Players Pass with Reuben Vincent & 9th Wonder, 'WELCOME HOME,' a Modern Ode to Hip-Hop

When Reuben Vincent and 9th Wonder think of home, one place comes to mind. Geographically, it’s North Carolina; sonically, it’s harmony. Their dynamic journey, beginning nearly a decade ago, has now culminated in WELCOME HOME, a modern ode to hip-hop and, more importantly, to Black culture.

In an exclusive Players Pass interview with Okayplayer, Reuben and 9th Wonder discuss a project that bridges generations while celebrating the roots that shaped them. The adept rhymer reflects on the lessons fame taught him, the responsibility of carrying hip-hop’s legacy forward, and the shared vision that turned mentorship into brotherhood. For both artists, the album is a cultural statement – a reminder that the sound of home is built on soul and shared history.

When speaking on his roots, Reuben says, “Me being first generation Nigerian [...], I love the culture. Pan-Africanism is something I definitely represent.” This connection to his heritage is evident in his music and in his understanding of the broader cultural movement he’s part of – one that spans continents and generations, embracing a collective identity grounded in pride and shared purpose.

Right beside that journey is the mentorship of legendary beat architect 9th Wonder. What began as an online exchange turned into nearly a decade of collaboration, guidance and brotherhood. Over time, their bond evolved into something much greater: a relationship that would shape Reuben both as an artist and a person. “Reuben is a lot of things, but soul is what comes to mind, it’s just what we are,” 9th Wonder says, capturing the essence of what makes their bond so special. It’s a connection grounded in authenticity and shared passion, with 9th’s wisdom serving as a blueprint for Reuben through his artistic growth and personal maturity.

As Reuben Vincent and 9th Wonder continue to push hip-hop’s sound forward, their journey remains rooted in the same principles that defined their beginnings: authenticity, community, and the unbreakable bond of mentorship. WELCOME HOME is a cultural reset to the power of staying true to one's roots while unapologetically breaking ground into new territory. For Reuben, it’s the result of years of growth, learning, and collaboration with a mentor who has guided him not only musically, but also personally. As they look to the future, the sound of home will always echo in their work. It’s a reverberating reminder of where they came from and where they’re going, forever bound by the soul of Black culture and the timeless legacy of hip-hop.