Born Michael Ugochukwu Stephens on the 20th of September in Ebem… Read Full Bio ↴Bio
Born Michael Ugochukwu Stephens on the 20th of September in Ebem Ohafia, Abia state, all levels of schooling were done in Lagos state. I am a graduate of Political Science Lagos State University Ojo. I started loving rap music from around 1989 when I was learning the words in rap tracks I liked and rapping along to their instrumentals - until I decided that I could do mine, then I started writing my own lyrics. 1999 was when I put out my first cd for air play. The cd contained two tracks: 1, What If? - which was produced by and also featured Paul Play Dairo; and 2, "Gwo-gwo". These two tracks got massive airplay. Then in 2002 I decided to do a track criticizing a couple of Nigerian rappers and the track titled Ehen Part 1 has blown sky high nation wide.
My two new songs “BIG BROS” (in which I took on a so-called music mogul in Nigeria for trying to stop my song getting played on radio stations 'cos I talked about him) and “WHAT YOU GOT” (which is a dance track for people who said all I can do is diss) are both getting mega air play in Nigeria and abroad. My dance track is a favourite in a couple of Clubs in London and Ireland.
RUGGEDMAN is a no-nonsense, speak-my-mind type of nigga that stands up for the improvement and promotion of good Nigerian music no matter how much big men try to hold him down.
THE NAME:
The name came when I was in high school and fresh into the rap game proper.
Every one wanted a name that didn’t sound weak and Ruggedman was the one I came up with, after I thought Rugged Soul was a bit too deep and the tag 'Mc' a bit over flogged.
INFLUENCES:
My early influences came from NWA, KRS One, Poor Righteous Teachers, Leaders Of The New School, King Sun… etc. Now they are Nas, DMX, Eminem, Dr. Dre and especially all the wack rappers in Nigeria.
APPEARANCES:
My very first performance was at a secondary school ceremony in 1992. From
then on it's been performances in clubs and tertiary institutions. Other places of performance are: Mr. Macho - University Of Lagos (UNILAG) - 1994; Nigerian Carnival - National Stadium - 1994; Home movie soundtracks; Lyricist Lounge - held at club 11:45 for the Rap Legend Guru from America, Eve and Kc & Jojo - show (performed alongside Tony Tetuila).
Some others are: part of the opening act for Lagbaja some months back; a bit of acting in a Francis Agu movie, waka pass (movie extra) too because I wanted to know how it’s done; radio jingle; TV music show theme song (did the rap).
I also directed my first music video 2002, which was D’Banj’s “Kiss me again video”. I addition, opening act again for Lagbaja on 31st January 2003, where I started the sales of my “Ehen” singles cd - which is doing quite well now. I also organized a mock celebrity soccer match for The Kanu Heart Foundation, where I got other Nigerian artistes and celebrities like Plantashun Boiz, Paul Ik Dairo, Mr. Kool, Emma Ugolee, Maideena, Trybesmen, Nomoreloss, e.t.c, to play football. It was mad fun.
I've likewise performed at the national stadium at the Guinness stand for Coja All African Games; and have also performed alongside Dance hall sensation Sean Paul. Ruggedman's been performing all over Nigeria right now and is Nigeria's most wanted rap act.
"I am the most featured rap artist in Nigeria and the hottest out right now."
He's been on almost every newspaper, and the radio and tv stations love him being in their place cos he gets calls from the audience like crazy.
My video, Peace Or War is the best video ever done by a Nigerian and was number one for two and a half months on MBI top ten video count down. Ehen has so far spent a year on the MTN top ten count down on Cool fm. My new dance track “WHAT YOU GOT” has been #1 two months running on Star 101.5 fm's World New Flavour chart show and is on all the radio station charts.
I recently just got back from Ireland, Europe where I went to chill out a while and also promote myself and my music. I spread my cds to Near fm 101.6 Dublin - where I was also interviewed, and Today fm 100-102 Dublin. I shot clips for my new song Big Bros and met Raekwon The Chef of Wu Tang Clan.
