In 1992, at the age of 18, Thorburn signed with Jive Records, then in the mid-1990s signed with Priority Records/EMI. His contract was later absorbed by Capitol Records but he began recording independently in the early 2000s. He has worked with MC's such as The Notorious B.I.G., Mobb Deep, Chuck D of Public Enemy, Jedi Mind Tricks, Tech N9ne, Hopsin, Talib Kweli, Masta Ace, Kool G Rap, Wu-Tang Clan, Rakim, Killah Priest, and producers Trackmasters, Erick Sermon, DJ Quik, Buckwild, Alchemist, and Ayatollah. He was featured on all three of Rawkus’s Soundbombing albums, as well as the platinum-selling WWF Aggression album, performing the theme song for Chris Jericho. In Ego Trip Vol. 1, Issue 3, the Notorious B.I.G. was quoted as saying, "I thought I was the illest," when referring to Thorburn He is closely associated to the Wu-Tang Clan and its various associates.
In 2004 he released the album Die, Rugged Man, Die on Brooklyn based label Nature Sounds. Thorburn has cameos in several music videos including Havoc from Mobb Deep's I'm the Boss, Sadat X's Throw the Ball and Old Man featuring Wu-Tang Clan's RZA, Masta Killa and Ol' Dirty Bastard in one of ODB's final video appearances.
The October 2006 issue of The Source featured Thorburn's verse on Uncommon Valor: A Vietnam Story as its "Hip-Hop Quotable" of the month and HipHopDX named it as the "Verse of the Year" AllHipHop.com states that "This record will be remembered most for R.A.'s robotic flow recounting his own father's story of war while absolutely murdering the beat." Rolling Stone Magazine recently compared Thorburn's rap flow to that of a blue-eyed Biggie Smalls. When reviewing his song "On the Block", Vibe Magazine said, "I love this song. It give me goosebumps. It's very inventive."
In addition to his hip hop career, Thorburn wrote a monthly movie column for Mass Appeal Magazine, was a contributor to The Ego Trip Book of Rap Lists (St. Martin's Press) and Ego Trip's Big Book of Racism (HarperCollins), and has written numerous articles for other magazines including Vibe, King, Complex, Rides, XXL and The Source.
A horror film fan, Thorburn has written three screenplays with cult film director Frank Henenlotter and is writer-producer of a new Henenlotter film, Bad Biology. The film has an original score by Josh Glazer (J. Glaze) with additional production by Prince Paul, and cameos by Playboy model Jelena Jensen and Penthouse Pet Krista Ayne. Thorburn is working on his directorial debut, a film based on his family, God Take, God Give.
Thorburn's latest album Legends Never Die was released on April 30, 2013. Guest appearances include Brother Ali, Masta Ace, Tech N9ne, Talib Kweli, Hopsin, and Krizz Kaliko. His first single of the album was 'The Peoples Champ'. The second single was "Learn Truth' Feat. Talib Kweli.
Richard Andrew is Thorburn's middle name. His first name has never been disclosed.
Thorburn's father, Staff Sgt. John A. Thorburn, was a Vietnam veteran affected by Agent Orange. Thorburn's family was significantly affected by the potent chemical. His brother Maxx was born handicapped and blind, eventually dying at the age of 10. Thorburn's sister, Dee Ann, was born without the ability to walk or speak. She died in 2007 at the age of 26. Thorburn tells his father's story in "Uncommon Valor: A Vietnam Story," from the Jedi Mind Tricks album Servants in Heaven, Kings in Hell (which was also re-released on the compilation Legendary Classics vol. 1).
John A. Thorburn died 7 January 2010 from cancer. Thorburn said that his father was truly happy within his last year of life, due to his mindset that he could plan for his death.
He is of German descent on his mother's side.
On The Block
R.A. the Rugged Man Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
There's so many of us now
White people like rap now
Ah, ah, yeah
[Chorus x2]
Slick Rick The Ruler, where's the vocals yo? Come in here
Ah-ah-ah, check out this bizarre
Ayyo! Ayyo!
