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.
The People's Champ
R.A. the Rugged Man Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
In this future of hip hop history
I'm here to bring out the people's champ
R.A. The Rugged Man
Put your hands up, tell 'em wild out
This is how we do it, we here to turn it out
Put your hands up, tell 'em wild out
Yo, my flow reminiscent of a prime Grand Puba
My tongue sharper than the sword of the Japanese Yakuza
Beats always slamming like Dilla, like Ali was the man in Manilla
Man or gorilla, I'm a nicer striker than Anderson Silva
I'm conquering like Hannibal on the back of an elephant
I'm the best even if I'm pink and pale and I'm lacking in melanin
I've been a problem since my first birth date
In the delivery room my dick hit the ground and it caused a earthquake
The school hallways I was pissing in
As a kid I was lacking in discipline
Ignoring authorities and never listening
I come from the slummiest of slum villages, killing evil
You come from a village of disco dancing; Village People
You other rappers I'm obliterating
My flow is the Michelangelo Sistine Chapel
You ain't even finger painting
Bitch, I'm swinging nunchucks and hitting you dumb fucks
And making you duck down like Ruck and Ruste Juxx
I'm eyeing you fat bitches and seeing which one fucks
I'm making the gun blust, I'm bringing the blood guts
Come on
I get it done for the (people, people)
I'm the champ, I'm the champ of the (people, people)
I bring home the title to the (people, people)
I'm the motherfucking champ of the (people, people)
I'm the motherfucking champ of the (people, people)
This isn't money and a Grammy and an Academy Award
This a brutal lyrical verbal version of Gatti and Ward
If I bust in your eye, it might blind ya
As a kid I was too hyper, sniffing pancakes syrup from Aunt Jemima
Sip wine with Jesus 'till I'm in a drunken stupor
Then I slap box God and sumo wrestle with Buddha
I ain't dumbing it down, I'm murdering and gunning it down
These others artists I'm above them even if I'm under the ground
A rapper with a Maybach or a car that my ass can't afford
I'll rip out the windshield and I'll shit on your dashboard
Don't make me laugh, young blood newcomer
Your mother was a crackhead, you a crack baby fresh out of the dumpster
Smacking ya, hurt ya, I murk ya, massacre mass murder
Blasting your ass, stashing the burner, the trash lurker
I'm worser than Rambo in Bhurma
I'm dumb in the head, I'm not a fast learner
The white boy version of Nat Turner
Come on
I get it done for the (people, people)
I'm the champ, I'm the champ of the (people, people)
I bring home the title to the (people, people)
I'm the motherfucking champ of the (people, people)
I'm the motherfucking champ of the (people, people)
Tommy Hearns Marvelous Marvin Hagler with the vernacular
Bullets splattering through your kidney and flying out the back of ya
I'm shining like diamonds in Africa
I'm mathematical, scientifical like Benjamin Banneker
Rowdier than riots in Attica
I got identity issues, it's self hatred, a pissed off
Wigga acting like I just stepped off of the slaveship
I kill any beat, murder any track
Mutilate the snare, rape the kick-drum and shit on the hi-hat
Come on
I get it done for the (people, people)
I'm the champ, I'm the champ of the (people, people)
I bring home the title to the (people, people)
I'm the motherfucking champ of the (people, people)
I let it rock for the (people, people)
I'm the champ, I'm the champ of the (people, people)
I really live for the (people, people)
I'll win it all for the (people, people)
That's what we are, we just (people, people)
I'm the champ, I'm the champ of the (people, people)
The lyrics to R.A. the Rugged Man's "The People's Champ" are about his assertion of dominance in the rap game, claiming to be the champion of the people. He starts with a proclamation about being the people's champ before launching into a verse about his lyrical ability being comparable to Grand Puba and his beats hitting hard like those of J Dilla. He also references being tougher than Anderson Silva and more dominant than Hannibal riding on an elephant. R.A. the Rugged Man boasts that he is superior to other rappers with a unique flow and is not afraid to take risks lyrically. The chorus emphasizes that he is the champion of the people and will bring home the title for them.
One of the most interesting aspects of this song is its use of different cultural references. R.A. the Rugged Man draws inspiration from ancient military leaders, African diamonds, and even The Village People to establish his dominance in the rap game. The song has a hard-hitting beat, with a sample from the "Champ" by the Mohawks, which was famously used as the breakbeat in "Apache" by the Incredible Bongo Band. The track samples lines from various films, including "The Dark Knight Rises," "Natural Born Killers," and "The Exorcist." The music video for the song features various clips of R.A. the Rugged Man performing in front of graffiti art while surrounded by other rappers.
In terms of chord progressions, "The People's Champ" uses a sample from the "Champ" by the Mohawks, which has an E minor chord progression. The sampled breakbeat is a classic example of a funky, groove-based rhythm that has been used in countless songs over the years. Although the recording equipment used was analog, R.A. the Rugged Man was able to create a digitized, polished sound with the help of mixing and mastering engineers.
Line by Line Meaning
Hear ye, hear ye, yah
Listen up, everyone
In this future of hip hop history
In the current state of hip hop
I'm here to bring out the people's champ
I'm here to represent the people's choice for a champion rapper
Put your hands up, tell 'em wild out
Get hyped and show your enthusiasm
This is how we do it, we here to turn it out
This is our style and we're going to bring energy
Yo, my flow reminiscent of a prime Grand Puba
My rapping style and technique is similar to a classic hip hop artist
My tongue sharper than the sword of the Japanese Yakuza
My rap lyrics cut deep like a Samurai sword
Beats always slamming like Dilla, like Ali was the man in Manilla
My music is always strong and impactful like J Dilla's beats, and like Ali's victory in the major boxing match in the Philippines
Man or gorilla, I'm a nicer striker than Anderson Silva
I'm a skilled rapper, even nicer than the striker Anderson Silva
I'm conquering like Hannibal on the back of an elephant
I'm a conqueror, like the ancient general Hannibal who rode on elephants
I'm the best even if I'm pink and pale and I'm lacking in melanin
I'm confident in my skills even if I'm white and don't have as much melanin as other rappers
I've been a problem since my first birth date
I've always been rebellious and uncooperative
In the delivery room my dick hit the ground and it caused a earthquake
I was born with a strong energy and presence
The school hallways I was pissing in
I was misbehaving and causing trouble in school as a child
As a kid I was lacking in discipline, ignoring authorities and never listening
I was rebellious and disobedient as a child
I come from the slummiest of slum villages, killing evil
I come from a very poor and dangerous area, but I have overcome that environment
You come from a village of disco dancing; Village People
You come from a background that is not as tough or credible as mine
You other rappers I'm obliterating
I'm destroying all other rappers in terms of skills and popularity
My flow is the Michelangelo Sistine Chapel
My rap flow is a masterpiece, just like Michelangelo's work on the Sistine Chapel
You ain't even finger painting
You don't even come close to my level of skill
Bitch, I'm swinging nunchucks and hitting you dumb fucks
I'm fighting back and hitting all the other rappers who don't recognize my talent
And making you duck down like Ruck and Ruste Juxx
I'm making you feel small and insignificant like the rappers Ruck and Ruste Juxx
I'm eyeing you fat bitches and seeing which one fucks
I'm attracted to large women and trying to find someone to have sex with
I'm making the gun blust, I'm bringing the blood guts
I'm causing violence and destruction with my gunshots
This isn't money and a Grammy and an Academy Award
I'm not interested in earning awards or making money
This a brutal lyrical verbal version of Gatti and Ward
This is a violent and intense form of rap, similar to the brutal boxing matches between Gatti and Ward
If I bust in your eye, it might blind ya
If I hit you with my lyrics, it could be damaging
As a kid I was too hyper, sniffing pancakes syrup from Aunt Jemima
I was a hyperactive child and would do strange things like sniffing syrup
