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.
Baraje
Ruggedman Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
For those that say I don’t have a dance track
Feel this
Move your body make you shake that thing wey you get (Get)
Let the music enter your head (Head)
Dansia baraje
Omoge bend your waist go back
Let the music enter your head (Head)
Dansia baraje
Omoge bend your waist go back
Now make I come at you like this
Even if you truly hate the Ruggedman
You can’t help but like this
I’m dropping this for the club
For the streets for the parties
For people to shake their bodies
I’m in the mood to take spins hit skins place bet on my life
Cos I know I’ll win
Dance na the main thing bad more than farland
From any CD to any island
I am
Keeping it real like slap to your face
Like a sour taste in your mouth
Love to make the girls shout
Make my niggas get down and straight hail me (Ruggedy Baba)
Cos I’m coming though creamy like baileys
Ladies let your man feel the texture of your gyrating
Hips on the dance floor
Get crazy when you hear this instrumental
And most definitely my voice is fundamental
Na the essential ingredient
Wey dey make my people
Never want to see the end
I’m blend with the trend
Stay forever like culture
You better make a move cos I dey watch you like vulture
Move your body make you shake that thing wey you get (Get)
Let the music enter your head (Head)
Dansia baraje
Omoge bend your waist go back
Move your body make you shake that thing wey you get (Get)
Let the music enter your head (Head)
Dansia baraje
Omoge bend your waist go back
Na only God know those wey go eventually make am
See the money rake am
No use gragra take am
Wetin some get to do na shut up
Cos even with bomb for dem body
Dem still no fit blow up
I don teach them lesson
I happy say dem listen
Now na time to feel free like person wey just come from prison
Girls bend back bend legs twist waist
All my bobo’s just dey look seriously amazed
I just dey look for girl wey fit dance
Make me fall in love on the dance floor with no romance
This na party track Ruggedman style
Just grab a partner and get buck wild
I don tire for chicks wey dey front
Dey pretend like say dem no know say dem get wetin all my bobo’s want
Face wey man fit lick legs to lie four
Lips wey you wan kiss and a body to die for (Gba)
Me no dey like waist time (Gba)
Me go just speak my mind (Gba)
Me go go straight and tell you how it is
But right now na fine chicks and dance floor be my base
Move your body make you shake that thing wey you get (Get)
Let the music enter your head (Head)
Dansia baraje
Omoge bend your waist go back
Move your body make you shake that thing wey you get (Get)
Let the music enter your head (Head)
Dansia baraje
Omoge bend your waist go back
Eyin boys se mo
It’s time to bounce
Where my chicks at
You know it’s to dance
What you say girl (Fi yen le)
Now what you say girl (Fi yen le)
Eyin boys se mo
It’s time to bounce
Where my chicks at
You know it’s to dance
What you say girl (Fi yen le)
Now what you say girl
Omoge bend your waist go back back
Back back
Back back
Back back
Go back back
Back back
Back back
Omoge bend your waist go back back
Back back
Back back
Back back
Go back back
Back back
Omoge bend your waist go back back
Back back
Back back
Back back
Go back back
Back back
Back
Omoge bend your wait go back
Now let me see that thing
Show me how you shake am
No mind those boys
Ah ah no break am
No blame dem
Na cos of how you dey move
How you dey shake your body
When you’re feeling the groove
This na Ruggedman coming through with this new dance track
To rock your body for you and you
You and your girlfriends
Me and my manfriends
With cash to spend so girl no step back
Step forward let me take you on a journey
Strictly my style I’ll get you screaming
You’ll be calling me honey
Cos I know how to do my thing
No be just the word dey start with the big bang
Move your body make you shake that thing wey you get (Get)
Let the music enter your head (Head)
Dansia baraje
Omoge bend your waist go back
Move your body make you shake that thing wey you get (Get)
Let the music enter your head (Head)
Dansia baraje
Omoge bend your waist go back
Move your body make
Get get
Head head
Check
Omoge bend your wait go back
Move your body make
Get get
Head head
Check
Omoge bend your wait go back
Outro
The song "Baraje" by Ruggedman is a dance track that encourages people to let loose and enjoy the beat. The lyrics encourage listeners to move their body and shake what they have, while staying true to Ruggedman's style. The rapper demonstrates that he can create a song that is both fun and engaging for people to dance to.