Remember Slick Rick The Ruler, remember MC Shan used to wear Puma
Remember Masters of Ceremony, Grand Puba
Remember Daddy Kane Aids rumor
Yo, bring it back, yo
Yo, at the rolling rinks, no skates on
Early '80's, girl chase on
Kurtis Blow listed the breaks on
Flavor Flav, Public Enemy clocks, boombox
EPMD made us proud that we was from the Boondocks
Before Boob or Steady be, Heavy D, Mouthburnin'
Craig G, Shout rap version, TRUE SCHOOL
Rock Box, Run-D.M.C., true hip hop
Before Biggie and 2pac got shot, there was Scott La Rock
Before we even learned to make beats, we was in the basement
Freestylin, to 45 King breakbeats
But see, rap is corporate now
It's all about endorsments
So now the rich kids love it, so fuck them poor kids now!
[Chorus: x2]
I remember when the mainstream hated rap music
When James Brown samples was the new shit
I yelled BOX like Cool J on some Krush Groove shit
Dapper Dan shit, Ms. Pac-Man shit
That's when Rakim ran shit [Ran shit]
Before Sweet T was Suga, before ??? Jack Soopafly snooka
Back when Biz Markie was busy pickin boogers
Super Lover Cee, L-why-t-e, Chill Rob G
Graffiti vandals, Jimmy Packer sex scandals
Videos, Ralph MacDaniels
Back when we didn't have the papered samples
Beasties, Chuck D, Busy Bee got ate up ??? battle cool Moe Dee
Chubb Rock hits the Grammys, Hitman Howie Tee, Doug E. Fresh, Chill Will, Barry be
BDP, Eazy E, PRT, Lakim Shabazz, Jaz, Jay-Z, Tragedy, QB
[Chorus: x2]
Markey Fresh, The Mack of Rap, now the Fat Boys are back
X-Clan, ZOOM, pro black, Mr. Bozack
Where the hoes at, I'ma go back
Before we had show DATs, no gats, no plaques
Happy Days, Fonzie and Posse
Bomb Squad, Hank Shocklee and Keith Shocklee
DITC, cool Keith, Ced Gee
Busy Boys, Realski
Milk D, Positive K, First Priority Posse
8th grade, parents on vacation, house mackin, playin
Spin the battle in the basement, fuck ???
Misbehavein, shootin pelletguns at Dunkin Donuts
Make the police go nuts
Used their nice sticks to chock us
Old School, do stay true, Rock Stedy Crew, Zulu
Cash Money, Marvellous, Funkmaster Flex
???, cool G, Shante, Glamorous
Fresh Prince, Jazzy Jeff
[Chorus: x2]
Simphony and Simphony 2
Main Source Live at the Barbeque
Nas and Akinyele debut
EZ Ice, Soul Man
Def Squad, Hit Squad
2 Live Crew videos used to keep my dick hard (OINK!)
Salt 'N Pepa Shoopin, Potholes and Plug Tunin
Russell Simmons and Rick Rubin
Shut' em down, Pete Rock producin
Just-Ice, LaToya
We had Marvin Hagler, fuck Oscar De La Hoya
Doin it, doin it too much
6th grade, I ate my first pussy
In the back of the school bus
[Chorus: x2]
In R.A. the Rugged Man's song 'On The Block,' he reflects on the evolution of rap music and how it has changed over the years. He begins by addressing the rise of white rappers in the industry, acknowledging that there are so many now and that even white people have started to appreciate the genre. The song then transitions into a series of nostalgic reflections on the early days of hip hop. R.A. reminisces about the icons and legends that paved the way for the genre to grow into what it is today. He mentions artists such as Slick Rick, Kurtis Blow, Daddy Kane, Flavor Flav, Public Enemy, and Run-D.M.C., highlighting the different ways in which these artists contributed to the building blocks of hip hop.
R.A. also touches on the differences between rap then and now. He notes that in the past, rap was more authentic and organic, with artists freestyling and creating music in the basement. However, now rap has become corporate, with endorsements being a major factor in the industry. He criticizes the way in which the music serves the interests of the rich, rather than the poor kids who were once a significant part of the audience.
Overall, 'On The Block' is a song that reflects on the history of hip hop and how it has changed since its inception. It highlights the pioneers and legends of the genre while critiquing the current state of the industry.
Line by Line Meaning
I mean, white rapper
Being a white rapper
There's so many of us now
There are now a lot of white rappers
White people like rap now
White people have developed a liking for rap music
Ah, ah, yeah
Expressing excitement and agreement
Remember Slick Rick The Ruler, remember MC Shan used to wear Puma
Recalling the artists and their fashion choices
Remember Masters of Ceremony, Grand Puba
Recalling the group and the artist
Remember Daddy Kane Aids rumor
Recalling the rumor surrounding Daddy Kane
Yo, bring it back, yo
Bring back the memories and reminisce
Yo, at the rolling rinks, no skates on
Remembering the times spent at roller rinks without skates
Early '80's, girl chase on
Recalling the pursuit of girls during the early 80s
Kurtis Blow listed the breaks on
Giving credit to Kurtis Blow for his break records
Flavor Flav, Public Enemy clocks, boombox
Acknowledging Flavor Flav and Public Enemy's impact with their clocks and boombox
EPMD made us proud that we was from the Boondocks
Feeling proud to be from a less mainstream area and appreciating EPMD's contribution
Before Boob or Steady be, Heavy D, Mouthburnin'
Referring to Boob, Steady Be, and Heavy D's influence
Craig G, Shout rap version, TRUE SCHOOL
Recognizing Craig G and his shout rap representing the true school era
Rock Box, Run-D.M.C., true hip hop
Recognizing Run-D.M.C.'s impact and their true hip hop sound
Before Biggie and 2pac got shot, there was Scott La Rock
Acknowledging the tragedy of Biggie and 2pac's shootings and remembering Scott La Rock
Before we even learned to make beats, we was in the basement
Before learning production, spending time in the basement
Freestylin, to 45 King breakbeats
Engaging in freestyle rapping over 45 King's breakbeats
But see, rap is corporate now
Observing how rap has become more commercialized
It's all about endorsments
Emphasizing the focus on endorsements in the industry
So now the rich kids love it, so fuck 'em poor kids now!
Expressing discontent with the attention rap receives from wealthy individuals while disregarding the poorer fans
I remember when the mainstream hated rap music
Recalling a time when rap was disliked by the mainstream
When James Brown samples was the new shit
When using James Brown samples was considered innovative
I yelled BOX like Cool J on some Krush Groove shit
Referencing a scene from the movie Krush Groove where LL Cool J yells 'BOX'
Dapper Dan shit, Ms. Pac-Man shit
Mentioning fashion designer Dapper Dan and referencing the popular video game Ms. Pac-Man
That's when Rakim ran shit
Recognizing Rakim's domination during that period
Before Sweet T was Suga, before ??? Jack Soopafly snooka
Recalling the artists and their earlier personas
Back when Biz Markie was busy pickin boogers
Referencing Biz Markie's song 'Pickin Boogers' from his early career
Super Lover Cee, L-why-t-e, Chill Rob G
Acknowledging and listing these artists
Graffiti vandals, Jimmy Packer sex scandals
Recognizing graffiti vandals and alluding to a sex scandal involving Jimmy Packer
Videos, Ralph MacDaniels
Referring to videos and mentioning Ralph MacDaniels, a video music show host
Back when we didn't have the papered samples
Referring to a time when obtaining licensed samples was more difficult
Beasties, Chuck D, Busy Bee got ate up ??? battle cool Moe Dee
Mentioning Beastie Boys, Chuck D, Busy Bee, and alluding to a battle involving Cool Moe Dee
Chubb Rock hits the Grammys, Hitman Howie Tee, Doug E. Fresh, Chill Will, Barry be
Recognizing Chubb Rock's success at the Grammys and mentioning other artists
BDP, Eazy E, PRT, Lakim Shabazz, Jaz, Jay-Z, Tragedy, QB
Listing and acknowledging several artists and groups
Markey Fresh, The Mack of Rap, now the Fat Boys are back
Recognizing Marley Marl as the influential producer and mentioning the comeback of the Fat Boys
X-Clan, ZOOM, pro black, Mr. Bozack
Referring to X-Clan, their album 'To the East, Blackwards', and mentioning Mr. Bozack
Where the hoes at, I'ma go back
Asking where the promiscuous women are and expressing a desire to return to that time
Before we had show DATs, no gats, no plaques
Remembering a time before DAT tapes, guns, and plaques
Happy Days, Fonzie and Posse
Referencing the TV show 'Happy Days' and mentioning Fonzie and his friends
Bomb Squad, Hank Shocklee and Keith Shocklee
Acknowledging the Bomb Squad production team and mentioning Hank Shocklee and Keith Shocklee
DITC, cool Keith, Ced Gee
Referring to the hip hop collective Diggin' in the Crates Crew, Cool Keith, and Ced Gee
Busy Boys, Realski
Mentioning Busy Boys and Realski, a graffiti artist
Milk D, Positive K, First Priority Posse
Recognizing Milk D and Positive K, as well as First Priority Posse
8th grade, parents on vacation, house mackin, playin
Recalling a time during 8th grade when parents were away on vacation and engaging in house parties and fun
Spin the battle in the basement, fuck ???
Engaging in rap battles in the basement and expressing disregard for something or someone
Misbehavein, shootin pelletguns at Dunkin Donuts
Engaging in mischievous behavior by shooting pellet guns at Dunkin Donuts
Make the police go nuts
Referring to how the police reacted to their actions
Used their nice sticks to chock us
The police used their nightsticks to restrain them
Old School, do stay true, Rock Stedy Crew, Zulu
Staying true to the old school mentality and acknowledging Rock Steady Crew and Zulu Nation
Cash Money, Marvellous, Funkmaster Flex
Recognizing Cash Money, Marvellous, and Funkmaster Flex
???, cool G, Shante, Glamorous
Referring to an unknown artist, Cool G, Shante, and Glamorous
Fresh Prince, Jazzy Jeff
Mentioning Fresh Prince (Will Smith) and Jazzy Jeff
Simphony and Simphony 2
Referring to the Simphony and Simphony 2 albums
Main Source Live at the Barbeque
Acknowledging Main Source and their influential track 'Live at the Barbeque'
Nas and Akinyele debut
Recognizing the debut of Nas and Akinyele as artists
EZ Ice, Soul Man
Mentioning EZ Ice and Soul Man, possibly referencing their performances
Def Squad, Hit Squad
Referring to Def Squad and Hit Squad, rap collectives
2 Live Crew videos used to keep my dick hard (OINK!)
Acknowledging the explicit videos by 2 Live Crew and their impact
Salt 'N Pepa Shoopin, Potholes and Plug Tunin
Mentioning Salt 'N Pepa and their songs 'Shoopin' and 'Potholes and Plug Tunin'
Russell Simmons and Rick Rubin
Recognizing the industry pioneers Russell Simmons and Rick Rubin
Shut' em down, Pete Rock producin
Referencing Public Enemy's song 'Shut 'Em Down' and mentioning Pete Rock as a producer
Just-Ice, LaToya
Mentioning Just-Ice and LaToya, possibly referencing their performances or collaborations
We had Marvin Hagler, fuck Oscar De La Hoya
Appreciating Marvin Hagler and expressing disregard for Oscar De La Hoya
Doin it, doin it too much
Referring to the song 'Doin' It' and suggesting excessive behavior
6th grade, I ate my first pussy
Sharing a personal experience of a sexual encounter in 6th grade
In the back of the school bus
Indicating the location of the encounter on a school bus
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind