Rapper Ptah, whose real name is David Nuriev, explains what sets his stage partner Decl, born Kirill Tolmatsky, apart from other figures in hip hop. This exchange appeared on NEWS.ru.
Ptah notes that the same concert director, Pavel Belenets, collaborated with both him and Decl. The two MCs first crossed paths at shared performances and later spoke during flights, though they were not close friends.
“At first I was wary of him, yet he left a strong, genuinely kind impression. I thought I was watching a Russian remake of Lil Bow Wow,” Ptah reflects.
Ptah believes that younger artists can learn a lot from Decl about staying committed and working hard.
“Hard work matters. You push forward, but you stay humble. He never overplayed his fearlessness, even when others branded themselves as authentic hip hop. It’s unfortunate he is no longer with us. Yet his death elevated him into a legend. He was a good guy, and that makes the loss even sadder,” the artist adds.
Kirill Tolmatsky passed away from heart failure after a concert in Izhevsk on February 3, 2019. He was 35 years old.
A music critic weighed in yesterday, offering reasons for Decl’s enduring popularity.
A fan recalls a moment of emotional intensity, describing how a performance touched them deeply, to the point of tears.
Decl’s presence in the scene is remembered for his dedication and the impact he left on colleagues and fans alike. The conversations around him continue to illuminate the dedication that keeps the genre evolving, especially in North American markets where many artists draw inspiration from the same energy and resilience shown by Decl.
The conversations surrounding Decl’s career often focus on the balance between ambition and humility. His willingness to push boundaries while staying grounded resonated with peers who value both artistic risk and personal integrity. In the wake of his passing, those who worked with him emphasize the importance of mentorship, discipline, and perseverance as essential traits for sustaining a long, credible career in hip hop.
Decl’s story serves as a reminder that the road for rising artists is paved with constant travel, scrutiny, and the ability to adapt. Even as fans and critics reconsider his legacy, the core messages of hard work, loyalty to the craft, and the careful choice of collaborators remain relevant to new generations entering the scene across Canada and the United States. The dialogue around his life underscores how the culture rewards both raw talent and the steady cultivation of a personal brand built on authenticity and relentless focus.
In summary, Ptah presents Decl as a figure who embodied commitment, humility, and a fierce work ethic. The friendship they never fully cemented on tour reveals how professional respect can endure beyond personal closeness. Decl’s story continues to influence artists who aim to contribute meaningfully to hip hop while maintaining the humanity that resonates with audiences everywhere.