a track with the group 'Mama's Funk' in 1995. Through the nineties RuCL has been honing his style through much live performance. His experience has been broad – with projects like Guerrilla Style Tactics (his self-funded EP) to live performances at festivals such as Big Day Out, Homebake and Vibes on a Summers Day. In 1998 RuCL made a guest appearance on 1200 Techniques “Hard as Hell” album and video clip.
RuCL's skills & musical background are evident in his diverse lyrical styles. He moves effortlessly between rugged hip hop vocals, Jamaican Dancehall (Sean Paul style), and soulful R&B. His exceptional talent was recognised by Invada Records who immediately signed him to their label after spotting him at an open mic session during UK duo Rodney P & Skits' show in Melbourne.
RuCL's has made numerous trips to Jamaica to visit family and friends over the years. In the nineties he studied music in Kingston at the Jamaican School Of Music. RuCL's mother 'Jigzie' who is Jamaican born, has been a big influence in his musical upbringing and appears on two tracks on his album. His mother is a singer dancer, choreographer and is part of “Jamaica Irie” the educational stage show that tours schools. Rueben comes from a very creative family – his sister is a singer & dancer in large theatre productions and his late father was an renowned artist.
In 2004 RuCL travelled to Bristol UK to record and mix his debut release. His album "Straight Down The Line" is truly world-class. Scheduled for release in August 2005, it will set a new standard for Hip Hop in Australia.