Donald George Ruffin[5], known professionally as Duwap Kaine, is an American rapper, singer, and songwriter. He is known for his projects Underdog and Bad Kid from the 4,[6][7] as well as his early collaborations with record producer Pi'erre Bourne.
Duwap Kaine | |
|---|---|
 Duwap Kaine in July 2019 | |
| Background information | |
| Born | Donald George Ruffin 2001 or 2002 (age 23–24)[1] |
| Genres | [2][3][4] |
| Occupations |
|
| Years active | 2011–present |
| Label | TAF |
Career
editRuffin began making chopped and screwed remixes of songs at age 6.[8] He started producing music using Mixcraft.[8] He released "Elmo freestyle", which later became a viral hit, at age 9.[8] As a teenager, he began releasing music under the alias "Dolphin God".[8] He released his debut mixtape Diffrent [sic] in 2013 under the DolphinGod alias.
One of his first singles to gain attention was the song "A Stove Is a Stove", which he released in 2016, with the song since reaching over a million plays.[2] In 2017, he released the Pi'erre Bourne-produced song "Santa".[8] In September 2017, he was co-signed by American rapper Lil Yachty as one of his favorite rappers.[4] Ruffin has worked with artists including Trippie Redd, K$upreme, Lil Wop, and Lil Tracy. He released two mixtapes that year, Friends Till The End & Forever Kaine.
In 2018, he released the notable mixtape Underdog. Most of the tape's instrumentals were made by Duwap's frequent collaborator Nine9.[8] Ruffin released the single "Playin Wit Da Autotune" on August 11, 2021. Ruffin released his album Faith Like Esther on June 26, 2022.[9] In December 2024, he released A Kid From Savannah, a short autobiography.[8] He released his mixtape The Godfather in March 2026.[10]
Musical style
editHis music is known for its "melodic, autotune-soaked raps".[11] Pigeons and Planes has described him as a "godfather of internet rap".[8] He has cited Chief Keef, Soulja Boy, and Lil B as influences on his music.[8]
Personal life
editAs of 2026, Ruffin lives in Lawrenceville, Georgia.[8] He was diagnosed with ADHD as a child.[8] He has a daughter.[8]
Discography
editStudio albums
edit| Title | Album details |
|---|---|
| What a Time to Be Wild |
|
| Bad Kid from the 4 |
|
| Underdog 2 |
|
| Thank You Kaine |
|
| After the Storm |
|
| A Dogg's Influence |
|
| Family Guy |
|
| Duwap So Based |
|
| Darkest Days |
|
| You Influenced Me |
|
| On The Way |
|
| Bully |
|
| Thank You Kaine II |
|
| Goldmine |
|
| Thank You Kaine 3 |
|
| Double YL (You Live You Learn) |
|
| I Am Not A Human Being |
|
| Nobody Is Coming To Save You |
|
Deluxe albums
edit| Title | Deluxe details |
|---|---|
| After the Storm (Deluxe Version) |
|
Mixtapes
edit| Title | Mixtape details |
|---|---|
| Trappin Fever |
|
| Trappin Fever 2 |
|
| Kaine's Collection |
|
| Fourteen |
|
| Kaine's Mansion 5 |
|
| Citgo Stories |
|
| 88 Kaine |
|
| Candy Kaine |
|
| Friends Till the End |
|
| Forever Kaine |
|
| Underdog |
|
| Heardhead |
|
| Faith Like Esther |
|
| Kaine's Diary |
|
| Underdog 3 |
|
| Warning B4 Destruction |
|
| Remember Who Started the Wave |
|
| Feels Like Summer |
|
| Southside's Most Wanted |
|
| Lost Files, Vol. 1 |
|
| Down South Down 2 Earth |
|
Extended plays
edit| Title | Extended play details |
|---|---|
| Mr. 4 |
|
| FreeLilEBG |
|
| Mistreated |
|
| Kaine's Laboratory |
|
References
edit- ↑ Smith, Nadine (July 6, 2022). "Duwap Kaine: Faith Like Esther". Pitchfork. Retrieved April 26, 2026.
- 1 2 "Duwap Kaine Is the Best Rapper That Won't Show Up in Your Algorithm". Pitchfork. September 23, 2019. Retrieved October 9, 2022.
- ↑ "Duwap Kaine – Feel Like Esther". Pitchfork. Retrieved October 9, 2022.
- 1 2 "The Next Generation Of SoundCloud Rappers". Complex. Retrieved October 9, 2022.
- ↑ "Information on Duwap Kaine's songs in ASCAP ACE database". ASCAP. Retrieved September 30, 2022.
- ↑ "Song You Need: Duwap Kaine is more than a humble pop star on "ASMR"". The Fader. Retrieved October 9, 2022.
- ↑ "Listen to Duwap Kaine's "Mad 2": The Ones". Pitchfork. June 27, 2022. Retrieved October 9, 2022.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Villasan Gendron, Will (April 23, 2026). "Duwap Kaine Speaks". Pigeons and Planes. Retrieved April 26, 2026.
- ↑ Brake, David Aaron (June 30, 2022). "New Music Friday - New Albums From Duwap Kaine, G Perico, French Montana + More". HipHopDX. Archived from the original on July 1, 2022. Retrieved October 9, 2022.
- ↑ Horvath, Zachary (March 13, 2026). "Tha Godfather - Album by Duwap Kaine". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved April 26, 2026.
- ↑ Callender, Brandon (July 13, 2019). "Duwap Kaine rules, and here's the proof". The Fader. Retrieved April 26, 2026.