AWARDS:
I won the Nigerian Fanta Fame Award for best new rap act/group or duo 2003 on the 31st of October. I also added to that, three awards at the just concluded Gbedu music awards for RAP ARTIST OF THE YEAR, BEST VIDEO OF THE YEAR, AND SONG OF THE YEAR. Awards have also been given to me by high schools and tertiary institutions for my contribution to the development of Nigerian rap music.
ARTISTES I HAVE FEATURED ON THEIR SONGS RELEASED & UNRELEASED:
Believe it or not, I am the most featured Nigerian rapper. I have rapped on over 20 tracks for people. Most of these were done before I even released Ehen part 1.
"...meaning my voice is going to be heard for a long time to come in this country and wherever the music is taken to…feel me?"
They are:
Tony Tetuila (2 Tracks on his latest album), Paul Play Dairo, Tony Tonnero, Lexzy Doo - formerly of the group X-Appeal, Sabina Jabari, D’Banj’, Segun Fakeye (Gospel), P-Flow (Gospel), Niyi (Gospel), Shawa, Chi Chi, Artquake, Nutty Pin,
OJB Jezreel, Magnum (London based rapper), George Nathaniel, Slam, Mr. Kool.
ARTISTES I HAVE FEATURED ON MY ALBUM PROJECT SO FAR:
Paul Play Dairo, C-Mion, Abounce, Jaffar, Azadus, Frank Ogbebor, Harmony,
Josh (A Congolese rapper).
PRODUCERS I HAVE WORKED WITH SO FAR:
Paul Play Dairo, Omololu, Ojb, Jezreel, Freestyle and Xaviar.
A Word Is Enuff For The 9ice
Ruggedman Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
O loun fe mo Oluwa
Awodi nfo soke lala o
O loun fe mo Oluwa
Ibi ti yio fo de
Ko ye mi o
Ibi ti yio fo de
Ko ye mi o
Araye e
Ofe se eleya
Aye ema ba wi
On the radio and TV
Streets and the internet
All I hear is when am I gonna reply 9ice with a rap
Instead of dissing like they expect
Ama talk to you like the mature man that I am
And like a real man is supposed to do
When I met you were a studio rat in Cabasa
And I took you up blew you up
Like shooting shells from a canon
When poverty degraded you it felt like life hated you
I upgraded you showed you the ropes
Got on the same stage with you
To Rugged man you 9ice was first to all
Before you got your first award
Because of my track to you I was like a God
I gave you the money the fame
The wife that changed your life
Who gave you a son
In other words you used to say I gave you life
Many before you made money
But e no drive them insane
Cus when you lose all your true friends
The only thing that’s left is pain
When your girls leave you
The only person left is Payee
But you kicked her and your son out
That’s a shame you know that
Awodi fo ferere
O loun fe mo Oluwa (Fe mo Oluwa)
Awodi nfo soke lala o
O loun fe mo Oluwa (Fe mo Oluwa)
Ibi ti yio fo de
Ko ye mi o (9ice)
Ibi ti yio fo de
Ko ye mi o (Abolore)
Ofe se eleya o
Araye e
Ofe se eleya
Aye ema ba wi
I don’t need an apology
Your actions show you’re scared of me
Save all that nuclear energy
Sort out your nuclear family
No let internet and fake frineds
Make your mouth dey run
Go with your people
Go on your knees and beg your wife and son
Me diss you boy
You don’t want none of that
Ask about me I ended peoples careers because of that
With the kind of fire inside me
Omo you go fear
Faceless internet people talk
Me I don’t care
All I wanted was to clear my name off the dirty rumor
All you had to do was speak up
But you let it go like a tumor
Maybe the way I planned it was wrong
But you left me with no choice
You wouldn’t voice the truth
So I had to become the truths voice
You kept quiet then
Now you making more noise than a town crier
You don’t say the truth and anything you say
Makes you a liar
You are messing with me
I'm right here I was never missing
I'm your father in the industry
Son talk I am listening
Awodi fo ferere
O loun fe mo Oluwa (Fe mo Oluwa)
Awodi nfo soke lala o
O loun fe mo Oluwa (Fe mo Oluwa)
Ibi ti yio fo de
Ko ye mi o (9ice)
Ibi ti yio fo de
Ko ye mi o (Abolore)
Ofe se eleya o
Araye e
Ofe se eleya
Aye ema ba wi
You had the guts to call me a bastard
But I was something that never happened
You tried to tarnish my image
And that of your wife
Cause you wanted to sell CD's
God bless you boy
You can diss me all you want
But it will never change the fact that
The first big stage you ever got on was trough me
Your first award you ever got was through me
You started making money
After I introduced you to the world
The wife you married I introduced to you
The first child you ever got
Was from the woman I introduced to you
