Ruel Gets Brutally Honest on New Single “Hate Myself”

The hype is real: Ruel is back. His latest drop, “Hate Myself” just hit streaming platforms, and it’s a heavy-hitter that proves why he’s stuck around while other “viral” stars faded away. It’s raw, it’s moody, and it feels like a genuine step forward for an artist who has been in the spotlight since he was a teenager.

More Than Just a Numbers Game

It’s easy to get lost in the stats—3 billion streams and a string of sold-out world tours are massive milestones. But what actually makes Ruel interesting isn’t just the data; it’s his ability to pivot. Most artists find a lane and stay there, but Ruel has spent the last few years playing in everyone else’s sandbox, too.

He’s hopped on tracks with indie favorites like Grent Perez and Holly Humberstone, leaned into the alt-pop world with JVKE and Lime Cordiale, and held his own alongside hip-hop heavyweights like Denzel Curry and GoldLink. Throw in some magic from producer SG Lewis, and you’ve got an artist who is clearly more interested in making good music than just “pop hits.”

The Vibe of “Hate Myself”

“Hate Myself” isn’t a glossy, “everything is fine” kind of anthem. It’s a self-reflective track that digs into the messy parts of the human ego. We’ve all been there—overthinking a text, sabotaging a good thing, or just being our own worst critic.

The production stays sharp and modern, but it’s Ruel’s vocal delivery that carries the weight here. He’s traded some of the boyish charm of his earlier records for a grit that feels earned. It’s soulful, slightly desperate, and incredibly catchy.

Why It Works

What works about this single is that it doesn’t feel like it was made by a committee. It feels like a late-night thought that turned into a song.

• The Vocals: His falsetto is as smooth as ever, but there’s a new maturity in his lower register.

• The Lyrics: It’s self-deprecating in a way that feels relatable rather than performative.

• The Evolution: If you’ve been following him since the beginning, this feels like the version of Ruel we’ve been waiting for.

Verdict

Ruel has nothing left to prove when it comes to his “star power,” but “Hate Myself” proves he’s still got plenty to say. It’s a solid addition to his catalog and a reminder that even when you’re at the top of the world, you’re still human.