Richard Andrew Thorburn (born January 10, 1974), better known by his stage … Read Full Bio ↴Richard Andrew Thorburn (born January 10, 1974), better known by his stage name R.A. the Rugged Man, is an American underground hip-hop artist from Suffolk County, Long Island, New York.
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.
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.
Smithhaven Mall
R.A. the Rugged Man Lyrics
We have lyrics for these tracks by R.A. the Rugged Man:
'Till My Heart Stops ( yes yes yall yea yea yall yes to the…
4 Days In Cali Everybody says that my mind's twisted Plus when I'm homeles…
50 Varios a escuchar el corrido Sabrán del hombre que yo les…
A Star Is Born Yeah baby, it's Phil Cassese live on Night Talk We're talkin…
All Systems Go I mean all night long A-all night long I mean all night…
American Low Life Down low double life 1, 2 equals us, she, she and…
Bang Boogie Hand on the Bible, gotta hide though from the five-o Shut…
Black & White Do you resent the fact that people Make a special deal…
Black And White ft. Timbo King Do you resent the fact that people Make a special deal…
Brawl They used to call me Bobo.. [Scratches] R.A He's rugged! Alr…
Break Down The Walls 俺がイケブクロ・ディビジョン Buster Bros!!! の big bro こと山田一郎だ 目の前にあるでっかい壁 …
Break The Walls Down Break You Down I'm standing before you Fallin' to pieces I'm…
Casanova [R.A. the Rugged Man] Yo, yo I'm the headliner, the first wh…
Chains Let it flow, deh-deh-duh (yeah) it's on (beh-deh-deh-deh) (D…
Chains Featuring Killah Priest & Masta Killa Let it flow, deh-deh-duh (yeah) it's on (beh-deh-deh-deh) (…
Crazy Man My squad is amazing, 12 out of 11 I'm up in…
Cunt Renaissance {*screaming*} Intro: R.A. Cunt... {*echoes*} It's the…
Cunt Renaissance ft. The Notorious B.I.G Cunt, cunt (Mmm, uh) cunt Yo, the Notorious BIG with The Cru…
Cunt Renaissance ft. The Notorious B.I.G. {*screaming*} Intro: R.A. Cunt... {*echoes*} It's the…
Da [R.A. the Rugged Man] People say I'm a disgrace to the…
Definition of a Rap Flow Albee square mall My house is the Albee square mall My house…
Dragon Fire Yo, we got killer Glocks loaded up with killer shots To…
Dumb Oh wow, it's me, how you like me now? Yeah I'm…
Effin' Yo' Bitch Man I swear to God we here with another one I…
Flipside Yo, yo, they asked me where the fuck I been…
Freestyle On va doucement et on se calme Ecoute l'instru, on va…
Give It Up Chorus: sample] "Give it up! Oh Lord.... give it all to…
Gotta Be Dope Gotta be good, Gotta be good Can't fold for my family Gotta…
Holla-Loo-Yuh (Holla-Holla-Loo-Yuh) I am rap's big swinging ding-a-ling, m…
How Low Ayyo, round and round, it's the new crew in town The…
I Should'a Never 想都沒想過 你看我的眼神飄過 我記憶中 你的溫柔 好似棉花糖的軟柔 風一吹就凋落 空氣中的哀愁 還有哪顆心能來替代填補 …
Intro Life-life is a beautiful thing You just gotta get, through i…
It's Gone What's... what's the next song? The one about me Oh yeah? …
John John Skit This night is alive with the smell of insane It's reaching…
Laugh After pissy alleyway, side to the burnt building Heroin addi…
Learn Truth Take a piece of America back It's called truth We the last…
Legendary Loser You are a scumbag (come on) (R.A The Rugged Man) When I…
Legends Never Die I can see your halo Yo, my heart feel like it's…
Lessons "R-A what's the lesson for today Rugged Man" - Sadat…
Life Of The Party Cole Makin Moves We don't care bout how you feel Yea I'm…
Luv to Fuk Ayo, ladies love Rugged, I'm a casanova And once I make…
Make You Famous I just want to be famous I just want the world…
Media Midgets You can't keep me down, you can't keep me down You…
Midnight Thud Yo, yo I will not stop runnin' 'till I'm winning the…
Nosebleed Yo, what should I say? I don't really know what to…
On The Block I mean, white rapper There's so many of us now White people…
Sam Peckinpah I walk in the Pentagon with a blood soaked hatchet Leave…
Shoot Me in the Head Self-destruction, I'm headed for self-destruction I'm self-h…
Stanley Kubrick Yo, yo, reverb Boom-ba-doom, yo, feel that bassline cat Yo, …
Still Diggin Life-life is a beautiful thing You just gotta get, through i…
Still Diggin Wit Buck Life-life is a beautiful thing You just gotta get, through …
Still Diggin' Wit Buck Life-life is a beautiful thing You just gotta get, through i…
Still Get Through the Day Little ones listen, learn from me, see, you could be…
Supa Mind on my own/ So I molded / My own/…
The After Life Remember when I said what’s your name I knew it then Ain’t n…
The Dangerous Three Said they just don't make 'em like this no more In…
The Hard Way See Quick, I told you man once we get a…
The Lesson Forgive but never forget Forgive but never forget Forgive bu…
The People Hear ye, hear ye, yah In this future of hip hop…
Till My Heart Stops ( yes yes yall yea yea yall yes to the…
Tom Thum I got a big head and a fat ego I got…
Uncommon Valor Non capisco perchè mi trovo qui Questo è un cattivo lavoro M…
Underground Hitz It's a jungle out there, you gotta have It's a jungle…
What the Fuck What The fuck I dont really wanna talk I just…
Who's Dat Guy DBEK huh who said dat I'm outside nigga getcha mans back I…
The lyrics are frequently found in the comments by searching or by filtering for lyric videos
More Genres
No Artists Found
More Artists
Load All
No Albums Found
More Albums
Load All
No Tracks Found
Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Search results not found
Song not found
Detr1mental
one of the best racks by R.A, i dont understand why not many people have heard this
Top Billin Villain
Man, it's funny how things connect together. Ra sampled Prodigy on this hook and Prodigy ended up sampling this beat as well.
FoUr2wEnTy420
havent heard this shit since 2006, MEMORIES!!! ra is the shit
Javon Stevenson
The song it's so real the beat sounds like something out of a horror movie
Top Billin Villain
The funny thing is this is a sample of a Sade song called Fear. So that description is on point.
GOD'S SOLDIER
PRODIGY ON THA HOOK! RIP DUNN ALOT OF RAPPERS ALWAYS USED A LINE FROM YOUR SONGS FOR A HOOK! THE MOST RAPPER FOR THAT GOOGLE IT! HOW ILL U WAS ..... G.O.A.T AND RA WELL THIS JOINT WILL 4EVER LIVE ON TILL INFINITY! LUV DIS TRACK!
Hank Moody
Did he do prison time for it? I think a lot of people can relate to hating themselves as much as this at some point in their lives. This song is more real and honest than any rap/hip hop song that's been released commercially in the past 5 years at least.
Never_Bin _Outside
Still can't believe this man released the best album of the year.
Punished Diplomat
It is. RA confirmed it. " I ran around the mall with a pistol. And when the cops get there, I went out like a bitch - and put the gun down. A lot of people love that song as a favorite, but the funny part is, it was at a really bad part of my life when I wrote it. I was really going through some shit in my head, and was really negative and unhappy. You can kinda hear it in the record. I still love doing negative shit, but that was a self-hating record."
Hiphophead Gamer
R.A.THE RUGGED MAN is a legend