Sip wine with Jesus 'till I'm in a drunken stupor
I'm partying and drinking heavily to the point of debauchery
Then I slap box God and sumo wrestle with Buddha
I'm so confident in my abilities that I would play fight with religious figures like God and Buddha
I ain't dumbing it down, I'm murdering and gunning it down
I'm not toning down my style or lyrics, but rather pushing them to the extreme
These others artists I'm above them even if I'm under the ground
I'm better than all other artists, even if I were to die
A rapper with a Maybach or a car that my ass can't afford
I don't care about flashy cars or material possessions
I'll rip out the windshield and I'll shit on your dashboard
I don't respect material possessions, and would rather defecate on them than own them
Don't make me laugh, young blood newcomer
I'm not impressed by young up-and-coming rappers
Your mother was a crackhead, you a crack baby fresh out of the dumpster
Your upbringing wasn't good, and you come from a drug-addicted family
Smacking ya, hurt ya, I murk ya, massacre mass murder
I'm harming you and intending to kill or brutally defeat you
Blasting your ass, stashing the burner, the trash lurker
I'm getting rid of the evidence and going underground after the violent attack
I'm worser than Rambo in Bhurma
I'm more dangerous and violent than a movie character known for his brutality
I'm dumb in the head, I'm not a fast learner
I may not be smart, but I'm dedicated to my craft and learn through experience
The white boy version of Nat Turner
I'm a white person who is fighting back against oppression, much like Nat Turner
Tommy Hearns Marvelous Marvin Hagler with the vernacular
I'm a skilled and gifted rapper, much like boxers Tommy Hearns and Marvin Hagler
Bullets splattering through your kidney and flying out the back of ya
My lyrics are violent and impactful, causing damage to the listener
I'm shining like diamonds in Africa
I'm standing out and shining bright, like the diamonds found in Africa
I'm mathematical, scientifical like Benjamin Banneker
I have a strong intellect and mind, similar to the famous mathematician Benjamin Banneker
Rowdier than riots in Attica
I'm wild and uncontrollable, like the infamous riots at Attica prison
I got identity issues, it's self hatred, a pissed off Wigga acting like I just stepped off of the slave ship
I struggle with my identity as a white rapper, and sometimes feel disconnected from my own culture
I kill any beat, murder any track
I excel at making music and can make any beat or track sound good
Mutilate the snare, rape the kick-drum and shit on the hi-hat
I'm aggressive and violent with my music, even defecating on the symbols of a drum kit
I let it rock for the (people, people)
I perform for the people and give them a good show
I really live for the (people, people)
I'm dedicated to the people, and see them as my source of inspiration and motivation
I'll win it all for the (people, people)
I'll keep pushing and striving for success on behalf of the people
That's what we are, we just (people, people)
We're all human beings and share common experiences and struggles
I'm the champ, I'm the champ of the (people, people)
I'm the champion of the people and their representative in the rap world
Lyrics © NAVY YARD MUSIC
Written by: RYAN R.A. THORBURN, CHAD BROMLEY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@andyXquick
i love RA, the guy absolutely slays the mic and doesn't seem to take himself to seriously....all his videos are usually hilarious, which is a breath of fresh air from the usual shit you hear or see
@hughrichardson8342
Just found Rugged Man today and my god.. been binge-listening all day!
@MisterSl3nder
Hugh Richardson haha spread the word
@ricergarage3092
Same af.
@joep43
Listen to Vinnie Paz and the whole entire army of the pharaoahs. Outerspace. DEMIGODZ.
@finchisneat
Get ready for many more days, and I'm sure by now years. He spazzes out with the best of em.
@worstxb1playertylerteehc635
7 YEARS AND SO MANY DAYS AHEAD OF ME.
BUT I CAN ENJOY IT ALL MYSELF IN ONE BINGE AND MY NEGHBOURS WILL HAVE TO LIKE IT TOO
@DimitrisGamingRoom
yo fuck these views man it should have millions
@MisterSl3nder
Dimitri's Gaming Room im sayin tho
@domeplsffs
3 years later and the world's still ignorant as f. Screw these views, should be billions by now.