Throughout the song, Ruggedman showcases his ability to blend different sounds to create an infectious beat. He talks about wanting to take his spins and hit skins, indicating that he is ready to party and have a good time. The lyrics are not overly complicated but are straightforward, allowing listeners to quickly get into the rhythm of the song.
Ruggedman uses the song as an opportunity to call out those who criticize him for not having a dance track. He proves them wrong by releasing a catchy song that is sure to get people moving. Overall, "Baraje" is a fun and upbeat song that demonstrates Ruggedman's versatility as a rapper.
Line by Line Meaning
It’s me
I am the artist performing this song
For those that say I don’t have a dance track
This song is proof that I can create music that is suitable for dancing
Feel this
Listen to this song and experience its energy
Move your body make you shake that thing wey you get (Get)
Dance and move your body in a way that represents the unique rhythm that you possess
Let the music enter your head (Head)
Let the melody and beat of the music take control of your thoughts and emotions
Dansia baraje
Dance with energy and vigor
Omoge bend your waist go back
Women, sway your hips and move your waist backwards in a rhythmic motion
Now make I come at you like this
Let me present my music in this specific way
Even if you truly hate the Ruggedman
Despite any preconceived notions or opinions you have of me as an artist
You can’t help but like this
You will still find enjoyment in this type of music
I’m dropping this for the club
This song is intended for club environments and party settings
For the streets for the parties
This music is appropriate for informal social settings and street culture
For people to shake their bodies
The purpose of this music is to inspire people to move and dance
I’m in the mood to take spins hit skins place bet on my life
I am feeling inspired and motivated to take risks and gamble in my life
Cos I know I’ll win
I am confident in my abilities and the outcome of my actions
Dance na the main thing bad more than farland
Dancing is a crucial element that is more important than anything else
From any CD to any island
This music can be played and enjoyed anywhere in the world
I am
I exist and am currently presenting this song
Keeping it real like slap to your face
I am being truthful and genuine in my music, similar to a physical slap to the face
Like a sour taste in your mouth
My music may be sharp and uncomfortable, but it is raw and authentic
Love to make the girls shout
I enjoy inspiring women to become vocal and express themselves through dance and music
Make my niggas get down and straight hail me (Ruggedy Baba)
I inspire my male fans to dance and appreciate my music, and they show their respect and praise by calling me by my nickname
Cos I’m coming though creamy like baileys
I am smooth and enjoyable, similar to the taste of Bailey's Irish Cream liqueur
Ladies let your man feel the texture of your gyrating
Women, allow your male partner to physically experience and appreciate your rhythmic movements
Hips on the dance floor
The pelvic area of the body is emphasized and utilized while dancing
Get crazy when you hear this instrumental
Become wild and uninhibited when listening to the instrumental portion of this song
And most definitely my voice is fundamental
My vocal performance is a vital part of this song
Na the essential ingredient
My voice is necessary for the success and completion of this song
Wey dey make my people
My voice is enjoyed and appreciated by my audience
Never want to see the end
My fans do not want this song or my music career to end
I’m blend with the trend
I embrace current musical trends and incorporate them into my music
Stay forever like culture
My legacy and music will stay forever and become a part of the culture
You better make a move cos I dey watch you like vulture
You should take action and dance, because I am closely observing and waiting for you to do so
Na only God know those wey go eventually make am
Only God knows which individuals will eventually become successful or make it in life
See the money rake am
Money can be earned through successful music endeavors
No use gragra take am
There is no need for excessive or aggressive behavior to obtain money or success
Wetin some get to do na shut up
Some people need to be quiet and humble, despite their perceived success
Cos even with bomb for dem body
Even if someone tries to harm them, they will not be affected or destroyed
Dem still no fit blow up
They will not be deterred or defeated
I don teach them lesson
I have taught them a valuable lesson
I happy say dem listen
I am pleased that they have paid attention and learned from my teachings
