Toronto-based R&B artist RUSSELL! returns with “Mother’s Land”, a powerful cross-cultural collaboration album releasing today via Public Records.
Following the success of his debut project “Dearly Loved” and its deluxe edition “EL CARIÑO”, RUSSELL! deepens his artistic vision by connecting his soulful, emotionally rich sound with the diverse talent of the Philippines.
“Mother’s Land” features an impressive lineup of Filipino artists across generations and genres, including acclaimed acts like Jay R, MBNel, DENȲ, Because, Illest Morena, and Midnasty, who brought their own signature styles to the album’s introspective, genre-blending soundscape. Together, they explore themes of love, relationships, identity and cultural pride — drawing inspiration from RUSSELL!’s own Filipino roots and personal journey.
“‘Mother’s Land’ is a project that tributes both my Filipino heritage and my late mother who passed away in 2015. Within this body of work, I collaborated with multiple Filipino artists + producers from many walks of life. My mission is to show the wide range of talent from the motherland, and bridge the musical gap between North America and the Philippines.” shared RUSSEL!.
The album also includes standout contributions from Zae, Paris., Nueve Lio, Denise Laurel, Gat Putch, and Yuridope, further emphasizing the project’s commitment to showcasing the full spectrum of Filipino talent. Recorded across Toronto, Manila, and Cebu, “Mother’s Land” weaves R&B, hip-hop, and island-inspired rhythms into an emotional love letter to homeland and community.
RUSSELL!’s two headline tours in support of Dearly Loved helped establish him as a rising force in Filipino & Canadian R&B. With Mother’s Land’s release, he elevates that momentum into a globally resonant statement—celebrating the past, present, and future of Filipino artistry.
Tracklist:
MOTHER’S LAND
2 UP (FT. BECAUSE)
SKYWAY DRIVE (FT. DENY)
u miss me? (FT. GAT PUTCH)
THE BADDEST (FT. ILLEST MORENA)
MY TYPE FR (FT. ZAE)
CANDY RED 2 (FT. PARIS. & Nueve Lio)
IN N OUT (FT MBNEL)
SPECIAL2ME (FT. YURI DOPE)
boracay blues
IKAW RA (FT. MIDNASTY)
CRAZY4U (FT. DENISE LAUREL)
ON MY WAY (FT. JAY R)
