Duwap Kaine
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
2001 or 2002 (age 23–24)[1]
- Rapper
- songwriter
- singer
- record producer
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 |
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.
Ruffin began making chopped and screwed remixes of songs at age 6.[8] He started producing music using Mixcraft.[8] His 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 inclduing 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
His 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
As of 2026, Ruffin lives in Lawrenceville, Georgia.[8] He was diagnosed with ADHD as a child.[8] He has a daughter.[8]