Now na time to feel free like person wey just come from prison
It is time to feel liberated and uninhibited, similar to a person who has just been released from prison
Girls bend back bend legs twist waist
Women, move your body in a way that involves bending your back, legs, and twisting your waist
All my bobo’s just dey look seriously amazed
All of my male friends are astonished and impressed with the physical movements of the women
I just dey look for girl wey fit dance
I am searching for a woman who is skilled at dancing
Make me fall in love on the dance floor with no romance
I want to develop feelings for someone on the dance floor, without the need for a romantic relationship
This na party track Ruggedman style
This is a lively and energetic song, created in my own unique style
Just grab a partner and get buck wild
Find a dance partner and become wild and uninhibited while dancing
I don tire for chicks wey dey front
I am tired of women who are insincere and pretend not to know what my male friends desire
Dey pretend like say dem no know say dem get wetin all my bobo’s want
They act as if they are not aware that they possess what my male friends desire
Face wey man fit lick legs to lie four
A woman with an attractive face and physique that a man may desire to physically appreciate
Lips wey you wan kiss and a body to die for (Gba)
A woman with desirable lips and body that one may wish to kiss or admire
Me no dey like waist time (Gba)
I do not wish to waste time
Me go just speak my mind (Gba)
I will speak honestly and directly without hesitation
Me go go straight and tell you how it is
I will be honest and direct about the situation
But right now na fine chicks and dance floor be my base
At this moment, my focus is on finding attractive women and enjoying the dance floor
Eyin boys se mo
Boys, do you understand what I am saying?
It’s time to bounce
It is time to leave this place and find a new party or social environment
Where my chicks at
Where are the attractive women?
You know it’s to dance
The purpose of this outing is to dance and have fun
What you say girl (Fi yen le)
What are you saying, girl? (a call to action or request for participation)
Now what you say girl (Fi yen le)
Once again, what are you saying, girl? (a repeated call to action or request for participation)
Now what you say girl
One more time, I am asking for your participation and engagement
Omoge bend your waist go back back
Women, move your waist in a backwards motion
Back back
Repeat backwards motion
Go back back
Once again, move your waist in a backwards motion
Back
Movement of the waist is emphasized
Omoge bend your wait go back
Women, move your waist in a backwards motion
Now let me see that thing
I want to observe your body and rhythmic movements
Show me how you shake am
Demonstrate to me how you move and dance
No mind those boys
Do not pay attention to the actions or behavior of the males around you
Ah ah no break am
Continue with your movements and dance without stopping
No blame dem
Do not place blame on the males for their reactions to your movements
Na cos of how you dey move
The males are reacting to how you are moving and dancing
How you dey shake your body
The physical movements and rhythm of your body is causing a reaction from the males around you
When you’re feeling the groove
It is important to move and dance when you are feeling the rhythm and energy of the music
This na Ruggedman coming through with this new dance track
I, Ruggedman, am introducing a new and upbeat dance track to the audience
To rock your body for you and you
The purpose of this song is to inspire and encourage movement and dancing for the audience
You and your girlfriends
Both you and your female friends are encouraged to enjoy this song and dance
Me and my manfriends
Myself and my male friends will also be enjoying this song and dancing along
With cash to spend so girl no step back
I am financially able to spend money and enjoy myself, and I encourage women to participate and join in the fun
Step forward let me take you on a journey
Move forward and join me in this enjoyable and uplifting experience
Strictly my style I’ll get you screaming
The song and dance will be created in my specific style, and it will inspire excitement and enthusiasm from the audience
You’ll be calling me honey
The excitement and enthusiasm will lead to terms of endearment and affection towards me
Cos I know how to do my thing
I am confident in my abilities and confident in the success of this song and dance experience
No be just the word dey start with the big bang
Success is not always achieved instantly or without hard work and effort
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind