RUSS & 6LACK, Workin On Me | Dazzling Duets

In the 19^th edition of Dazzling Duets (2025), do-it-all musician Russ and 6LACK collaborate on the five-minute-long “Workin On Me.”

Sometimes, two is better than one! That is the case when it comes to Dazzling Duets! On Dazzling Duets, we highlight ear-catching songs performed by two artists collaborating. These duets can be from any musical style, making Dazzling Duets a flexible, versatile column on The Musical Hype. In the 19^th edition of Dazzling Duets (2025), Russ and 6LACK collaborate on “Workin On Me”.  Let the dazzle begin! 

“Would you stay by my side / When I’m working on me? Hey,” Russ asks at the beginning of  “Workin On Me”.  He continues to sing in the chorus, “I understand it’s hard when none of this is your fault / But I’m hoping you don’t leave.” Give the DIY rapper, singer, songwriter, and producer credit for his honesty.  He does enlist Grammy-nominated rapper/singer 6LACK for the assist. “Workin On Me” is a lengthy song, running five minutes.  One of the reasons for the duration is its slow tempo.  Russ, who produced it, as usual, puts in work with the guitar accompaniment and strong, anchoring drum programming.  The melodies are tuneful throughout, most notably the chorus and post-chorus:  “All I can say, I’m committed to change / Things I learned growing up, but you don’t have to wait.”

Russ delivers smooth and sincere vocals.  He dominates nearly the first three minutes of “Workin On Me” performing the chorus, post-chorus, first verse, chorus, and post-chorus once more.  In the first verse, he speaks of his issues and shortcomings: “Boo-hoo, childhood trauma / Fucked-up dad and a fucked-up mama / Taught me that love means drama / Hostility was the problem solver.” Given his negative influences, it causes him to be a certain way, hence, “Course, my girl is on the fence.” 6LACK performs the second verse, embracing a more rap-oriented vibe than R&B. He matches Russ’ flaws, acknowledging that she “Put up with my shit, huh / Fixed to a real misfit, huh / You been too legit through the times I had you tired and sick / When we really coulda split.” 6LACK is trying to do better and make it up to her for the things that have happened and that he’s done in the past. Regrettably, “I treated the love like a per diem / I bottled a lot of my pain.” Russ sings us out with the chorus and post-chorus, with a minor contribution from 6LACK.  Although long, “Workin On Me” is an honest, reflective, and well-rounded song.

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Russ & 6LACK » “Workin On Me” » DIEMON / LVRN / Interscope » 2024

Russ & 6LACK, Workin’ On Me: Dazzling Duets No. 19 (2025) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; DIEMON / LVRN / Interscope; cottonbro studio, Sachith Ravishka Kodikara from Pexels; andresilva5, OpenClipart-Vectors from Pixabay]

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