Nigerian Afrobeats star Ruger has music fans buzzing after teasing a brand-new single that samples the iconic early-2000s hit “Always on Time” by Ja Rule featuring Ashanti,  a track that topped the US Billboard Hot 100 and became one of the era’s defining R&B/hip-hop duets. 

The snippet Ruger shared on social media shows him reinterpreting the familiar sound, melody and rhythm from “Always on Time,” bringing a fresh Afrobeats twist to a nostalgic classic. Though details about the official release date and full production credits are still under wraps, the reaction has been immediate: fans are replaying the tease, tagging friends, and predicting that Ruger’s version could become one of the breakout sounds of the year. 

For many listeners, the original “Always on Time,” released in 2001, is a song they grew up with known for its smooth hook from Ashanti and Ja Rule’s melodic verses, produced by Irv Gotti. Its influence on pop and R&B has made it a go-to sample source for artists looking to tap into early-2000s nostalgia. 

Ruger’s decision to sample such a beloved track signals confidence and ambition. It suggests he’s aiming to bridge generational musical tastes mixing the familiar with his own contemporary sound to create something that resonates both locally and internationally. Fans are already speculating about how the full track will integrate Ruger’s voice and style with the classic elements of the Ja Rule and Ashanti duet.

This isn’t the first time Ruger has sparked excitement with new music, but tapping into a global hit like “Always on Time” is likely to elevate the anticipation around this new release. Whether it becomes a nostalgic anthem for older fans or an introduction to the classic for younger listeners, the tease alone has made waves  setting the stage for what could be one of Ruger’s most talked-about singles yet.