I helped you come up in the industry
I'm part of your history
And I helped form your future
Never pay back a good deed with evil
Give respect to your elders no matter what
God bless Rugged mans fans
God bless 9ice’s fans
God bless you 9ice
God bless all Nigerian musical greats
Good beats thank you for the beat
Sage thank you for the mix
Ela thank you for the hook
Enough respect to General Prince Adekunle
And his supersonic sounds
God bless everybody
God bless Rugged records
God bless Rugged man
Awodi fo ferere
O loun fe mo Oluwa (Fe mo Oluwa)
Awodi nfo soke lala o
O loun fe mo Oluwa (Fe mo Oluwa)
Ibi ti yio fo de
Ko ye mi o (9ice)
Ibi ti yio fo de
Ko ye mi o (Abolore)
Ofe se eleya o
Araye e
Ofe se eleya
Aye ema ba wi
The song "A Word Is Enuff for the 9ice" by Ruggedman is a response to 9ice's alleged negative comments in his song titled "Talking Drum" towards Ruggedman. In the first verse, Ruggedman refers to his relationship with God and emphasizes the importance of knowing God. The second verse addresses 9ice's alleged negative comments towards him and how he helped 9ice get into the music industry, introduced him to his wife, and gave him legitimacy within the industry. Ruggedman also calls on 9ice to apologize to his family and fix his issues with them. In the third verse, Ruggedman admits that his initial plan was wrong, but 9ice's silence left him with no choice but to speak up. He also emphasizes the importance of respecting one's elders and not repaying good with evil.
Overall, the song portrays a sense of maturity and calls for the resolution of the underlying issues between Ruggedman and 9ice. It also highlights the importance of respecting one's elders, and not forgetting those who helped in one's journey to success.
Line by Line Meaning
Awodi fo ferere
I hear the rumors going around
O loun fe mo Oluwa
You claim to know God
Awodi nfo soke lala o
I hear people talking recklessly
Ibi ti yio fo de
Things might get out of hand
Ko ye mi o
I'm not bothered
Ofe se eleya o
You're acting like a coward
Araye e
People are watching you
Ofe se eleya
You're acting like a coward
Aye ema ba wi
People will say things
On the radio and TV
Everyone's talking about our beef
Streets and the internet
Even on the streets and online
All I hear is when am I gonna reply 9ice with a rap
People expect me to diss you back with a rap
Instead of dissing like they expect
But I'm not going to do that
Ama talk to you like the mature man that I am
I'll speak to you as a mature man
And like a real man is supposed to do
And do what a real man does
When I met you were a studio rat in Cabasa
When I met you, you were struggling in the studio
And I took you up blew you up
I took you under my wing and made you famous
Like shooting shells from a canon
I helped you explode onto the scene
When poverty degraded you it felt like life hated you
When you were poor, you felt like life was against you
I upgraded you showed you the ropes
I helped you improve and taught you the industry's ways
Got on the same stage with you
We performed together on the same stage
To Rugged man you 9ice was first to all
To me, you were my first everything in the music industry
Before you got your first award
You became famous before you even won an award
Because of my track to you I was like a God
Because of my help, you thought of me as a god
I gave you the money the fame
I gave you the money and fame you have
The wife that changed your life
I introduced you to your wife
Who gave you a son
Your wife gave birth to your son
In other words you used to say I gave you life
You used to say that I gave you everything
Many before you made money
Others have also made money
But e no drive them insane
But success didn't get to their head
Cus when you lose all your true friends
Because when you lose your real friends
The only thing that’s left is pain
All that's left is pain
When your girls leave you
When your women leave you
The only person left is Payee
The only person left is your accountant
But you kicked her and your son out
But you kicked them out of your life
That’s a shame you know that
That's really sad
I don’t need an apology
I don't need you to apologize
Your actions show you’re scared of me
Your actions show that you're afraid of me
Save all that nuclear energy
Stop using up all that energy
Sort out your nuclear family
Focus on your family problems
No let internet and fake friends
Don't let the internet and fake friends
Make your mouth dey run
Make you talk too much
Go with your people
Go talk to your friends
Go on your knees and beg your wife and son
Apologize to your wife and son
Me diss you boy
I can diss you
You don’t want none of that
But you don't want to get into that
Ask about me I ended peoples careers because of that
Ask around, people lost their careers because of my dissing
With the kind of fire inside me
With all the passion I have inside of me
Omo you go fear
You would be afraid
Faceless internet people talk
People hide behind the internet to talk
Me I don’t care
But I don't care about them
All I wanted was to clear my name off the dirty rumor
All I wanted was to clear my name of the rumors
All you had to do was speak up
But all you had to do was defend me
But you let it go like a tumor
But you ignored it and let it grow like a tumor
Maybe the way I planned it was wrong
Maybe I approached this the wrong way
But you left me with no choice
But you gave me no option
You wouldn’t voice the truth
You refused to speak the truth
So I had to become the truths voice
So I had to speak up for the truth instead
You kept quiet then
You didn't defend me before
Now you making more noise than a town crier
But now you're talking more than a town crier
You don’t say the truth and anything you say
You don't tell the truth in anything you say
Makes you a liar
Makes you a liar
You are messing with me
You're provoking me
I'm right here I was never missing
I'm here and I never disappeared
I'm your father in the industry
I'm like a father figure to you in the music industry
Son talk I am listening
Speak up, I'm listening to you
You had the guts to call me a bastard
You had the audacity to call me a bastard
But I was something that never happened
But instead, I made something happen for you
You tried to tarnish my image
You tried to ruin my reputation
And that of your wife
And also the reputation of your own wife
Cause you wanted to sell CD's
Just to sell more CDs
God bless you boy
God bless you
You can diss me all you want
You can insult me all you want
But it will never change the fact that
But it won't change the fact that
The first big stage you ever got on was trough me
The first big stage you performed on was because of me
Your first award you ever got was through me
You received your first award through me
You started making money
You started earning money
After I introduced you to the world
After I helped you become known
The wife you married I introduced to you
I introduced you to the woman you married
The first child you ever got
Your first child was because of me
Was from the woman I introduced to you
I introduced you to the woman who gave birth to your first child
I helped you come up in the industry
I helped you rise in the music industry
I'm part of your history
I'm a part of your past and story
And I helped form your future
And I helped shape your future
Never pay back a good deed with evil
Don't repay kindness with malice
Give respect to your elders no matter what
Respect your elders regardless of the circumstances
God bless Rugged man's fans
God bless my fans
God bless 9ice’s fans
God bless your fans
God bless all Nigerian musical greats
God bless all the great Nigerian musicians
Good beats thank you for the beat
Thank you for the good music
Sage thank you for the mix
Thank you for the mix
Ela thank you for the hook
Thank you for the chorus
Enough respect to General Prince Adekunle
Show some respect to General Prince Adekunle
And his supersonic sounds
And his amazing music
God bless everybody
God bless everyone
God bless Rugged records
God bless my record label
God bless Rugged man
God bless me
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@brightigiebor6248
We all judged Ruggedman wrongly all these years, it's always good to hear both side of the story 😢
@Neyoog
I so much believe this back then 😢 I never get to hear Ruggedman’s part till today. I’m just emotional right now, cancel culture is hard
@spotlex_baby7624
Who’s here after seeing rugged man’s interview with chude?
@ifeanyijude653
Me too
@user-qt6sm3bc1x
Same here
@ayooluwaolosunde9459
Same oooo
@awosusigeorge-abbey
Me too
@chukwuemekaobi2331
Me
@andykaggwa7233
This man, Ruggedman is a rap legend. Give it to him and day.
@user-ky5fs3wr4r
After d interview withchude i ave to come back to listen 2024